Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan

24,280 acres of wilderness: Ancient maple and beech forests, waterfalls, and panoramic views at Lake Superior

Best visiting time: May to October, with fall colors from late September to mid-October

Stay overnight in the park: Presque Isle Campground or Union Bay Campground

Must-Dos: Lake of the Clouds, Summit Peak, Presque Isle Falls Loop, Mirror Lake Trail

Bear territory: Always secure your food in bear-proof containers

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, or 'Porkies', is the largest state park in Michigan, covering 24,280 acres and one of the last great contiguous wilderness areas in the Midwest. Visitors can expect ancient maple and beech forests, over 90 hiking trails, spectacular viewpoints, and numerous waterfalls.

This guide contains the best travel times, accommodation options, hiking highlights, and practical tips from personal experience to help you make the most out of your visit.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is located in the far northwest of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, right on the southern shore of Lake Superior. You can quickly reach the park from Wisconsin via US Highway 2 and M-64 - just keep in mind that shortly after crossing the border, you will switch from Central Time (Wisconsin) to Eastern Time (Michigan), losing an hour.

Covering 24,280 acres, it is not only Michigan's largest state park but also the only officially designated wilderness area in the state. Its ancient maple and beech forests are among the last remaining old-growth in the Midwest.

The 'Porkies' are known for:

Panoramic views at Lake of the Clouds and Summit Peak

Diverse hiking trails - from short walks to multi-day routes

Waterfalls along picturesque rivers

Seclusion and tranquility - perfect for experiencing nature up close

The park is open year-round, although access to some areas is restricted in winter. The main season runs from May to October.

Click on the image of the map of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park to download it as a PDF.

Most visitors come between May and October when the trails are snow-free and temperatures are pleasant. In early summer, from mid-May to late July, you should expect the black fly season - these pesky little insects can be bothersome and bite. A good insect repellent is essential during this time.

July and August are warm, with temperatures around 77°F, but at Lake Superior, it can often be much cooler. Always pack layers. Our experience matched this: pleasantly warm summer days and cool nights.

Fall is one of the most beautiful times in the park. The foliage peaks mostly between late September and mid-October, transforming the forests into a sea of orange, red, and yellow hues.

In winter, the park becomes a destination for cross-country skiers and snowshoers, though many roads and trails may be inaccessible.

In the park, you can choose from campgrounds, rustic cabins, yurts, and backcountry sites. A Recreation Passport ($41) is required. For non-residents, purchasing an annual sticker is worthwhile if you plan on visiting multiple parks. Sometimes, you might be lucky and find that your camper or rental car already has one. Our camper was brand new, so we bought a sticker, which pays off with multiple visits.

Union Bay Campground is located right on Lake Superior in the eastern part of the park and is the only modern campground in the Porcupine Mountains. It offers electric and water hookups, proper restrooms, and hot showers - ideal for campervans and RVs. Notably, the campsites are right by the lake, often with views of the water. It can get crowded during peak season, so early reservations are recommended. We, of course, booked last minute and didn't get a spot right on the shore.

Also, remember: always secure your food in bear-proof containers. Black bears are frequently spotted in the park, and there are signs everywhere warning about them. Unfortunately, we didn't see any.

Rustic campground in the western part of the park, without electricity, with vault toilets and hand pumps for water. Located quietly right by the lake, serving as a starting point for the Presque Isle Falls Loop.

Rustic cabins: with wood stoves, bunk beds, cooking utensils, and outdoor toilets. Usually only accessible by foot (1-4 miles).

Yurts: Similar amenities as cabins, accommodates up to four people, also without electricity and water.

Booking: Up to 6 months in advance is recommended.

Over 60 primitive sites within the park, with no infrastructure. Backcountry permit required. For experienced hikers equipped with complete gear. These are also quickly booked.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers over 90 hiking trails - from short walks to multi-day routes. We focused on some of the most well-known and beautiful hikes that can be nicely combined in one or two days.

The most famous highlight of the park: from the parking lot, short wooden walkways and trails lead along the ridge to several viewpoints. The view of the emerald Lake of the Clouds, surrounded by dense forest, is especially spectacular in autumn and at sunrise. Often, the lake is shrouded in clouds, giving it its name.

In the opposite direction, you can see the Big Carp River winding through the valley.

In the summer when we visited, it was way too warm, no clouds, and a light drizzle in the morning.

Length: about 0.87 miles

Difficulty: easy

Duration: 30-60 minutes

Tip: Early morning or later in the afternoon is quieter here, as many visitors come just for this viewpoint. Additionally, the sun isn't so harsh in the sky and allows for better photos than we managed.

From the parking lot, a short, steady climb leads to the platform on Summit Peak, the highest point in the park. On clear days, you can see all the way to Lake Superior. Especially in autumn, a vibrant sea of colors spreads out beneath you.

We extended the hike into a loop: from Summit Peak, we went via the Beaver Creek Trail and Little Carp River Trail to Mirror Lake and back. The trail winds through dense forests, past clear streams and quiet glades.

We saw a lot of squirrels here and heard woodpeckers hammering. It was beautiful. We also didn't see bears here.

