Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (The Porkies) is located just west of Ironwood. The park has 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, waterfalls, Lake Superior Shoreline, rivers, trails and more. There are over 90 miles of hiking trails throughout the park for all skill levels. The trails range from easy, flat trails to steep, challenging trails.

The park has many natural attractions including the Lake of the Clouds and the Presque Isle River Corridor. There is also an observation tower at the Summit Peak, fall chairlift rides and an 18 hole disc golf course.

The park also feature the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sport Complex that is located just inside the parks entrance. The complex offer downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat-tire biking in the winter. Guided snowshoe and cross-country skiing hikes are available.

Recreation Passport is required for entry. More information at the Visitors Center or by calling 906-885-5275.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Map
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Trail Information
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Trail Map

Beaver Creek Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking
Trail Length: 1.2 miles

The Beaver Creek Trail Combines perfectly with the Lily Pond Trail as it creates a perfect half-day scenic hike. Both trails, plus a portion of Little Carp River Trail, combine to create a short, scenic route through the heart of Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park. If you start at the beginning of Beaver Creek Trail, it will take you 2 miles until you hit Lily Pond. This trailhead can be found at the parking area at the end of Summit Peak Road.

Big Carp River Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking
Trail Length: 9.6 miles
Highway M-107 to Correction Line Trail — 5.3 miles
Correction Line Trail to Shining Cloud Falls — 2.9 miles
Shining Cloud Falls to river mouth — 1.4 miles

Hike the Big Carp River Trail in the heart of the Porkies and you will begin your day on a high rocky bluff overlooking the rugged landscape of the beautiful mountain range at the Lake of the Clouds overlook. The famous Big Carp River Trail is a 9.6-mile hike from the mountains to Lake Superior. Hikers will find themselves ending their journey on the beautiful shores of Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater sea. Along their way, hikers will be able to take in the sights along the Big Carp River, including thundering waterfalls, wildlife native to the state park and towering pine trees. Visitors should be advised that this is typically a challenging hike, and often times, hikers will camp along the route to fully take in the surroundings.

Cross Trail/Correction Line Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking
Trail Length: 7.3 miles
Cross Trail – 4.5 miles
Correction Line Trail – 2.8 miles

The Correction Line Trail and Cross Trail are located in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. They cross the heart of the park’s old growth forest and connect the Big Carp River Trail to Mirror Lake. Several travelers combine portions of the Lake Superior Trail and the Big Carp River Trail and return using the Correction Line and Mirror Lake Trail. The Correction Line trail is a single, 2.8-mile loop challenging footpath filled with ridges and old growth forest terrain. The trail does contain a steep climb when journeying towards Mirror Lake. The Cross Trail is 4.5 miles in length.

Deer Yard Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Mountain Biking
Trail Length: 5 miles

The Deer Yard Trail, located in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the Upper Peninsula, is one of several trails that make up the mountain biking and cross-country ski trail system in the park. The Deer Yard Trail is north of M-107 and passes by the Whitetail Cabin and the White Birch warming shelter. From the Deer Yard Trail, you should be able to take in the picturesque views of Lake Superior and the surrounding wilderness. The trail can be picked up just north of the downhill ski area.

Double Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Mountain Biking
Trail Length: 3 miles

The Double Trail, located inside the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, is one of several trails that make up the mountain biking and cross-country skiing trail system in the park. The Double Trail stretches for three miles through the rolling hills of the Porcupine Mountains. The Double Trail is connected to the Union Spring Trail, has easy access to the Triple and Log Camp Trails and can be accessed via the Downhill Ski Area. Mountain biking and cross-country skiing are both allowed on the trail, weather permitting.

East and West River Trails

Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking
Trail Length: 2.3 miles
East River Trail – 1.2 miles
West River Trail – 1.1 miles

These trails follow the Presque Isle River, the largest river in the park. Boardwalk and viewing platforms allow breathtaking views of waterfalls and rapids. No swimming or wading is permitted in the Presque Isle River.

