PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS STATE PARK
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is 15 miles west of Ontonagon in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Park's 60,000 acres are one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. Towering virgin timber, secluded lakes, and miles of wild rivers and streams make a visit to the "Porkies" a trip to remember.
History
Porcupine Mountains State Park was established in 1945 by Michigan's Legislature. Since then, many changes have taken place in the way we live; however, the Porcupine Mountains are almost unchanged. The remote interior, the towering pine and hemlock, seem to defy time. The solitude of the park is mysterious and exciting. A hiker to the interior of the Porkies must actually turn back the clock and call on skills that were second nature to our ancestors. One must appreciate the ways of a Wilderness area to thoroughly enjoy backpacking the Porkies. Remember; the difference between tired feet and the satisfaction of an outstanding view is mostly a condition of the mind.
Facilities
The Department of Natural Resources maintains over 90 miles of foot trails and 16 rustic trailside cabins for the public. Trails traverse most of the park and lead the hikers to the most spectacular overlooks and vistas. Remember that the "Porkies" are rugged. Steep grades and stream crossings are frequently encountered.
Park visitors should plan to begin at the Visitor Center near the junction of South Boundary Road and Highway M-107. There you will find an exciting multi-media show, displays, maps and information, park products, and a Ranger to answer questions.
Hiking and Camping
Backpackers must register before entering the interior of the park. Trailside camping is permitted, but not within 1/4 mile of any cabin or Adirondack shelter, scenic area or road. Some backpack campsites with dry tent pads, a campfire ring and rustic toilets are available. Pack out all non-combustible trash. Bury human waste and tissue paper at least six inches deep (a small plastic trowel works fine). No fires except where designated by the Park Manager and no fires whatsoever during high fire danger weather. Use a pack stove for cooking. All motorized methods of transportation are prohibited on park trails.
Three Adirondack shelters are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and may not be reserved in advance. The only facilities in Adirondack shelters are sleeping platforms, a table and benches.
A modern campground at Union Bay has hot showers, flush toilets, electricity, and a sanitation station. Near the mouth of the Presque Isle River is a semi-modern campground (no electricity). Four rustic camping areas are developed for those that prefer more privacy.
No firearms are allowed in the park except by licensed hunters during designated open seasons.
Small parking lots are available at trailheads. Security parking is offered by various establishments in Silver City.
Black bear are frequently encountered in the park. When camping, hang all food and valuable items on a rope between two trees at least 25-30' above the ground and at least 1000 feet away from your camp. DO NOT FEED THE BEARS ANYWHERE IN THE PARK. Do not cook food inside your tent.
Winter comes early and stays late in the Porkies. South Boundary Road will be plowed through the end of November. During the winter, M-107 is plowed only to the ski area.
Most of all, enjoy your visit at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
Cabins
Rustic cabin access varies from one to four miles hiking distance. Most cabins have 4 bunks, but they do range from 2 to 8 bunks. Each cabin contains bunks with mattresses, wood heating stoves, cupboard, table and benches, cooking and eating utensils, saw and axe. Cabin users provide bedding, food, towels, lighting, and personal items. A small cooking stove is recommended, especially during summer months. Boats are furnished at Mirror Lake, Lily Pond, and Lake of the Clouds cabins. Reservations should be made in advance with the Park. The cabins rent from 3pm to 3pm. The total rent must accompany all reservations. Keys are issued at the Park Office.
Winter Sports
The Park is the home of the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area, a major Michigan winter sports area and an excellent place to introduce the family to the fun of winter. Located in the Lake Superior "snowbelt," the Porkies receive an average annual snowfall of 175+ inches. A 640' vertical drop, long tree-lined runs (the longest being 5,800'), and a spectacular view of Lake Superior make the Porkies some of the finest skiing in the Midwest. 14 expertly groomed Alpine Ski Runs cover 11 miles of slope over a 360 acre area. A triple chairlift, double chairlift, T-Bar, and handle tow serve the slopes with a lift capacity of 3,600 skiers per hour.