Length: about 5.2 miles (loop)

Difficulty: moderate

Duration: 3-4 hours

Tip: Don't forget mosquito repellent! We left ours in the camper once and immediately regretted it.

Note: I recommend and use the app from Outdooractive Pro. Why don't I use Komoot anymore? They just casually used my photos and data for free.

In the western part of the park, you can find the Presque Isle Falls - a series of three waterfalls (Manabezho Falls, Manido Falls, Nawadaha Falls), which you can reach via short paths and wooden walkways along the West River Trail. We first walked the Lakeshore Loop and then followed the West River Trail before returning along the boardwalk by the river.

At Lakeshore, there were many lupines, reminding me of my travels in Iceland.

Images at Lakeshore Trail:

Length: about 2.5 miles (combination of trails)

Difficulty: easy

Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Tip: Start at Parking Lot 3, as there's enough space even for larger campers.

The 'Porkies' and the surrounding Ontonagon County are a paradise for waterfall fans. Some are located directly in the park, while others are accessible with a short drive. Many are particularly impressive in spring and fall when the water flow is stronger.

Manabezho Falls, Manido Falls, Nawadaha Falls - part of the Presque Isle Scenic Area, all three are easily reachable from the parking lot and connected by short paths.

Overlooked Falls & Greenstone Falls - Smaller, but very scenic waterfalls along the Little Carp River. Easily combined into a short hike.

Nonesuch Falls - Located on the Iron River, near the ruins of the Nonesuch Mine.

Bond Falls - One of the most famous waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula. A short boardwalk with several viewpoints leads right to the wide, multi-tiered waterfall.

O-Kun-De-Kun Falls - Rare free-falling waterfalls on the Baltimore River, a short yet rewarding hike.

Cascade Falls - Beautiful, multi-tiered waterfall on the West Branch of the Ontonagon River. A 1.2-mile loop with a gentle ascent.

Agate Falls - On the Ontonagon River, a short walk from the parking lot, ideal for a quick stop.

Tip: If you're visiting in the fall, Bond Falls and O-Kun-De-Kun Falls are absolute highlights - not just because of the amount of water but also due to the foliage surrounding them.

Even off the trails, there are opportunities to enjoy the scenery in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

Just about 30 minutes west of the Porcupine Mountains, Copper Peak in Ironwood boasts the highest ski jump in the world. It opened in 1969, has been the venue for international competitions for decades, and is currently undergoing extensive renovations to offer year-round ski jump events and training starting in 2026.

The Copper Peak Adventure Ride, which includes a chairlift, elevator, and optional climb to the starting gate, is currently (as of August 2025) closed. Whether and when visitors can use the ride again depends on construction progress. Be sure to check their official website before your visit to see if it is open.

From the top, you have the highest publicly accessible viewpoint in the Midwest - on clear days you can see over 6,500 square miles, three U.S. states, and even Canada. It's unfortunate that it was closed during our visit; I would have dared to take the adventurous ride in the ancient chairlift.

If it is reopened during your visit, take the Copper Peak Adventure Ride.

Visit the official website of the Copper Peak Adventure Ride

At many points in the park, you have direct access to the lake. Especially in the evening, it's worth taking a detour to the shore - with a bit of luck, you might witness a colorful sunset.

With a bit of patience, you can observe white-tailed deer, beavers, otters, and various bird species. Black bears are also frequently encountered - always keep your distance and store food securely.

Black bears: Often spotted in more remote forest areas and along rivers like the Big Carp River or the Little Carp River Trail. Best viewing times: early morning or during dusk.

White-tailed deer: Easily seen in open meadows near South Boundary Road and at forest edges near campgrounds. Particularly active in the early morning hours.

Beavers & otters: At Mirror Lake and along the Beaver Creek Trail, there are good chances to see dams, gnaw marks, and sometimes even the animals themselves. It's quietest if you quietly sit by the shore and wait a bit.

Birds: In spring and summer, it's worth visiting the swampy areas around the Union Spring Trail - ideal for birdwatchers. Birds of prey like eagles and hawks are often seen from Summit Peak or the viewpoints at Lake of the Clouds.

Tip: A pair of binoculars and a bit of patience are a must. The more remote and quiet your location, the greater the chance of seeing wildlife. During our visit, it often rained lightly; neither birds nor deer like that, so they retreat deeper into the woods under the trees for shelter.

Even though the 'Porkies' were slightly off our route around the Great Lakes, the detour was very much worth it. We truly enjoyed our time here, and I recommend everyone to visit this park. The two longer drives (from Door County and to Munising) were definitely worth it.

After visiting the Porcupine Mountains, it's worthwhile to continue your journey in the region:

Keweenaw Peninsula - A peninsula with historic mining towns, winding coastal roads, waterfalls, and lighthouses.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Munising) - Spectacular, vividly colored sandstone cliffs, boat tours, and coastal hikes.

Door County (Wisconsin) - A peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan with charming towns, cherry orchards, and beaches.

Check out my travel report on the Great Lakes road trip starting from Chicago.

These destinations can be perfectly combined with a road trip through the Upper Peninsula depending on your route.

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