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+ 52

Four Peaks Loop (Hogback Mountain, Harlow Lake, Sugarloaf Mountain)

Trail Running Route

Hard
9.75 mi
1,648 ft
The ultimate trail running loop to experience the high points of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

This loop is a local classic and one of the top trail running routes in the UP. It summits four distinct peaks, circles Harlow Lake, and offers incredible views of Lake Superior.

From Sugarloaf Mountain Trailhead, follow the shoulder of Big Bay Road northwest for a few minutes. An obscure trailhead to the left is the start of the loop. From here, the route is pretty straightforward to the initial summit of Hogback Mountain at 1,220'.

From here, take a few minutes to enjoy the view before descending off the back of the mountain towards Beagle Club Road. While on a map it appears suitable for vehicles, the road is gated in the summer and only used for winter snowmobile traffic. There is no through access for vehicles.

From here, the trail climbs to a segment that locals refer to as Top of the World. The trail crosses directly over the top and down the other side of the rock face. Even when dry, three points of contact will likely be necessary to descend the steep slope on the backside of this peak.

After the descent, you are welcomed with some relaxing doubletrack that circles Harlow Lake and adjacent campsites. Take the chance to catch your breath and enjoy the views of the serene pond.

After rounding the northernmost point of the lake, the loop takes a right and follows the eastern shore before traversing a challenging and exposed rock formation. While there is no significant elevation change, this portion feels reminiscent of the high peaks in the Adirondack and White Mountains of the Northeast.

After rejoining the road, the loop heads east towards Lake Superior where it briefly joins the Wetmore Landing Trail overlooking a secluded beach.

The final, and most challenging, portion is the ascent to Sugarloaf Mountain. While not the highest peak, its developed summit offers the most picturesque views of the lake.

A final descent leads straight to the parking lot where you began. Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes

Route and Elevation

Segments

NameDistanceElev. Diff.Avg. Grade
4 Peaks9.88 mi617 ft0.0%
Hogsback Accent1.27 mi440 ft6.1%
hogsback from parking lot1.35 mi479 ft6.3%
Hog Back Pines0.34 mi-10 ft-0.1%
Up and over the pig1.06 mi-522 ft-0.2%
Hogback push from east0.57 mi522 ft17.3%
Up and Over Hogback0.68 mi-525 ft-7.8%
Backside Hogback Descent0.46 mi-499 ft-20.6%
Hogback to TOTW2.37 mi-535 ft-1.8%
No Service (north)0.46 mi-39 ft-1.1%
Forestville Rd Climb0.94 mi207 ft4.1%
Top of the world up and over2.48 mi-305 ft-0.1%
Top of the World from the east1.21 mi315 ft4.9%
TOTW to Bareback2.93 mi-374 ft-0.6%
TOTW down to Harlow Lk. Rd.1.27 mi-341 ft-5.0%
Harlow Lake Rd0.43 mi-10 ft-0.4%
Harlow Lake shoreline0.53 mi-56 ft-0.6%
County Highway Hw Climb0.53 mi259 ft9.1%
Bareback up from Harlow Lake0.48 mi266 ft10.4%
Bareback Mt. up and over 1.19 mi253 ft0.8%
Hairy Back0.40 mi151 ft3.6%
Bareback push from west0.17 mi151 ft16.5%
Bareback down to Beagle Rd.0.71 mi-197 ft-5.2%
Extra Sugar0.64 mi387 ft11.3%
Borzick's Climb0.45 mi230 ft9.6%
sugarloaf descent0.39 mi-292 ft-14.0%