42Km of power tilled, double track set cross-country ski trails are also available. Enjoy the quiet splendor of wooded trails and breathtaking vistas blanketed in winter white from any of the Porkies cross-country trails. A unique one-ride lift ticket provides a quick access to the heart of the Nordic trail system from the Chalet.
The Ski Chalet offers a cafeteria, ski shop, ski rentals, certified repairs, and first aid room. Large fireplaces provide a cozy setting to warm you while picture windows provide an excellent view of ski runs and skiers schussing down the slopes.
Enjoy the Foot Trails
LAKE SUPERIOR TRAIL
This trail, longest in the park, follows the rocky shore of Lake Superior and affords many outstanding views. Rugged and remote this trail is among the park's most challenging.
Presque Isle River to Speakers Creek................................2 miles
Speakers Creek to mouth of Little Carp River..................4 miles
Little Carp Rivermouth to mouth of Big Carp River.........1 mile
Big Carp Rivermouth to Lone Rock.................................3.5 miles
Lone Rock to M-107..............................................................5.5 miles
Total trail length......................................................................16 miles
PINKERTON TRAIL
The Pinkerton Trail leads through impressive stands of virgin hemlock to the mouths of the Big and Little Carp Rivers.
South Boundary Road to mouth of Little Carp River.......3 miles
LITTLE CARP RIVER TRAIL
The Little Carp River Trail is among the most scenic in the park. The turbulent rapids and inspiring waterfalls of the Little Carp River, and the serene beauty of magnificent timber makes this a trip to remember. Brook trout fishing is found along the length of the Little Carp River.
Mirror Lake to Lily Pond........................................................2.5 miles
Lily Pond to Cross Trail Junction..........................................3 miles
Cross Trail Junction to Little Carp Rivermouth..............5.5 miles
Total trail length........................................................................11 miles
CROSS TRAIL AND CORRECTION LINE TRAIL
These two trails give backpackers access to explore additional sections of the park.
Cross Trail (total length)...........................................................5 miles
Correction Line Trail (total length).........................................3 miles
LILY POND TRAIL
Lily Pond is a small trout lake which can be fished successfully from a boat or other floating device, but is not safe for wading because of a soft bottom. A find stand of viftin pine is near Lily Pond.
Summit Peak Road to Lily Pond.............................................3 miles
SOUTH MIRROR LAKE TRAIL
This is the most direct route to Mirror lake and fine brook trout fishing. The side trip to Summit Peak is one mile long.
Trailhead Parking Lot on Summit Peak Rd to Mirror Lake......2.5 miles
SUMMIT PEAK TOWER TRAIL
This trail provides an opportunity to visit Summit Peak, at 1,958 feet, the highest point in the park. A 40-ft. observation tower provides an outstanding view of the park as well as surrounding area. Wisconsin, Minnesota, the Apostle Islands, and Copper Peak are a few of the sights that can be seen on a clear day. A viewing deck on the way up to the summit provides a panorama of the Summit Peak parking area to Summit Peak Tower.
Summit Peak parking area to Summit Peak Tower.........1/2 mile
BEAVER CREEK TRAIL
Descending from the Summit Peak parking area and trailhead, the Beaver Creek Trail joins the Little Carp River Trail 1.3 miles south of Mirror Lake. Bridging and boardwalk allows the hiker to view and investigate wetlands adjacent to the Little Carp River as it winds through beaver meadows and alder thickets. This trail is great for birdwatchers and other nautralists.
Beaver Creek Trail to Lily Pond Trail..................................... 1 mile
BIG CARP RIVER TRAIL
The variety of scenery on this trail beckons hikers. The first two miles parallel the escarpment with many outstanding views. The trail then descends into the Big Carp River Valley following below the slopes of Miscowabic Peak and passing by the old Lafayette Mine. Shining Cloud Falls, highest in the park, are about one mile upstream from the mouth. The river offers many turbulent rapids and brook trout fishing.
