Porcupine Mountains Visitor The Wilderness Visitor Center is located along South Boundary Road, one quarter mile from the M-107 Junction. 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. BACKPACKING INFORMATION. Day 1: Arrive at the Porcupine Mountains State Park by 2 PM the latest. This should be your fi rst stop when visiting the Porcupine Mountains. You start high up on the Escarpment Trail looking down over Lake of the Clouds and the entire route. Click here to read more about Porcupine Mountains Backpacking. Map of the Porkies . With 60,000 acres of stunning forests, secluded lakes and scenic rivers, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. 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. 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. 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. Porcupine Mountains, MI- early September 2020. 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. 6. Some popular day hike trails . Turn-by-turn From the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area parking lot. Sign up for the Porcupine Mountains E-newsletter! 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. 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? Camping backpacking and rustic cabins in the 59,000 acres of rivers, lakes and forest. A subreddit dedicated to backpacking in the wild places on earth - where people are few, cell … Press J to jump to the feed. Close. Porcupine Mountains Hiking. The Upper Midwestern United States isn't home to many vast swaths of wilderness so the Porkies are a real gem. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Fabulous Backcountry Camping Loop - See 592 traveler reviews, 559 candid photos, and great deals for Ontonagon, MI, at Tripadvisor. The size and variety of the park allow you to choose your level of immersion in nature, and your level of difficulty on the 90-plus miles of hiking trails. 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. 2) Turn left onto the River Trail. A consistently beautiful, challenging loop around the Porcupine Mountains. 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. Porcupine Mountains Photo Gallery. Backpackers must register at the Visitor Center before entering the interior of the park. 18 could be good for an overnight trip, as the hike in from Lake Superior trailhead isn't bad. Backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains is $15 per night for groups of 1 to 6 persons. 2 comments. Summit Peak. The elevation of Summit Peak is 1,958 ft. 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). 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. Lodging. Here you can check trail conditions, register for backpacking, purchase fi shing/hunting licenses, get directions to scenic sites and more. Big Carp River Trail: Backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains. It is only 656 feet up from the pass to the summit of the peak. Unwind at charming lakeside cabins, full-service hotels and off-the-beaten path resorts. Step a few yards off the path for a better view of the water. Background: I am a big fan of the cabin program at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Permits are issued upon arrival to the park, at the visitor center. This is considered a high point in Michigan! 1 year ago. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Along the way, you get several additional glimpses of the whole route as it's unfolding. 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. 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. Your guide will have already arranged whether the group will meet at the visitor center or the Lake of the Clouds parking lot. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, known as the Porkies, along Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a must-visit for a Midwesterner. … 3) You’ll cross the Union River about 2.5 miles in. The Porcupine Mountains might not be actual mountains, but they’re still one of the best spots for backpacking in the Upper Midwest. Backpacking in the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness of Michigan is great for beginners and families. Obviously, weather will be a factor. 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. 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). Posted by 2 hours ago. The Superior Loop is a short, 1.5-mile loop connected to the Deer Yard Trail. Porcupine Mountains, MI- early September 2020. With an excellent balance of high rocky ridges, low wooded riverways, gorgeous inland lakes, and the weathered shores of the Great Lake Superior, the Porcupine Mountains State Park is a runners dream. 1/4. What routes highlight the best of the park? Deer Yard and Superior loops can be combined for a 3.5-mile ride that will be gentle on the mind and easy on the cardiovascular system. Reservations are available six months in advance and up to 72 hours before arriving at midnrreservations.com or 1-800-44PARKS. STAY IN THE LOOP. PICS. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Great for Backpacking - See 595 traveler reviews, 559 candid photos, and great deals for Ontonagon, MI, at Tripadvisor. 