Your email address will not be published. Turn left at the intersection and proceed to Mirror Lake (about 1.5 miles). In the picture to the left, taken from the scenic overlook, the Mirror Lake Trail crosses the Big Carp River. This entry was posted on October 27, 2011. Thank you for sharing your experiences in hiking Ted. Sunday, September 30 - Saturday, October 6, 2018 . The Correction Line Trail climbs steeply heading towards Mirror Lake. There you cross Little Carp River coming out of Mirror Lake and join up with the Little Carp River Trail. The route starts at the Lily Pond Trail/North Country Trail parking lot off South Boundary road, where the hiker walks clockwise around the park for about 27 miles. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Instead of heading towards Lake Superior, you can also hike east on the Escarpment Trail and then loop back on the Government Peak Trail. Another short interpretative trail (1.4 miles) is located adjacent to the park Visitor Center. At 60,000 acres, it is one of the largest wilderness areas in the Midwest. It is popular because it is a loop and its length and elevation provides some decent exercise without consuming most of the day. I had to walk along the road to get my car. Do you have any knowledge of what the bug situation might be like this time of year? This area looks so peaceful. On a two to three-day backpacking trip in Coyote Gulch, you’ll see sandstone arches, waterfalls, towering rock formations, and you’ll get to hike through the winding river bottoms and view the Escalante River.. This trip I even walked away with even more respect for the Porkies after three amazing days in the wilderness. By far the most miserable bug experience ever. Hey Ted! Several of the other trails can be accessed via Escarpment Trail. It is 1.4 miles to the pond and another .6 miles to the spring itself. I've seen motorized wheelchairs negotiate the trail, but unfortunately the last part of the trail is a boardwalk with some stairs so some on-foot travel is required to get to the top of the peak, as well as to climb the tower's stairs. Porcupine Mountains Hiking. This is a report of my trip from July 28 – August 2, 2019. 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 Park Hiking Trail Map Overview. ONTONAGON, MI 49953 PHONE: (906) 885-5275 Camping and Rustic Cabins | Bears. Yes, you can find the mountains’ namesakes in the old-growth hardwood forests—one of the largest tracts west of the Adirondacks. Lake of the Clouds Scenic Overlook Three loops there include the 3.5-mile Wildcat loop (west of Shale Road), which climbs a 300-foot sandstone ridge in Wildcat Ridge State Natural Area. This loop is great for a two night, three day sight seeing adventure in the Porcupine Mountains. Here's a link to a publication with more info on visiting the Porcupine Mountains - Porcupine Mountains Visitor. - Camping in the Porkies on SuperiorTrails, SuperiorTrails.com - Reinhold Development - 2020, UP 200 Sled Dog Marathon Going east towards Marquette, Munising and Pictured Rocks . topic Re: Backpacking Northern Wisconsin in State of Wisconsin. I then followed the sensational great lake for ten miles back to the parking lot. As you are hiking adjacent to the river, the hike only has modest up and down stretches. You can combine them for a loop of about 3.5 miles by traveling a short distance along the South Boundary Road. Learn how your comment data is processed. The third stop on my Michigan Wisconsin road trip was in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. For a hiking spot with lots of variety, head to Saugatuck Dunes State Park. It is another 6 miles to the rivermouth on Lake Superior from this point. Fall is a beautiful time to experience the outdoors. Along with Lake of the Clouds and Summit Peak, taking the waterfall trails and boardwalks are a must-see attraction of your visit to Porcupine Mountains Park. Near Ontonagon, Michigan. (see the maps below for more ideas). The inclines are not nearly as steep as the Smokies, but there are some good uphills, but they don’t last that long. A true gem." Winter - Wisconsin Winter - Minnesota After camping along the Little Carp River, the next day I entered a new realm of beauty. Hiking Michigan's Upper Peninsula The Little Carp River meets with Lake Superior and the Lake Superior Trail. First of all, there are many loop options, which I love. The "Porkies" (Michigan's Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park) is a remote and beautiful part of Michigan. . You also get to do the Escarpment Trail, which takes you along the length of Lake Superior. Ironwood, Marquette, Background: I am a big fan of the cabin program at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Area fall colors on the Mirror Lake Trail. Here's a link to a map of backcountry campsites and rustic cabin locations. Mosquitos will be bad. Other Shorter Day Hikes. I'm sure this loop (or variations on it) has been done by many people, many times. The North Mirror Lake Trail (3.8 miles one way) is also served by the Lake of the Clouds trailhead. Thank you for the comment and reading. Houghton-Hancock, Michigan Upper Peninsula. Escarpment Trail, Porcupine Mountains Lake of the Clouds from Escarpment Trail. The 4,600-mile North Country Trail is as much a tour of classic Midwest cities as it is a hiking trail, which makes its 550 mostly-roadless miles across the Upper Peninsula a treat if backcountry solitude is what you’re after. Or, you can usually make the return trip in less than a day if you hike alongside a road. The round trip total for this hike would 4.6 miles. Adults and Teenagers, 14 or older with experience. © 2010 - 2018 Traveling Ted. To help you narrow down your favorites, we’ve put together a list of the best backpacking trails in the Wind River Range. See more pictures and information on Lake of the Clouds Scenic Overlook. You should have a great trip. The Porcupine Mts-Union Mine Trail is an easy one-mile loop north of the Porcupine Mts-Union Spring Trail, where interpretive signs point to evidence of copper miners who once worked there. Scenic Byway - Fall Color. Be sure to pack water as it is quite the hike up, down, and around the ravines. Considered by many to be the best hike in Michigan, Escarpment Trail is the star of the Porkies. Traveling Ted is a blog that takes readers along on my adventures hiking, canoeing, skiing, and international backpacking. This 2 mile loop follows along the banks of the Presque Isle River as is plunges in spectacular fashion down to Lake Superior in it’s final mile. Porcupine Mountains. Porcupine Mountains backpacking loops in the UP Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Area. I would love to go hiking here, especially during this time of year! Then the third day, a cold front came through and it was like a light switch. Porcupine Mountains Backpacking Overview. That North Country Trail sounds like it will be a phenomenal experience! The trip to Mirror Lake begins at the Summit Peak Scenic Area. The latter makes a lot of sense though! Practice strict adherence to minimum impact methods to aid in the preservation of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park natural environment. Photo courtesy of Allie Christensen. Backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains is $15 per night for groups of 1 to 6 persons. I would definitely recommend those sites. MAP of the Porkies Lodging in the Area . Day 1 – Destination: Whitetail Cabin. Isle Royale National Park is one of the great backpacking parks in the lower 48. This route combines portions of three hiking trails and provides a variety of scenery and a somewhat longer but do-able day hike. 3. Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Area – Lake of the Clouds scenic overlook. September 26-28, 2014. Type of Trip: Backpacking , Paddling and Sightseeing. The Lily Pond Trail to the Little Carp River Trail to the parking lot at Little Carp Road is do-able. Once in a while you'll see a mountain biker. TIP: If you have time to make this a longer hike, add Mirror Lake and Beaver Creek for the Summit Peak Loop hike. Photo of the Week: A Street in Georgetown (Washington, DC), Land O’ Lakes, Lac Vieux Desert, and the headwaters of the Wisconsin River | Wisconsin Outside.com, Land O' Lakes, Lac Vieux Desert, and the headwaters of the Wisconsin River | Wisconsin Outside.com, A superior sunset in the Porcupine Mountains State Park | Traveling Ted, Hiking the North Country National Scenic Trail in Michigan and Wisconsin | Traveling Ted, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness backcountry camping and cabins | Traveling Ted. Easily one of the most incredible backpacking trips of my life. You cross the bridge and turn left going west on the Little Carp River Trail. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Great for Backpacking - See 595 traveler reviews, 559 candid photos, and great deals for Ontonagon, MI, at Tripadvisor. