The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the Porkies to most of us, is Michigan's largest state park. The Michigan DNR puts it at 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, waterfalls, Lake Superior shoreline, rivers, trails and ridges. 1

What to see

Lake of the Clouds is the view people come for: an overlook with an accessible walkway and an observation platform. The DNR also names the Presque Isle River corridor, with an accessible platform over Nawadaha Falls on the West River Trail, and the Summit Peak observation tower. 1

The park has 90 miles of hiking trails, including pieces of the North Country Trail and the Iron Belle Trail. Union Bay on Superior has 1.6 miles of shore along M-107. 1

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Visitor Center sits near the junction of South Boundary Road and Highway M-107. The DNR lists interpretive programs, an exhibit hall and trail-condition notes there. Open days belong on the park page. 1

Best seasons

People come year-round for camping, hiking, snowmobiling and fishing. 1 Fall color in the western Upper Peninsula is part of the long wave the DNR and Pure Michigan map each year. Use those maps the week you go; this page does not name a peak week. 3 Some park roads close in winter and become snowmobile trails. Current closures belong on the DNR park page. 1

How to get there

The DNR address is 33303 Headquarters Road, Ontonagon, Michigan, 49953. 1 Presque Isle Scenic Area is reached from the west side of the park. Which roads are open that week is on the park page. 1

Tips

  • Lake of the Clouds is the overlook. The DNR also points people to Summit Peak and the Presque Isle River if you want a second view. 1
  • Carry a map. Ninety miles of trail is easy to mix up once you leave the overlook lots. 1
  • We do not have a Porkies listing in the shop. The nearest UP pages we keep are Tahquamenon Falls and Isle Royale.

Safety

Lake Superior, winter roads and a large backcountry are the hazards the DNR names. This page does not report today's snow, water or which roads are open. Check the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park page and the DNR beach safety page before you go. 12