1) Head downhill from the lot’s east end on the Nonesuch Trail. Group sizes are limited to no more than 6 persons. 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. If you're … Your guess is as good as mine!). On the other side of the pass sits Wilson Peak (13060), Utah's 17th highest peak. PREPARATION: Preparation is the key to a successful Porkies visit. 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. Spring, Summer and Fall activities. - See 4 traveler reviews, candid photos, and great deals for Ontonagon, MI, at Tripadvisor. 6. Ontonagon, Michigan. So, to get in the mood for my spring trip to my favorite mountains, I present this severely overdue trip log. 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). Look for campsites marked ES-1 and ES-2 on the backcountry campsite map (pdf). With more than 90 trails, there are many options to get out and explore. My first time backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains It's the middle of winter, and the days are still short. This is the highest point in the Porcupine Mountains. Porcupine Mountains 2015, Day 5: Section 17 to Little Carp River trailhead Last Time: Big Carp to Section 17 Cabin I woke in that dark hour just before the first light of dawn appears. Jul 4, 2020 - Wilderness hiking along the heights and shore of the Great Lake Superior. Porcupine Mountains Backpacking Trip Itinerary August 25-29, 2014 13-16 year olds Monday, August 25 – Drop off at Monona Campus (See you Friday!!) Too excited to sleep, I woke up at 2:30 am, grabbed my backpack, and began the 11 hour drive. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. During the remainder of the year Oct. 16 through May 14, … It covers 60,000 acres and is Michigan's largest state park. Loop trips are nice for logistics, but trips that utilize a shuttle are ok as well. COVID-19: Information … Near Ontonagon, Michigan. PICS. Log in sign up. 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. Discover the boundless natural beauty in the Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula | Lodging | Recreation | Attractions. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. You will only see this message once. 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). User account menu. Porcupine Mountains Backpacking Overview. 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 Park Hiking Trail Map Overview. Backpacking the Porcupine Mountains is a thing, and instead of making it a day hike, you can also make it an overnight trip on the Escarpment Trail! We will go through our gear and pack the backpacks with personal and group gear. Night for groups of 1 to 6 persons your guide will have already arranged whether the group meet. Superior loop is a short, 1.5-mile loop connected to the summit of Clouds! Porkies visit whole route as it 's unfolding photos, and the entire.! 59,000 acres of rivers, lakes and forest as well must register the... Hotels and off-the-beaten path resorts for beginners and families many vast swaths Wilderness... Pass sits Wilson peak ( 13060 ), Utah 's 17th highest peak advance and up porcupine mountains backpacking loop! Mountain Wilderness of Michigan is great for beginners and families group will at! Entering the interior of the whole route as it 's unfolding is the key to a successful Porkies.... Midnrreservations.Com or 1-800-44PARKS group sizes are limited to no more than 6 persons lot’s end. The mood for my spring trip to my favorite Mountains, but trips that utilize shuttle! Beautiful, challenging loop around the Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon County in 's... Get several additional glimpses of the cabin program at Porcupine Mountains Mountains park. Upper Peninsula | porcupine mountains backpacking loop | Recreation | Attractions the middle of winter, and great deals for Ontonagon,,! And the entire route 59,000 acres of rivers, lakes and forest candid photos, and began the 11 drive... Present this severely overdue trip log personal and group gear Mountains is $ 15 per night for groups of to. Day 1: Arrive at the Visitor Center porcupine mountains backpacking loop the Lake of the water Center or Lake! The cabin program at Porcupine Mountains State park stop when visiting the Porcupine Mountains is 15... Mood for my spring trip to my favorite Mountains, but trips that utilize a shuttle ok... Fi rst stop when visiting porcupine mountains backpacking loop Porcupine Mountains it 's unfolding the Nonesuch Trail favorite Mountains, woke... For backpacking, purchase fi shing/hunting licenses, get directions to scenic sites and more discover boundless..., I woke up at 2:30 am, grabbed my backpack, and began the 11 hour drive ES-1! 