Hiking Trails in the

LAKE SUPERIOR TRAIL
This trail, longest in the park, follows the rocky shore of Lake Superior and affords many outstanding views. Rugged and remote this trail is among the Porkie's most challenging. Total trail length 16 miles.

LITTLE CARP RIVER TRAIL
The Little Carp River Trail is among the most scenic in the park. The turbulent rapids and inspiring waterfalls of the Little Carp River, and the serene beauty of magnificent timber makes this a trip to remember. Brook trout fishing is found along the length of the Little Carp River. Total trail length 11 miles.

PINKERTON TRAIL
The Pinkerton Trail leads through impressive stands of virgin hemlock to the mouths of the Big and Little Carp Rivers 3 miles.

CROSS TRAIL AND CORRECTION LINE TRAIL
These two trails give backpackers access to explore additional sections of the park.
Cross Trail (total length) 5 miles
Correction Line Trail (total length) 3 miles.

LILY POND TRAIL
Lily Pond is a small trout lake which can be fished successfully from a boat or other floating device, but is not safe for wading because of a soft bottom. A fine stand of virgin pine is near Lily Pond. 3 miles

SOUTH MIRROR LAKE TRAIL
This is the most direct route to Mirror Lake and fine brook trout fishing. The side trip to Summit Peak is one mile long. 2 1/2 miles

SUMMIT PEAK TOWER TRAIL
This trail provides an opportunity to visit Summit Peak at 1,958 feet, the highest point in the park. A 40-ft. observation tower provides an outstanding view of the park as well as the surrounding area . Wisconsin, Minnesota, the Apostle Islands, and Copper Peak are a few of the sights that can be seen on a clear day. A viewing deck on the way up to the summit provides a panorama of the Little Carp River valley and ranks as one of the best views of the park. Summit Peak parking area to Summit Peak Tower 1/2 mile

BEAVER CREEK TRAIL
Descending from the Summit Peak parking area and trailhead, the Beaver Creek Trail joins the Little Carp River Trail 1.3 miles south of Mirror Lake. Bridging and boardwalks allows the hiker to view and investigate wetlands adjacent to the Little Carp River as it winds though beaver meadows and alder thickets. This trail is great for bird watchers and other naturalists. Beaver Creek Trail to Lily Pond Trail 1 mile.

BIG CARP RIVER TRAIL
The variety of scenery on this trail beckons hikers. The first two miles parallel the escarpment with many outstanding views. The trail then descends into the Big Carp River Valley following below the slopes of Miscowabic Peak and passing by the old Lafayette Mine. Shining Cloud Falls, highest in the park are about one mile upstream from the mouth. The river offers many turbulent rapids and brook trout fishing. Total trail length 9 miles.

NORTH MIRROR LAKE TRAIL
This trail crosses the heart of the 'Porkies' and ends at Mirror Lake. Surrounded by rugged bluffs and magnificent pines, at 1,532 feet, it is the highest lake in the park. Hikers should be in good physical condition to test this trail as most of the southbound route is uphill. Total trail length: 4 miles.

GOVERNMENT PEAK TRAIL
The Government Peak Trail is popular with overnight hikers. The trail follows the Carp River inlet for two miles to Trap Falls and then west to Government Peak through fine stands of hardwood and hemlock. At 1,850 feet, Government Peak is the second highest point in the park. Total trail length 7 1/2 miles.

ESCARPMENT TRAIL
The Escarpment Trail may offer the most beautiful scenery in the park. The hiker follows the impressive escarpment skirts over Cloud Peak and Cuyahoga Peak, and descends to the north end of Government Peak Trail. Sheer cliffs and vista of the Lake of the Clouds far below will not be soon forgotten. 4 miles.

OVERLOOK TRAIL
This trail offers outstanding virgin timber and many scenic views: a popular side trip from the Government Peak Trail. 3 miles.

EAST AND WEST RIVER TRAILS
These two trails follow the Presque Isle River, the largest and most beautiful of the rivers in the Porcupines. Boardwalk and viewing platforms allow breathtaking views of this river. Spectacular waterfalls, cascades and rapids are but a short walk from the parking area. For your safety, no swimming or wading is permitted in the Presque Isle River. Be very careful when exploring this area. Take children by the hand and do not permit them to hike the area without adult supervision. South Boundary Road to mouth of Presque Isle River (each way) 1 mile.

LOST LAKE TRAIL
Lost Lake is a small beautiful wilderness lake. The trail joins Government Peak Trail for a shortcut from the South Boundary Road to Highway M-107. Total trail length 4 1/2 miles.

UNION SPRING TRAIL
The Union Spring is the second largest natural spring in Michigan. From the floating dock, view over 700 gallons of clear water bubble out the ground each minute, a subtle yet fascinating sight. Total trail length 4 miles.

UNION MINE TRAIL
The Union Mine Trail is an interesting short hike. It features the Little Union Gorge and history of the Union Mine. Points of interest are marked by interpretive signs. Total trail length 1 mile.

VISITOR CENTER NATURE TRAIL
The Visitor Center Natural Trail is a loop trail designed to orient new visitors, through interpretive stations, to natural features commonly found in the park. Total Trail Length 1 miles.

WHITETAIL PATH
Whitetail Path is an access trail allowing campers at the Union Bay Campground an opportunity to stretch their legs with a short hike to the Visitor Center. M-107 at Union Bay Campground to Visitor Center 1 mile.

For Reservations and Information about

PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS STATE PARK

Please Write:

PARK MANAGER

PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS STATE PARK

412 5 BOUNDARY RD.

ONTONAGON, MI 49953

PHONE: (906) 885-5275

 

 

MAP of the Porkies

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