Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Majestic views and so worth the hike and climb up.... Let me start by saying I am not physically fit. I am an active plus size woman. I have had both feet operated on. Left foot is fused and has been reconstructed. Right Achilles Tendon was reconstructed after rupture. My balance and my ability to move both my feet as a "normal" person can is limited. So my in depth review is for those people who are contemplating tackling this trail and climb for the lookout. I would say....go for it. Take your time. Just because it takes most people under 30 minutes to get up to the lookout doesn't mean it takes everyone that little of time. I am an active plus size woman with limited range of motion in my feet and balance issues due to feet problems. My husband and I did this together. There are some very rocky and tree rooted parts of the trail that I needed assistance with balance and safe navigation. There are also some very deep steps up onto the stair portions of the trail. All the stairs have nice sturdy handrails on each side. Most of the stairs you will find 12 to 15 stairs before a resting platform. However, there are a couple of the stairs that seemed rather steep and more than 15 stairs at a time but definitely do able. Just take your time. Take a break when you need to. Everyone we encountered on the trail and stairs was very patient and understanding. There were about 300 stairs in total just one way. So 600 total going up to the lookout and coming back down. There are several nice benches to sit down along the hike and climb. Take advantage of them if you need to. I did. The hike portion is roughly 1.2 miles. If you are able to walk but with some disability and or if you are an active plus size person like myself you can totally do this hike and climb. It took my husband and I roughly 1 hour to get up to the top. Once you get to the top you will not regret your decision. It is so beautiful I got emotional. You can see for miles. It is gorgeous! So worth it. Plus the fall foliage was breathtaking! The trail is labeled as easy...id say that is for someone with no disability and physically fit. In my opinion it is more moderately hard if you are disabled or heavy set but active. We met some great people along the way. Another older lady with bilateral knee problems wearing hinged braces on both of her knees was also doing the climb without issues and she had a walking stick as well.
Erin GillErin Gill
00
If you're out of shape (like me), this mountain will kick your butt even on the easy trail. If you're fit and don't have to stop every 30 feet to catch your breath, this mountain climb may be a breeze! I recommend taking the easy trail up (though there are a TON of stairs to climb and it takes about 20 minutes longer, it is the safer option). Taking the difficult trail down was much quicker, though you have to really watch where you step. It's easy to find from the road and there is a decent sized parking lot. The view from the top is unforgettable. There are 3 decks you can view from, or you can go off the trail and explore the mountaintop for yourself. It's a freeing and unforgettable experience.
Jessica EarlJessica Earl
00
The short hike to the top is well worth every step, it is only about .5 miles each way. Once you reach the top and viewing deck, you will be amazed at the vistas. I was so surprised at the beauty and height, I never knew there were mountains in Michigan! This is a “MUST DO” for anyone visiting the Marquette area, if you miss this gem you will forever regret it... I loved the hike, the view, and also the wonderful people I met at the summit and all along the way. Such a wonderful place, I cannot brag enough about this place, it is truly a hidden gem, just like the city of Marquette. No visit to Marquette is complete until you summit, Sugarloaf Mountain! -Nicholas K. (Tallahassee FL)
Pedals and PlantsPedals and Plants
00
The area is officially closed in the winter, but the parking lot was plowed. YakTrax are highly recommended, since the trail and steps were icy in spots, and a scarf or face mask for wind at the top is just about a necessity if you plan on staying up there for more than a few minutes. We made the hike on a cloudy/snowy day, but the views were still 100% worth it. There are lots of steps, but it made the summit accessible for my mom, who has arthritis and a torn meniscus in her knee. Highly recommended for anyone who isn't sure that scrambling up rocks to climb Hogback Mountain is the best idea for their group.
Diana RutkowskiDiana Rutkowski
00
Bring water! Hiking shoes are nice but not a must. This quick 1.2 mile loop is kid friendly. We took the stairs (improved route) first and then descended on the more “difficult”(unimproved). I’m in okay shape but found both fairly easy. It gets your heart beating fast but you can do it. It’s quick and the views are amazing. There are three viewing points. All are amazing. It’s insane that you’re looking at a lake! Michigan is amazing 🙌🏼 It is not wheelchair accessible. No strollers. Perhaps next time I’ll do the unimproved route first and descend on the stairs? We’ll see. Good luck!
OanhhhOanhhh
00
Wow! The payoff on this short hike was amazing. The views at the top were spectacular. At the beginning you have the choice of making the "easy" or "difficult" hike up. I chose the difficult, which wasn't bad at all. Its provided some cool rock formations on the way up. At the top of the mountain there is a memorial to a an Assistant Scoutmaster Bartlett King. You can also explore further off the back of the mountain once you get to the top. There is a trail that the back deck opens up to. Was nice to get away from the busy main summit.
Emma StormbornEmma Stormborn
00
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Sugarloaf Mountain Observation Decks

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