Views stretching west toward the Massanutten ranges await us at Hogback Mountain. This moderate day hike, located in Shenandoah National Park, promises a pleasant surprise. Are you ready to explore Hogback Mountain?
Hogback Mountain offers spectacular vistas. The Hogback Mountain hike is located in an area with other beautiful hikes. These include Piney Branch and Little Devil Stairs. The vertical gain is just over 1200 feet. The hike is 7.5 miles.
Let’s start our hike at the parking area. It is located 75 yards off Skyline Drive. We will walk back toward Skyline Drive to the Piney Branch trailhead. From the kiosk trailhead, we will start down the blue-blazed Piney Branch Trail. This trail passes through Mountain Laurel. It leads to the 4-way intersection with the Appalachian Trail.
We will cross over the Appalachian Trail. Continuing down Piney Branch Trail it continues its descent. The Piney Branch Trail crosses the upper portion of Piney River. We will reach the intersection of the Pole Bridge Link Trail.
Turning left on the blue-blazed Pole Bridge Link Trail we hike for 0.4 miles. We will arrive at the intersection of the Sugarloaf Trail. Continuing on the Appalachian Trail we descend toward the Skyline Drive Overlook. Just before the overlook parking area, we turn right. We remain on the Appalachian Trail, passing through a clear cut.
At this point, the Appalachian Trail makes its steepest climb. It gains over 300 feet with several switchbacks on the way to the ridge. After reaching the ridge, the Appalachian Trail levels off. It passes a small connector trail that leads to a spring.
After passing a nice view, we will reach the main vista on Hogback Mountain. From the main Hogback Mountain vista, we continue on the Appalachian Trail. It winds around the back of the mountain. It passes through a stand of Mountain Laurel. Then it crosses Skyline Drive. It passes the intersection of the Sugarloaf Trail.
From the Sugarloaf Trail intersection, the Appalachian Trail climbs for a short time. The last good view point of the hike overlooks the Hogback Mountain Skyline Drive overlook area. Continuing downhill, the Appalachian Trail crosses Skyline Drive again. It passes a parking area.
After passing the parking area, the Appalachian Trail crosses over a small rise. It passes to the left of another trail intersection. Then it crosses Skyline Drive for the last time. We continue downhill on the Appalachian Trail. In 0.2 miles from crossing Skyline Drive we arrive back at the intersection of the Piney Branch Trail.
Turning right uphill on the Piney Branch Trail, we hike for 0.2 miles back to the trailhead and kiosk. Finally, we arrive back at the Piney Branch Trail parking area.
One hiker described the hardest part as the short section of switchbacks up to Hogback Mountain. They found a camping area suitable for 4-5 tents. It was offset from the 90-degree turn on the trail. A short climb up an abandoned trail took them to the real peak. There they found the U.S. Geological Survey Benchmark medallion in a rock. It indicated 3474 feet of elevation.
Another hiker noted the best view is actually at the overlook along Skyline Drive. Cars can stop there. The view in the description of the hike was somewhat disappointing. There was only room for a few people at a time. There is a utility pole and power line right in the middle of the view.
So, as we conclude our visit to Hogback Mountain, remember the stunning vistas and the varied terrain. Whether you seek a challenging hike or a leisurely walk, Hogback Mountain offers a memorable experience.