Highway M-107 to Correction Line Trail..................................5 miles
Correction Line Trail to Cross Trail.......................................3.5 miles
Cross Trail to Big Carp Rivermouth......................................1/2 mile
Total trail length.............................................................................9 miles
NORTH MIRROR LAKE TRAIL
This trail crosses the heart of the "Porkies" and ends at Mirror Lake. Surrounded by rugged bluffs and magnificent pines, at 1,532 feet, it is the highest lake in the park. Hikers should be in good physical condition to test this trail as most of the southbound route is uphill.
Lake of the Clouds Escarpment to Government Peak Trail....3 miles
Government Peak Trail to Mirror lake Cabins.............................1 mile
Total trail length..................................................................................4 miles
GOVERNMENT PEAK TRAIL
The Government Peak Trail is popular with overnight hikers. The trail follows the Carp River inlet for two miles to Trap Falls and then west to Government Peak through fine stands of hardwood and hemlock. At 1,850 feet, Government Peak is the second highest point in the park.
Highway M-107 to the north end of Overlook Trail............1/2 mile
North end of the Overlook trail to Union Spring Trail.......1.5 miles
Union Spring Trail to Lost Lake Trail........................................1 mile
Lost lake Trail to North Mirror Lake Trail..............................4.5 miles
Total trail length..........................................................................7.5 miles
ESCARPMENT TRAIL
The Escarpment trail may offer the most beautiful scenery in the park. The hiker follows the impressive escarpment skirts over Cloud Peak and Cuyahoga Peak, and descends to the north end of Government Peak Trail. Sheer cliffs and vista of the Lake of the Clouds far below will not be soon forgotten.
Lake of the Clouds to Government Peak Trail & M-107.......4 miles
OVERLOOK TRAIL
This trail offers outstanding virgin timber and many scenic views; a popular side trip from the Government Peak Trail.
Total length (round trip to/from Government Peak Trail).....3 miles
EAST AND WEST RIVER TRAILS
These two trails follow the Presque Isle River, the largest and most beautiful of the rivers in the Porcupines. Boardwalk and viewing platforms allow breathtaking views of this river. Spectacular waterfalls, cascades and rapids are but a short walk from the parking area. For your safety, no swimming or wading is permitted in the Presque Isle River. Be very careful when exploring this area. Take children by the hand and do not permit them to hike the area without adult supervision.
South Boundary Rd to Presque Isle River mouth (each way)...1 mile
LOST LAKE TRAIL
Lost Lake is a small beautiful wilderness lake. The trail joins Government Peak Trail for a shortcut from the South Boundary Road to Highway M-107.
South Boundary Road to Lost Lake...............................................2 miles
Lost lake to Government Peak Trail.............................................2.5 miles
Total trail length.................................................................................4.5 miles
UNION SPRING TRAIL
The Union Spring is the second largest natural spring in Michigan. From the floating dock, view over 700 gallons of clear water bubble out the ground each minute, a subtle yet fascinating sight.
South Boundary Road to Impoundment.....................................1.5 miles
Imoundment to Union Spring.........................................................1/2 mile
Union Spring to Government Peak Trail.........................................2 miles
Total trail length.....................................................................................4 miles
UNION MINE TRAIL
The Union Mine Trail is an interesting short hike. it features the Little Uion Gorge and history of the Union Mine. Points of interest are marked by interpretive signs.
Total trail length......................................................................................4 miles
VISITOR CENTER NATURE TRAIL
The Visitor Center Natural Trail is a loop trail designed to orient new visitors, through interpretive stations, to natural features commonly found in the park.
Total trail length......................................................................................1 mile
WHITETAIL PATH
Whitetail Path is an access trail allowing campers at the Union Bay Campground an opportunity to stretch their legs with a short hike to the Visitor Center.
M-107 at Union Bay Campground to Visitor Center......................1 mile
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