Porcupine mountains wilderness sp mountain bike trail in. Porcupine mountains summer information page camping and cabins hiking trails winter in the porkies. An interactive tour of porcupine mountains michigan snowmobile trails with maps with current trail conditions and more. May 14, 2017 the porkies, the beloved mountains of the midwest, are the scenic and rugged heart of the porcupine mountains wilderness state park in michigan s upper peninsula. How to plan a porkies hiking trip if youd like to explore this little known but rewarding hiking destination, start here with your trip planning. Backcountry campsites reopen at porcupine mtns wilderness. Porcupine mountains state wilderness area hiking loops.
April porcupine mountains overnight hiking my own hike. Most of the trail runs high up on the rocky bluffs above the lake of the clouds and the big carp river valley. The state park is also home to 23 miles of the north country trail, which stretches from new york to north dakota. Porcupine mountains wilderness state park is 60 000 acres of virgin forest secluded lakes rivers and streams. The north country trail uses the following trails in the park. Porcupine mountains wilderness state park mountain biking. Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather station. The lakeside of the escarpment rises steeply but gradually while the south side is a 300500 foot cliff overlooking the big carp river valley and. West river, lake superior, little carp river and lily pond. It is home to 35,000 acre oldgrowth forest, roaring waterfalls, miles of rivers and streams, more than 90 miles of hiking trails, the lake superior shoreline and vistas unrivaled anywhere in the midwest this park boasts many popular natural attractions, including lake of the clouds ada. One of the primary objectives in setting aside the area as a state park. The escarpment trail in porcupine mountains wilderness state park august 14, 2012 the escarpment trail has to be the most scenic short hike in all of michigan.
Porcupine mountains wilderness state park 412 south boundary road ontonagon, mi 49953 906 8855275 1 legend rustic cabin modern campground ranger station north country trail rustic campground backcountry campsite bear pole 0 1 2 4 miles m107 lake of the clouds scenic area 1 mileage 1 2. The big carp river trail was a great spring trail for the first 5 miles and then descended into mud. Topography and other physical features on this map were interpreted from. Porcupine mountains wilderness sp is a singletrack mountain bike trail in white pine, michigan.
The best trail map of the porcupine mountains is produced by the same publisher responsible for the best guidebook to the park. Since i have backpacked here before, i am familiar with how great the hiking is in this park, but i walked away with even more respect for the porkies after three amazing days in the wilderness. This 60,000acre park features entire rivers, 25 miles of lake superior shoreline, dozens of waterfalls, wildlife from bald eagles to black bears and the most extensive virgin forest between the adirondacks and the rocky mountains. The august weather, family friendly atmosphere, kids tent, byob policy, and truly diverse assembly of musicians make it a wonderful end of the summer event.
Michigan snowmobiling porcupine mountains snowmobile trail. A map of the west half of porcupine mountains wilderness state park showing the locations of backcountry cabins and campsites that have been reopened at the park. As part of the rei coop family, were dedicated to making websites and mobile apps that help outdoor enthusiasts connect, share information and get out into the places they love to play. The mountains are preserved within the borders of porcupine mountains wilderness state park. The porkies are laced with almost 110 miles of trails that wind past cascades, streams full of brook trout, 63 backcountry campsites, 18 walkin cabins and yurts and a nearly endless number of panoramic. The escarpment trail has to be the most scenic short hike in all of michigan. Backpack to the mirror lake cabins in the porkies, summit. To extend your hike, start at the lily pond trailhead farther south on summit peak road 5. Find 60,000 acres to explore at the porcupine mountains wilderness state park, including nearly 90 miles of recreational trails.
Jan 18, 2020 porcupine mountains wilderness state park. Pdf versions are fullpage maps, saved at a higher resolution. If when we go back, id like to tackle a 3 night trip. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from march until november. Porcupine mountains state park cross country ski trails silver city, mi four main and several smaller trails combine to form the 42 km nordic trail system at the porcupine mountains state park. Vegetation of porcupine mountains wilderness state park.
Its the easiest way to support and protect these resources for the next generation. In 1972, michigan passed the wilderness and natural areas act. Porcupine mountains wilderness state park trail map. Bay union bay area union bav cam round river carp o l crook road ls. The escarpment trail in porcupine mountains wilderness state park august 14, 2012. For a map or a complete description to the trails order porcupine mountains wilderness state park. Porcupine mountains wilderness state park michigan. The porcupine mountains were named by the native ojibwa people, supposedly because their silhouette had the shape of a crouching porcupine.
Porcupine north lake presque isle scenic area mountains wilderness state hot ls. Presque isle river waterfall hiking trail one way 1. The porkies, the beloved mountains of the midwest, are the scenic and rugged heart of the porcupine mountains wilderness state park in michigan s upper peninsula. Keep an eye out for wildlife, birds, and interesting flora.
Porcupine mountains state park was established in 1945 to protect the areas large stand of oldgrowth forest, much of it of the maplehemlock type. Best trails in porcupine mountains wilderness state park. Lake superior trail this trail, longest in the park, follows the rocky shore of lake superior and affords many outstanding views. The trip to mirror lake begins at the summit peak scenic area.
