Hacking Site Trail

Hacking Site Trail is a mile long trail that leads to a scenic overlook on a bluff in the Trap Hills in the Ottawa National Forest. The overlook is known as the Hacking Site which refers to the spot where Peregrine Falcon chicks were released. The Hacking Site Trail is a spur trail of the North Country Trail. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but must be on a leash. There are no fees to hike the Hacking Site Trail.

To reach the trailhead from Bergland, head north on Michigan Highway M-64 for two miles, then take a right onto Old M-64. Follow Old M-64, which is a well-maintained gravel road, for 4.0 miles. At this point, take a right onto Forest Road 326. Follow the forest road for over a mile and a half to the very end to reach the trailhead. There is very limited parking here. The trailhead is near the end of the forest road.

The Hacking Site Trail is marked with white blazes. From the trailhead the trail loses about 100 feet of elevation in the first quarter mile. From this low point, the trail gains about 200 feet of elevation as it reaches the top of a bluff. The entire trail is in a thick deciduous forest. The Hacking Site Trail ends when it intersects with the North Country Trail. Take the North Country Trail (which has blue blazes) to the right for about a tenth of a mile to the overlook. Take in the sweeping views of the Cascade Creek Valley; Lake Gogebic can be seen in the distance to the south west. After taking in the views, return the way you came or explore more of the North Country Trail.

A map of the hiking trails in the Trap Hills including the Hacking Site Trail can be found here.