This loop hike is a strenuous but rewarding outing that highlights some of the best views, memorable scenery and challenging terrain that the Porcupine Mountains have to offer. Near Ontonagon, Michigan. The Superior Loop is a short, 1.5-mile loop connected to the Deer Yard Trail. 18 could be good for an overnight trip, as the hike in from Lake Superior trailhead isn't bad. I had heard that the Porcupine Mts were a must-see in Michigan, so I wanted to go before my impending move to my next job (where it will be? If you're … During the remainder of the year Oct. 16 through May 14, … Reservations are available six months in advance and up to 72 hours before arriving at midnrreservations.com or 1-800-44PARKS. Map of the Porkies . The guide(s) then checks to make sure that everyone has brought appropriate gear, and is not bringing too little (extremely rare) or more than they need (more likely). Then, we will load the bus and drive to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, eating lunch on the bus (bag lunch) on the way up. Camping backpacking and rustic cabins in the 59,000 acres of rivers, lakes and forest. Porcupine Mountains Loop is a 31.6 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Ontonagon, Michigan that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Spring, Summer and Fall activities. 6. Your guess is as good as mine!). Porcupine Mountains Photo Gallery. COVID-19: Information … Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the beloved Porkies to many backpackers, is not only Michigan’s largest state park at 59,020 acres but it’s also the most rugged and the wildest. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Great for Backpacking - See 595 traveler reviews, 559 candid photos, and great deals for Ontonagon, MI, at Tripadvisor. Background: I am a big fan of the cabin program at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Discover the boundless natural beauty in the Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula | Lodging | Recreation | Attractions. Porcupine Mountain sits due south of Porcupine Pass (12236) which is one of the high passes reached via the Highline Trail which runs in a generally east/west direction through the Uinta Mountains of Utah. Big Carp River Trail: Backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains. Porcupine Mountains Backpacking Overview. A consistently beautiful, challenging loop around the Porcupine Mountains. 6. Unwind at charming lakeside cabins, full-service hotels and off-the-beaten path resorts. I've been spending the dark evenings sorting through old photos, and I came across a few from the first time I went backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains -- in 2012. 1/4. Too excited to sleep, I woke up at 2:30 am, grabbed my backpack, and began the 11 hour drive. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers some of the best hiking and backpacking trails in the upper Midwest (ranked #2 by Silent Sports Magazine). Look for campsites marked ES-1 and ES-2 on the backcountry campsite map (pdf). Permits are issued upon arrival to the park, at the visitor center. Jul 4, 2020 - Wilderness hiking along the heights and shore of the Great Lake Superior. Although some of the trails are more difficult than others, there are plenty of easy trails to choose from, and you can link together various trails to create hiking loops of different lengths. Porcupine Mountains, MI- early September 2020. Some popular day hike trails . Along the way, you get several additional glimpses of the whole route as it's unfolding. 2) Turn left onto the River Trail. It is only 656 feet up from the pass to the summit of the peak. PICS. The loop may be limited in mileage but features two of the three rental cabins White Birch and Whitetail that can be accessed on a mountain bike. We stayed at campsite 18 at the end of a loop hike (Lake of the Clouds, west 8 miles on the Big Carp River trail, east 9 miles on Lake Superior trail). Porcupine Mountains Hiking. Close. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. Loop trips are nice for logistics, but trips that utilize a shuttle are ok as well. It covers 60,000 acres and is Michigan's largest state park. The elevation of Summit Peak is 1,958 ft. Click here to read more about Porcupine Mountains Backpacking. PICS. 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 s t R i v e T r a i l E a s t R i v e r T r a i l ROAD Union Bay Campground Wilderness Visitor Center LS-4 LS-5 LS-6 LS-7 LS-8 LS-9. Make sure to watch for snowmobilers when you cross South Boundary Road around mile 2. At just over 20-miles, this loop is best tackled as a multiday backpack with one to two nights at backcountry campsites (be sure to reserve your site in advance). Wait -- I mean, in that dark hour just after the light of dawn tries to appears, only to be completely snuffed out by tall hemlocks, high ridges, and a good thick layer of clouds. On the other side of the pass sits Wilson Peak (13060), Utah's 17th highest peak. Our site was also beautiful, and very secluded, with a large shoreline, fire pit area, and ample tent area a walk away from the main trail. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, known as the Porkies, along Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a must-visit for a Midwesterner. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Fabulous Backcountry Camping Loop - See 592 traveler reviews, 559 candid photos, and great deals for Ontonagon, MI, at Tripadvisor. Turn-by-turn From the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area parking lot. Porcupine Mountains, MI- early September 2020. Backpacking in the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness of Michigan is great for beginners and families. You start high up on the Escarpment Trail looking down over Lake of the Clouds and the entire route. What routes highlight the best of the park? Day 1: Arrive at the Porcupine Mountains State Park by 2 PM the latest. Sign up for the Porcupine Mountains E-newsletter! This is considered a high point in Michigan! My first time backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains It's the middle of winter, and the days are still short. Porcupine Mountains Park Hiking Trail Map Overview. Lodging. So, to get in the mood for my spring trip to my favorite mountains, I present this severely overdue trip log. What I like most about Porcupine Mountain State Park is that you can enjoy the beauty of the area whether you are limited on time or have all the time in the world. Log in sign up. … Harvey and I set out to Porcupine Mountains in the upper peninsula of Michigan with the goal of doing 3 nights on a 25-30ish mile loop. Group sizes are limited to no more than 6 persons. Obviously, weather will be a factor. The Porcupine Mountains might not be actual mountains, but they’re still one of the best spots for backpacking in the Upper Midwest. 2 comments. Backpackers must register at the Visitor Center before entering the interior of the park. 1 year ago. Last week, my wife generously allowed me 5 days out, and I made the most of it with a trip to the Porcupine Mountains in the westernmost portion of the upper peninsula of Michigan. The Superior Loop, located in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the Upper Peninsula, is one of several trails that make up the mountain biking and cross-country ski trail system in the park. Porcupine Mountains Visitor The Wilderness Visitor Center is located along South Boundary Road, one quarter mile from the M-107 Junction. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. I'm looking for suggestions on how to get the best out of a two night backpacking trip in the Porcupine Mountains in mid-December. Porcupine Mountains Backpacking Trip Itinerary August 25-29, 2014 13-16 year olds Monday, August 25 – Drop off at Monona Campus (See you Friday!!) 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