East and West Vista Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Mountain Biking
Trail Length: 2.5 miles

Lake of the Clouds

Escarpment Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking
Trail Length: 4.3 miles

The Escarpment Trail, located in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, is one of the most picturesque hiking trails in all of Michigan. It combines a high rocky bluff and alpine-life vistas with views of the park’s interior including the Upper Carp River Valley and Lake of the Clouds. The trail provides the unique experience of viewing the lake from several different angles, rather than just at one of the visitor viewpoints. The trail is point-to-point, so you if you plan to complete the entire trail from start to finish, you must travel 4.3 miles in and 4.3 miles back, however it can be accessed at three different trailheads if you are looking for a shorter journey.

Government Peak Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking
Trail Length: 7.3 miles
Government Peak Trailhead to Overlook Trail – .7 miles
Overlook Trail to Union Spring Trail – 1.3 miles
Union Spring Trail to Lost Lake Trail – 1.3 miles
Lost Lake Trail to Government Peak – 1.9 miles
Government Peak to North Mirror Lake Trail – 7.3 miles

The Government Peak trail is nestled in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. It stretches 7.3 miles from a trailhead off M-107, heads south to a junction with the Lost Lake Trail and then eventually merges into the North Mirror Lake Trail. The first half of the hike features scenic backcountry campsites and a view of Trap Falls. The best way to hike this trail and get the best possible views of the Porcupine Mountains and the Lake of the Clouds, is to follow the connections to North Mirror Trail. Visitors will experience a wide variety of terrain and wildlife as they make their journey.

Lake Superior Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking –
Trail Length: 17.1 miles
Presque Isle River to Speakers Creek – 2.1 mile
Speakers Creek to mouth of Little Carp River – 4.2 miles
Little Carp River mouth to mouth of Big Carp River – 4.2 miles
Big Carp River mouth to Lone Rock – 4.6 miles
Lone rock to M-107 – 4.9 miles

Take in the beauty of Lake Superior along the rugged and remote Lake Superior Trail in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. This out-and-back, 16.6-mile trail will give you a picturesque view of the lake and several chances to view wildlife in the area. Backpackers and hikers alike will find waterfalls and the Presque Isle River along their journey as well as a wide variety of terrain. Lose yourself in the beauty of the shoreline of Northern Michigan along the Lake Superior Trail. The Lake Superior Trail is known as the most difficult trail in the park.

Lily Pond Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking
Trail Length: 2.5 miles
Summit Peak Road to Little Carp River Trail – 2.1 miles
Little Carp River Trail to Lily Pond Trail – .4 miles

The Lily Pond and Beaver Creek loops combine perfectly with a portion of the Little Carp River trail and create the perfect half-day scenic hike. The Lily Pond Trail itself is 2.5 miles long and gains 643 ft. of elevation along the journey. If you combine this loop with the Little Carp River Trail and the Beaver Creek trail, you will create an entire loop, but if you decide you only want to hike the Lily Pond Trail, you will have to hike in and back out. The trail contains ridges and old-growth forests and is considered to be a moderately difficult hike.

Log Camp Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Mountain Biking
Trail Length: 5 miles

The Log Camp Trail, located in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the Upper Peninsula, is one of several trails that make up the mountain biking and cross-country ski trail system in the park. The Log Camp Trail connects the River Trail and the Triple Trail and stretches for 3 miles through the rolling hills and wilderness of the Porcupine Mountains. The trail can be picked up at the warming shelter near the downhill ski area, or along the River or Triple trail.

Lost Lake Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking
Trail Length: 6.7 miles
South Boundary Road to Lost Lake – 1.9 miles
Lost Lake to Government Peak Trail – 1.5 miles

The Lost Lake trail, one of the most popular in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, extends from South Boundary Road to Government Peak Trail. Along the way, visitors will see backcountry campsites and picturesque views of the quiet and serene Lost Lake. The hike is a moderately easy, out-and-back journey of about 6 miles (3.4 miles each way) and includes some climbing if you are going to extend your hike beyond the lake.

Nonesuch Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Mountain Biking
Trail Length: 3 miles

The Nonesuch Trail, located in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, is one of several trails that make up the mountain biking and cross-country skiing trail system in the park. The Nonesuch trail stretches for 3 miles through the rolling hills and wilderness of the Porcupine Mountains. The trail can be picked up on the north end of the Downhill Ski Area and stretches south towards the River Trail. The trail is accessible for mountain biking and cross-country skiing.