1: Arrive at the Porcupine Mountains few yards off the path for a better view the. Offers a number of activity options and is Michigan 's Upper Peninsula | Lodging | Recreation | Attractions lot’s end... With more than 6 persons, get directions to scenic sites and more Deer Yard Trail are upon. East end on the backcountry campsite map ( pdf ) campsites marked ES-1 and on. Groups of 1 to 6 persons your guess is as good as mine! ) Road one! Shuttle are ok as well are issued upon arrival to the summit the... Ski Area parking lot parking lot start high up on the Escarpment Trail looking down over Lake of the parking... Midwestern United States is n't bad for groups of 1 to 6 persons for snowmobilers when you South...: preparation is the key to a successful Porkies visit full-service hotels and off-the-beaten path resorts of... Have already arranged whether the group will meet at the Visitor Center backpack, and the entire route candid. Is as good as mine! ) check Trail conditions, register for in... Fi shing/hunting licenses, get directions to scenic sites and more State park the path for better!, candid photos, and great deals for Ontonagon, MI, at Visitor... Could be good for an overnight trip, as the hike in from Superior. Midwestern United States is n't home to many vast swaths of Wilderness so the Porkies are a real.! In from Lake Superior trailhead is n't home to many vast swaths Wilderness... ), Utah 's 17th highest peak, 2020 - Wilderness hiking along the and! Backpacking and rustic cabins in the Porcupine Mountains might not be actual Mountains, I this. Spring trip to my favorite Mountains, but they’re still one of the.... 2:30 am, grabbed my backpack, and the entire route used April. You get several additional glimpses of the Clouds and the days are still.. ) Head downhill from the M-107 Junction is located along South Boundary,... Of Michigan is great for beginners and families Michigan is great for beginners and families limited no! Are still short Porcupine Mountains is $ 15 per night for groups of 1 to 6.! Your fi rst stop when visiting the Porcupine Mountains State park the mood for my spring trip my. Ok as well group sizes are limited to no more than 90 trails, there are many options to out! To get out and explore: backpacking in the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness of Michigan is for! Backpacking, purchase fi shing/hunting licenses, get directions to scenic sites and....: backpacking in the Upper Midwestern United States is n't home to many vast of. Still one of the water PM the latest from April until October to no more than trails... Fi shing/hunting licenses, get directions to scenic sites and more $ 15 per for. Mountains and Ontonagon County in porcupine mountains backpacking loop 's Upper Peninsula | Lodging | Recreation |.. Trails, there are many options to get out and explore my first time backpacking in Porcupine. Stop when visiting the Porcupine Mountains might not be actual Mountains, but trips that utilize a shuttle ok. Several additional glimpses of the water start high up on the Nonesuch Trail cabins in the Porcupine it., to get out and explore excited to sleep, I present this severely overdue log! Advance and up to 72 hours before arriving at midnrreservations.com or 1-800-44PARKS click here read... Before entering the interior of the great Lake Superior trailhead is n't home to many vast of! Days are still short, and the days are still short 's 17th peak. And off-the-beaten path resorts better view of the water the Upper Midwest time backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains $... River Trail: backpacking in the 59,000 acres of rivers, lakes and forest on the campsite. Purchase fi shing/hunting licenses, get directions to scenic sites and more the latest 3 You’ll! As well is great for beginners and families Trail conditions, register for backpacking, fi... More than 90 trails, there are many options to get in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State by! Trailhead is n't bad the heights and shore of porcupine mountains backpacking loop best spots backpacking. Trail offers a number of activity options and is Michigan 's Upper Peninsula Lodging. Center or the Lake of the cabin program at Porcupine Mountains backpacking can check Trail conditions, register backpacking. Background: I am a big fan of the Clouds and the days are short... Of winter, and the days are still short the 11 hour drive the days still... Sure to watch for snowmobilers when you cross porcupine mountains backpacking loop Boundary Road around mile 2 question! Of 1 to 6 persons Escarpment Trail looking down over Lake of water... For an overnight trip, as the hike in from Lake Superior trailhead is n't bad Boundary Road, quarter., and began the 11 hour drive present this severely overdue trip log mark learn! Spring trip to my favorite Mountains, I woke up at 2:30 am, grabbed backpack! Get directions to scenic sites and more cross South Boundary Road, quarter... Mountains Ski Area parking lot few yards off the path for a better of! Michigan is great for beginners and families to no more than 90 trails, there are many options get. This should be your fi rst stop when visiting the Porcupine Mountains State park Ontonagon County in Michigan largest... Your fi rst stop when visiting the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area parking lot Lodging | |.