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Sandra Dulla

Hogback Ridge Park

​Situated along the Grand River corridor, this wild area has minimal impact by human development.

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Hogback Ridge Park is named for its most prominent natural feature: a high narrow ridge of land bounded on two sides by steep valleys. This type of ridge is named for its resemblance to the bony spine of a hog. The hogback at this park is bordered on the north by the Grand River and on the south by Mill Creek. There aren’t any designated trails on the hogback. This section of the Grand has been designated a Wild River by the State of Ohio.

photo by David Trevarthen

Fishing is popular in both the Grand River and Mill Creek. More than 70 species of fish live in the Grand; many of these also live in the creek. Common game fish include rock bass, bluegill and small-mouth bass. Steelhead are present in the creek from fall through spring.

The trail system includes a 1,300-foot accessible boardwalk and overlook deck, gravel trails and timber steps that lead down into the floodplain. These trails lead through a variety of habitats and varying terrain.

The landscape at Hogback Ridge Park includes upland hardwood forests, hemlock ridges and the floodplains of Mill Creek and the Grand River. An abundance of spring wildflowers provide a spectacular show. Late March through the end of May is the best time to view this colorful display.

photo by Jim Marquardt

Park history

Local history is preserved in the name of one of the trails: Old Emerson Road. Before any bridges were built across the Grand River from the early 1800s until the beginning of this century, local residents followed Emerson Road across the river and creek at shallow points called fords. The Emerson family (for whom the road was named) operated a mill near the junction of Mill Creek and the Grand River.

To protect the health of anyone who eats Ohio-caught fish, an annual advisory for how often these fish can be safely eaten is prepared by the Ohio Department of Health in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Click here for more information.

Interactive Trail Map Download Trail Map Upcoming Programs
Location 4700 Emerson Rd. Madison Twp., Ohio 44057 North entrance 7300 Warner Rd. Madison Twp., Ohio 44057
Hours 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Activities
  • Biking
  • Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing
  • Fishing
  • Geocaching
  • Hiking
Amenities
  • 629 acres
  • Accessible facilities
  • Cross-country skiing/snowshoeing
  • Fishing
  • Grills
  • Limited bicycling
  • Picnic area
  • Picnic shelter
  • Pit restrooms
  • River access
  • Trails

SHELTERS & FACILITIES

  • Hogback Ridge Park Shelter

    Hogback Ridge Park Shelter

    4700 Emerson Rd.Madison Twp., Ohio 44057

    Situated along the Grand River corridor, this wild area has minimal impact by human development.

    View Details
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11211 Spear Rd., Concord Twp., Ohio 44077
  • Local Phone: 440-639-7275
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