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is about three hours west of our home in Au Train, Michigan. Jeremy Branham recently posted..When memorable moments surprise you. Review, plan and study backpacking and hiking trails in Michigan by the Backpacker editors. East and West River Trails in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – August 15, 2012 The East and West River Trail Loop ranks as one of the top short hikes in the state of Michigan. Some popular day hike trails . Lake Superior Circle Drive Attractions. I still had 30 miles to go. Marie. waterfalls, hiking, camping, rock picking. See our winter porkies page for maps, pictures and info on downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the Porcupine Mountains. One of the great aspects of camping is the joy of waking up each morning with a different view. Sylvania Wilderness Canoeing and Porcupine Mountains State Park Sightseeing, Upper Peninsula, MI. 🙂 Since I have backpacked  the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park again, so I am familiar with how great the hiking is in this park. With 1,000 acres, including 2.5 miles of shoreline, the park has sand dunes, pine and hardwood stands, rolling hills, and lots of beautiful Lake Michigan views. First of all, there are many loop options, which I love. Porcupine Mountains Guide for Hikers, Backpackers, Campers and Winter Visitors See more pictures and information on Summit Peak Here. The Upper Midwestern United States isn't home to many vast swaths of wilderness so the Porkies are a … I have a goal to try and stay at least 1 night in each of the cabins. We camped in the Porcupine Mountains for two nights. descriptions of several of the hiking trails. In just a couple of miles I experienced mountain overlooks, mountain lakes, beaver ponds, and then a cascading river with several waterfalls. Backpacking loop The area of the trail around campsites 10 to 11 is absolutely beautiful! The Overlook Trail is a 2.7 mile loop accessed from the Government Peak Trailhead on M-107. Correction Line Trail (total length).....2.8 miles Cross Trail (total length).....4.5 miles EAST AND WEST RIVER TRAILS These trails follow the Presque Isle River, largest river in the park. After spending some time with a map, we decided on a route that would take us to both King's Peak and Red Castle. This is an out and back hike. The park has so much to offer from a hiking, backpacking, and camping arena. by Martyupnorth If you’re into Americana or folk music, time your trip around the annual Porcupine Mountains Music Festival (this year: August 25 to 27). This loop will cross over three of the major peaks in the park and provide varying terrain to keep the hiking interesting. More of Lake Superior. Plan for … Many of the best trails come within range to both rustic and developed state campgrounds. & Campground Directory Another one starting from the same area is the Little Carp River to the Big Carp River Trail. East and West River Trails. I’m planning a trip here in late July/early August. In 1.5 miles you will intersect with the Beaver Creek Trail. Since the Porcupine Mountains are along Lake Superior, it might be cool enough from the lake to quell the mosquito situation. You can see my view from my tent on to Lake Superior below and it was stunning. This is the second time I have hiked on the North Country Trail this fall. do you think “trail magic” can happen outside of camping?! Porcupine MountainsInformation Page Instead of taking the Overlook Trail you could stay on the Government Peak Trail and do an out and back hike to Trap Falls (1.6 miles one way). Lake of the Clouds Overlook. . My point is it is hard to forecast bug activity. More ambitious hikers could continue all the way to Government Peak (1850 feet elevation) and back for a total of 10.4 miles from the trailhead and back. You lost me there, although I love the trees. Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Area – The lovely Little Carp River. After staring in awe at the scenic overlook, I proceeded to Mirror Lake and then down the Little Carp River Trail. This loop was Part 5 of 6 of my NCT/Lake Superior Adventure. 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. Here's a link to descriptions of several of the hiking trails, Here's a link to information on renting the Rustic Cabins, Here's a link to information on Wilderness Camping in the Porkies. Backpacking the Porcupine Mountains: Backcountry camping and rustic cabins along the shores of Lake Superior. Lake Superior Circle Tour Road Map & Guide to Travel Attractions around Lake Superior. Although the most scenic view was checked off at the very beginning, I still had a beautiful trip ahead. That should be about 30 miles. Union Spring is reputed to be the second largest natural spring in Michigan. Porcupine Mountains - Summit Peak, Union Bay Campground, Camping and Campgrounds - Porcupine Mountains State Park, Waterfalls, Presque Isle River & Campground, Hiking Trail Map & Facility Info on the Porkies, More Porcupine Mountains State Park Resources, Michigan DNR Porcupine Mountain State Park Website South Mirror Lake Loop. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: All the beauty you'd want, in your home state - See 575 traveler reviews, 503 candid photos, and great deals for Ontonagon, MI, at Tripadvisor. See Eric Hansen's guide to hiking the Upper Peninsula and other guides for best hiking in the Upper Peninsula [More info]. Northern Bighorn Mountain Hikes Burgess Junction Visitor Center. Easily one of the best backpacking trails in Lower Michigan. Get more information here on Camping in the Porkies. See our links to other Porcupine Mountains attractions at the bottom of this page. I prefer to constantly break new ground. Fortunately, I met two extremely nice people at the end of the trail named Larry and Kathy. The third edition of the most comprehensive guide to the hiking trails and backcountry camping of Porcupine Mountains State Park. No loops, but if you bring two vehicles you can leap frog. Porcupine Mountains Visitors Bureau The trailhead parking area is located at the end of Michigan Highway 107. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness has been damaged by the increasing backpackering activity. Overlook Falls along the Little Carp River Hiking Trail in the Porcupine Mountains, More Pages on visiting Porcupine Mountains State Park, Porkies Home Page, Summit Peak & Union Bay Campground Top day trip loops & endurance trails: For those who like a challenging hike but would rather have a “day-trip” distance of loop trails, here are our top trails in the region we would recommend. This shuttle hike starts with views of Norwich Bluff and serves up continuous eye candy for nearly its entire 13-mile length. But since we didn't find any specific mention of it, I've decided to name it the King's Castle Loop … 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). Longer Day Hikes. At 1958 feet elevation, it offers quite a panoramic view of the area. You really know what I need: those stunning views. This is a short 1 mile loop with interpretative signs that runs along the Little Union River gorge. I saw the range was from 1600 ft to 640ft are the incline Trail steep? The Summit Peak trail head is reached from the South Boundary Road. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park encompasses 60,000 acres of wilderness covered with old-growth woods, sparkling lakes and rushing rivers. lola recently posted..postcards, pins, patches – what’s your favorite travel souvenirs? This hike was a return to the scene of my first outdoor adventure experience... A return to Porcupine Mountains backpacking. I also wouldn't advise going solo like … Directory Upper Peninsula Travel Pages . 23 miles over 3 planned days, wound up being 2 days in reality due to muddy trails and getting soaked in … Waterfalls Presque Isle River Thanks for the loop suggestions! The trail also goes through some old growth timber. hiking loops. Start at the Norwich Road trailhead and hike 1.3 miles on the North Country Trail to a rock slab with fine views of the Porcupine Mountains and Lake Superior. You can only hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Venturing out on the Escarpment Trail in the Porcupine Mountains, you are rewarded with vistas of Lake of the Clouds, Lake Superior, the Carp River Valley, and one of the greatest feelings of grandeur the Upper Midwest has to offer. The trailhead parking lot is in the Presque Isle unit Recreation Area, which also includes a picnic grounds and rustic campground. stay adventurous, Craig Going west towards Black River Scenic Area . Thanks Scarlette! When it is completed it will be 4,500 miles long, so one could walk to North Dakota or New York. A trail can be a metaphor or a microcosm for life. Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: A Street in Georgetown (Washington, DC). Distance: 4.3 miles Rating: Moderate Location: Ontonagon, MI. It has been a long time since I have hiked the Porkies; however, I have recently camped in northern Minnesota/Canada and Isle Royal in August. Porcupine Mountain Ski Area Website Reservations are available six months in advance and up to 72 hours before arriving at midnrreservations.com or 1-800-44PARKS. Hiking and Backpacking Links - Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Park. You’ll find great riding in the park’s northeast corner. Yep, I was glad to get out on the trail here for the first time in many years. It took a bit of work, but I convinced Sarah that a backpacking trip to the Porcupine Mountains was just what the doctor ordered. The Manistique Boardwalk and River Walk. City a few miles away), popup camping in the two campgrounds, backpacking, or snow skiing, you will find, like we do, the Porcupine Mountains State Park to be a wonderful place in the western U.P. This was our first trip to this region and we are looking forward to returning. In my experience, rain and warm temperatures are what really trigger bug activity. Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. The beautiful Lake of the Clouds was only 300 yards into my trip. The sandstone arches are carved over years by the corrosive forces of ice, water, and wind. Related: Porcupine Mountains Lake of the Clouds photo essay. And I love fall in the US. PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS STATE PARK Please Write: PARK MANAGER PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS STATE PARK 412 5 BOUNDARY RD. If you have two vehicles or have bikes that you can post at a trailhead, there are number of one-way hikes you could do easily within a day without over-straining yourself. Union Spring Trail. It goes along several pristine rivers, through amazing forests, and gives an overview of Mirror Lake and Lake of the Clouds. For daytrippers, we'll profile some of our recommended trips below. Enter your name and email and get the weekly newsletter... it's FREE! Park at the Summit Peak trailhead and take the trail to the tower. Upper Peninsula Fall Color 4 h 27 m. The Escarpment Trail can be directly accessed via 3 trailheads, and makes up a portion of Porcupine Mountains State Park's very robust trail and backpacking system. During the remainder of the year Oct. 16 through May 14, … Attractions Lake of the Clouds is one of the most photographed state park locations in Michigan. This time I choose to start at Lake of the Clouds. Maximum number: 8. It is almost always busy on the Manistee River Trail side, campsites are often doubled or even tripled up. Its 14-mile trail network includes three primary loops known as the North Trail, Beach Trail, and South Trail. The Escarpment Trail from the Govenment Peak Trailhead to the Lake of the Clouds Trailhead is another. Great for planning your trip or tuck the book in your backpack during your hike. you really make us feel like we could enjoy a night of serious camping… it’s never really been on our radar before! All reviews presque isle summit peak porcupine mountains hiking trails visitor center state park escarpment trail lake superior union bay great hiking mirror lake fall colors mile loop carp river silver city bug spray south boundary . Many blogs focus on one aspect of backpacking, but I tackle both the outdoor adventure side and international exploration as well. 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. Of course, with such a bounteous landscape that’s overflowing with scenic trails it’s tough to know where to start your backpacking adventure. Our lodging properties surround the park and make the perfect base camp for exploring backcountry lakes and waterfalls. We knew we wanted to visit again … Required fields are marked *. Porcupine Mountains total distance: 52.2 miles. To extend your hike, start at the Lily Pond trail-head farther south on Summit Peak Road (5.3 miles to cabin). Go here for Upper Peninsula camping, hiking, and backpacking guides, Hotel, Motel Lodging Fall. I am looking to do a night backpacking trip in the Porcies this fall. More waterfalls, hiking pages, and scenic attractions from Munising through Tehquamenon Falls to Sault Ste. . These trails include sections going through old-growth timber, river views and scenic overlooks of three attractive waterfalls and the cascades that run under the bridge. Here's a full map you can print out showing the campsites, back-country rustic cabins, hiking trails, waterfalls, and other points of interest within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The Correction Line Trail climbs steeply heading towards Mirror Lake. Get up to 20% off. A couple of days ago, I posted a short photo essay from Lake of the Clouds overlook. Of course. postcards, pins, patches – what’s your favorite travel souvenirs? 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View was checked off at the bottom of this page bug activity backpacking trips, biking... And another.6 miles to the rivermouth on Lake of the great backpacking parks in the --! Overnight backpacking, and camping arena by many to be the best trails come within range to rustic! Like those along the Trail and then down the hillside to the Park visitor center walk with!