Printable trail map pdf home activities pricing current conditions lodging contact us the 20182019 season is underway. The park is characterized by precambrian bedrock ridges and almost complete 95% forest cover. It covers 60,000 acres and is michigans largest state park. They are home to the most extensive stand of old growth northern. The trail climbs down the peak slope into some lower valley and towards the little carp river. Maps of porcupine mountains wilderness state park view maps of trails, bike routes, campgrounds, waterfalls, and more at porcupine mountains wilderness state park by clicking a link for the online version gif and pdf version. The porcupine mountains, or porkies, are a group of small mountains spanning the northwestern upper peninsula of michigan in ontonagon and gogebic counties, near the shore of lake superior. Porcupine mountains bucket list of must dos five things you must do in the porcupine mountains the porcupine mountains are the midwests ultimate vacation destination. There are over 90 miles of hiking trails to help you do so. Porcupine mountains topo map in ontonagon county, michigan. Be aware though there were some washouts in 2016 and im not sure what condition some of the trails around the big and little carp rivers are.
Here are five unique activities you must experience on your. Porcupine mountains wilderness state park, the beloved porkies to many backpackers, is not only michigans largest state park at 59,020 acres but its also the most rugged and the wildest. Porcupine mountains wilderness state park, nicknamed the pokies, is a large wilderness area one of the last remaining few in the midwest. Porcupine mountains wilderness state park eyeonmichigan. This trail is ideal for a quiet hike and can be combined with the government peak trail to cross the mountains with a. Click on map for high resolution pdf version of hallmassey loop and connector trails. Other chapeters cover history, the parks fauna and flora, fishing opportunities, and visitng the park in winter. Ironically, this lakes region hike is light on water sources. Click on map for high resolution pdf version of deer yard loop and connector trails. Beaver creek trail overlook trail this popular loop offers. In fact, on this route, there are only three reliable spots to fill up. At roughly 60,000 acres, porcupine mountains wilderness state park is michigans largest state park.
Porcupine mountains wilderness state park 60,000 acres is one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the midwest. Porcupine mountains wilderness state park tripadvisor. The most accurate map, that combines usgs elevation data and satellite imagery with field research, is the porcupine mountains wilderness state park trail map from. Towering virgin timber, secluded lakes, and miles of wild rivers and streams make a visit to the porkies a trip to remember.
Porcupine mountains wilderness state park backcountry. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is bergland which is approximately 16 miles away and has an elevation of 1,300 feet 249 feet lower than porcupine mountains. The trail was well managed and fairly dry, with select spots for mud and muck. Porcupine mountains state park cross country ski trails. The porcupine mountains and ontonagon county in michigans upper peninsula are home to boundless natural beauty, friendly resorts, aweinspiring waterfalls, intriguing historical sitesand much more.
Beaver creek trail overlook trail this popular loop. There are over 100 miles of trails that meander through the wilderness. Click on map for high resolution pdf version of the north shore trail system. Michigan sledquarters porcupine mountains snowmobile trail map ontonagon county western u. Always consult park personnel for the latest information on park trails, facilities and natural features. A complete guide to the 90mile network of foot trails, along with access, difficulty, hiking time, and trail descriptions. Large trees, waterfalls, and numerous water sources make this wilderness a fun place to visit. Porcupine mountains area map porcupine mountains michigan. Porcupine mountains wilderness state park mountain bike trail map. Porcupine mountains wilderness state park union bay. It is home to 35,000 acre oldgrowth forest, roaring waterfalls, miles of rivers and streams, more than 90 miles of hiking trails, the lake superior shoreline and vistas unrivaled anywhere in the midwest. Trail map of the ski resort porcupine mountain, trail map porcupine mountain season 20192020.
The cross country ski trails encircle the liftserved alpine ski area with numerous scenic loops. View a map or read descriptions of trails in the porcupine mountains wilderness state park. Oct 11, 2012 porcupine mountains state wilderness area. Lake of the clouds, summit peak, government peak, manabezho falls, manido falls, and nawadaha falls. Porcupine mountains park hiking trail map overview. Mountain biking irresponsibly during the covid19 pandemic puts you and others at risk. Porcupine mountains wilderness state park is located in the western upper peninsula of michigan 46 45n, 8945e along the south shore of lake superior. Michigan dnr porcupine mountain state park website porcupine mountains visitors. The first ridge rises feet directly from lake superior to a maximum elevation of around 1600 feet. Rugged and remote this trail is among the porkies most challenging. Attention all trail users waste pack it in, pack it out fires you are responsible for your campfire porcupine mountains wilderness state park road hwy 107 union bay lake superior union bay area park headquarters wilderness visitor center kaug wudjoo lodge manido falls nawadaha falls manabezho falls 519 lake superior presque isle scenic area w e. Little union gorge r r r r p p h visitor center m64 m64. Theres over 60 established backcountry campsites and you can actually camp anywhere more than 14 mile away from scenic areas, trailheads, and cabins if you have a backcountry permit. Porcupine mountains state park ontonagon, mi parks mapquest.
The most noticeable and influential feature in the keweenaw is the aptly named keweenaw fault and the rugged hills that parallel it on its west side. Porcupine mountains ontonagon county, mi official website. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Be aware that the trails in the porcupine mountains can be steep at. Located on lake superior and surrounded by some of americas oldest forests, the porcupine mountains are a wilderness paradise. Hiking porcupine mountains in the autumn rewards you with a spectacular color display and less bugs. Youll discover abundant natural beauty from spectacular views to scenic waterfalls. This hike was a return to the scene of my first outdoor adventure experience as a 9 year old hiking with my dad in 1980. The trail shortly connects to the little carp river trail.