How to Hike Hogback Mountain in Marquette, MI (2023)
Looking for one of the best hikes in Marquette? Hike Marquette’s Hogback Mountain before you leave now!
As every recent visitor asks, “Is it Hogback or Hogsback Mountain?”
Well, don’t let the name confuse you, as this demanding yet incredibly rewarding Marquette hike is worth every bit of effort.
Follow this guide to summit Marquette’s arguably best peak this summer!
Hiking Hogback Mountain Overview
Where is Hogback Mountain Trailhead?
Hogback Mountain is about 5 miles north of downtown Marquette off of County Road 550.
There are two options for parking for Hogback Mountain in Marquette:
- Park across the street from the Wetmore Landing parking lot (down the road .5 miles)
- Park at the easily missable Wetmore Pond Nature trails parking lot.
- Ride your bike and park it at the trailhead. (Highly Suggest driving)
The Hogback Mountain trail head can be found at two different spots.
If you’re hiking the North Hogback trail, park across the street from the Wetmore parking lot.
If you’re hiking the other hogback trail, find the easily missable parking lot .5 mile down Big Bay Rd at the Wetmore Pond Parking lot.
When can I hike Hogback?
Hikers can hike Hogback year round but trail conditions will vary drastically season to season.
- The ideal time to scale the peak of Hogback is in the FALL, when foliage in Marquette is unbeatable.
- Spring/Summer are excellent but provide warmer conditions and bugs.
- Winter days are variable with snowfall and snow pack. Highly recommend wearing some sort of foot assistant like a crampon especially for the sections before the peak.
How Difficult is the Hogback mountain Hike?
Hiking Hogback can definitely be a challenging hike for those who aren’t akin to much hiking. The beginning of the regular hogback hike is fairly flat and easy to navigate until you reach the midway point.
Once you hit a boulder section (where you also get a viewpoint of the summit) is where it picks up a bit. Past this point, you will navigate over a few streams and meander through a densely populated tree section where the incline continues to gain.
Once you’ve made it through the woods the incline continues and eventually to the base of the summit. This base is very steep but nothing impossible. As you get closer to the summit, a 4 point contact zone (both hands and feet) will be apparent, where you will be scaling up some granite faces to the top.
For the avid hiker, it’s a fun easy scramble, but for the unconditioned, a bit of a gruel.
How long is the Hogback Mountain trail?
Marquette’s Hogback is about a 2.8 mile round trip hike. If you take the Hogback Mountain North trail, it is around 3.2 miles.
Depending on your pace and ability, you can get the hike done quickly but if you are being casual and taking photos, expect around 2 hours.
Something important to remember is the Hogback Mountain elevation gain hikers will encounter. The elevation gain for Hogback Mountain is 1220 feet.
What to Bring on the Hike
Because all hikes vary due to seasonality, bring the basics of that season. For all seasons outside of winter include:
- Water
- snacks
- sunscreen
- bug repellent
- camera.
Winter Hiking Hogback Mountain
- Crampons
- Water
- Snacks
- Gloves
- and probably snowshoes if it’s a heavy snowfall.
Another favorite tool I use for all my hikes is Alltrails. Not only does it provide you with precise trail and trail head locations but it will also track your elevation gain, time, and route.
HIGHLY recommend downloading the free App!
Other things you might want to know
Can I bike up/down Hogback?
Yes you can mountain bike this trail. Depending on your skill level, much of the ride will involve pushing your bike.
Are there bathrooms at the trailhead?
No bathrooms at this trail!
More of the Best Hikes in Marquette MI
Hiking Hogback Mountain in Marquette needs to be on every Michigan hikers bucket-list today!
After you’ve conquered Hogback, make sure to check out some more local trails. If you’re curious to learn more about the best hikes in Marquette, read these pieces below:
🍬 Hiking Sugarloaf: The Complete Guide
To make the most of your trip in Marquette, make sure you have the chance to experience the Northern Lights. Read my full guide on where to see northern lights in Michigan