Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, often called "the Porkies," is one of the most expansive and rewarding places to explore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Nearly 60,000 acres of Lake Superior shoreline, dense forests, waterfalls and ridges invite day-trippers, backpackers and families to experience the wild at their own pace.

An Iconic View

The Lake of the Clouds overlook is one of the most photographed spots in the Upper Peninsula and for good reason. A short paved trail and boardwalk lead to the viewing platform. On a clear day, you can see the Big Carp River Valley and 25 miles into the western U.P. Nearby, the Escarpment Trail follows the ridge for more panoramic views. You don’t have to hike the full length to enjoy the scenery; just a few steps in offer impressive rewards.

A Wealth of Waterfalls

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is home to dozens of waterfalls, many of them easy to reach on short trails. The Presque Isle Scenic Area features three of the most visited Nawadaha, Manido and Manabezho along a 2.2-mile loop with forest paths, boardwalks and a suspension bridge. Nawadaha Falls, the uppermost, is a broad drop reached by a brief walk. Downstream, tiered Manido Falls flows over layered rock and further along, Manabezho Falls plunges about 25 feet, viewed from designated overlooks. From the suspension bridge, you can see distinctive pothole formations in the riverbed, a popular photo subject. Beyond Presque Isle, the Little Carp River Trail leads to quieter Greenstone and Overlooked Falls, while other routes reveal hidden cascades deep in the forest. Spring and early summer bring the highest flow, when snowmelt swells rivers across the park and waterfalls are at their most dramatic.

Explore the Trails

With over 90 miles of trails, there are plenty of options whether you're looking for a quick forest walk or a multi-day backcountry experience. The Visitor Center Nature Trail offers a relaxed 1.4-mile loop with interpretive signs, great for families or first-time visitors. More experienced hikers might tackle the Lake Superior Trail, a challenging 17-mile trek that follows the shoreline. Backcountry permits are required for overnight stays, and the views are worth the effort.

Climb Summit Peak

At 1,958 feet, Summit Peak is the tallest point in the park and the third-highest in Michigan. A short trail leads to an observation tower that puts you higher than even Mount Arvon, the state’s tallest natural point. From the top, you can see far into the forest canopy, Lake Superior and on clear days, all the way to Isle Royale.

Ski the Porkies

In winter, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park operates a downhill ski area with 15 runs, a vertical drop of about 560 feet and views of Lake Superior. It also offers more than 20 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails that range from beginner loops to more challenging backcountry routes. The ski hill has a chairlift and a rope tow, and the trail system connects to warming shelters. Ski and snowboard rentals are available in season, and the area typically opens from December through March, depending on snowfall.

Spend the Night

Porcupine Mountains camping and lodging options are varied. Union Bay Campground has modern amenities and easy lake access. Rustic cabins and yurts are spaced out across the park and bookable in advance. For those headed into the backcountry, designated campsites are available along the trails. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season.

Visitor Center

The recently renovated Porcupine Mountains Visitor Center near the park’s eastern entrance is a great place to learn about the park. Inside, you’ll find updated exhibits on the region’s geology and ecology, plus helpful staff and accessible amenities. Trail maps and permits are available here, along with tips for making the most of your visit.

Accessibility in the Park

The Lake of the Clouds overlook is wheelchair accessible via a paved path and boardwalk, offering one of the park's most iconic views. The recently renovated visitor center also includes accessible exhibits, restrooms and parking. While some trails are relatively flat or have boardwalks, others can be steep or uneven, so it's best to check with park staff about current accessibility before heading out.

More Than Just Nature

Beyond the trails and trees, the park supports a vibrant creative community. Friends of the Porkies hosts Folk School classes in fiber arts, woodworking and more throughout the warmer months. And every August, the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival brings three days of performances, workshops and family fun to the ski hill near the visitor center.

FAQ

Q: How many ridges make up the Porcupine Mountains, and what are their heights?
A: The Porkies have three main ridges. The first rises 1,000 feet from Lake Superior to a peak of 1,600 feet. The second peaks at 1,850 feet. The tallest is Summit Peak at 1,958 feet, making it the third-highest point in Michigan.

Q: What is special about Mirror Lake?
A: Mirror Lake sits in a high valley at about 1,500 feet on the south side of the second ridge.

Q: How significant is the park’s old-growth forest?
A: Covering 35,000 acres, it is considered the biggest and best tract of virgin Northern Hardwoods in North America and is one of the largest relatively undisturbed northern hemlock-hardwood forests west of the Adirondacks.

Q: Has the Porcupine Mountains area received any national recognition?
A: Yes. The federal government designated the Porcupine Mountains a National Natural Landmark in 1984. In the late 1930s, the area was even proposed as a national park, but those plans were dropped during World War II, leading citizens and the state to step in and protect the Porkies.

Q: How much snow does the park get?
A: Due to its location near Lake Superior, the park often receives extreme lake-effect snowfall, with some winters bringing over 250 inches and occasional seasons approaching 300 inches.

Plan Your Visit

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigan’s largest state park and home to one of the continent’s most impressive old-growth northern hardwood forests. Whether you're coming for a few hours or a few days, there's no shortage of things to do in the Porcupine Mountains.