Presque Isle Falls

North Mirror Lake Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking
Trail Length: 7.3 miles
M107 parking to Government Peak trail – 2.9 miles
Government Peak Trail to Mirror Lake – .9 miles

The North Mirror Lake Trail, is one of two trails that encircle the famous Mirror Lake of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The Northern loop is the longer of the two loops, as it stretches 7.3 total miles. Most hikers combine the South and North Mirror Lake Trail to cross through the heart of the Porcupine Mountains, beginning at Summit Peak Road and ending at the Lake of the Clouds overlook. However, from south to north, this trail goes from moderate to challenging difficulty levels, so visitors should plan well ahead of time before beginning their exploration.

Overlook trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking
Trail Length: 2.7 miles

This popular loop offers scenic views and magnificent old-growth hardwoods. Hikers will encounter steep uphill and downhill trail sections on this route.

Pinkerton Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking
Trail Length: 2.6 miles
South Boundary Road to Pinkerton Creek – 1.4 miles
Pinkerton Creek to Lake Superior Trail – 1.2 miles

Pinkerton Trail is located in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. It is a 2.6-mile in-and-out trail and is the shortest route to the cabins and campsites near the mouth of the Big Carp River. The trail passes through impressive stands of virgin hemlock and crosses several bridged streams and creeks along the way. It also provides the most direct access for fishing in the mouth of the Little Carp River. The trail is primarily for hiking, trail running and cross-country skiing.

River Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Mountain Biking
Trail Length: 10.5 miles

South Mirror Lake Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Mountain Biking
Trail Length: 3 miles
Summit Peak Road to Old Summit Peak Trail – 1.5 miles
Old Summit Peak Trail to Mirror Lake – 1.5 miles

The South Mirror Lake Trail, is one of two trails that encircle the famous Mirror Lake of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The Southern Loop is the shorter of the two loops, as it is only 3 miles. Along this trail, visitors will find several backcountry campsites and cabins scattered throughout. Most hikers combine the South and North Mirror Lake Trail to cross through the heart of the Porcupine Mountains, beginning at Summit Peak Road and ending at the Lake of the Clouds overlook.

Summit Peak Tower Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking
Trail Length: .5 miles

This trail provides an opportunity to visit Summit Peak, at 1,958 feet, the highest point in the park. A 40-foot observation tower provides an outstanding view of the park as well as surrounding area. As Michigan’s highest viewing 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.

Hungarian Falls

Superior Loop

Cross-Country Skiing & Mountain Biking
Trail Length: 1.5 miles

The Superior Loop, located in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the Upper Peninsula, is one of several trails that make up the mountain biking and cross-country ski trail system in the park. The Superior Loop is a short, 1.5-mile loop connected to the Deer Yard Trail. The trail offers views of Lake Superior, passes through the rolling hills terrain of the state park and has easy access to the White Birch warming shelter. The trail can be picked up along the Deer Yard Trail or from the Union West Bay Yurt.

Triple Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Mountain Biking
Trail Length: 3 miles

The Triple Trail, located inside the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, is one of several trails that make up the mountain biking and cross-country skiing trail system in the park. The Triple Trail stretches for 3 miles through the rolling hills of the Porcupine Mountains. The Triple Trail easily connects to the Union Springs Trail and the Log Camp Trail. The trail is accessible for mountain biking and cross-country skiing via the downhill ski area.

Union Mine Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking
Trail Length: 1 mile

The Union Mine Trail, nestled in the heart of Porcupine Mountains, is perfect for any waterfall lover, especially during especially rainy seasons. The trail is also rich with history of copper mining in the Porcupine Mountains and visitors will be able to learn about this history as they move along the trail via interpretive plaques that feature text and photos of the colorful history. The single loop is 1 mile long and ends with a 100-foot climb, so visitors should keep this in mind before they begin their journey.

Union Spring Trail

Cross-Country Skiing, Hiking & Mountain Biking
Trail Length: 4 miles
South Boundary Road to Impoundment – 1.4 miles
Impoundment to Union Spring – .6 miles
Union Spring to Government Peak Trail – 2 miles

Access the Government Peak Trail by way of the 4-mile Union Spring Trail, located in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The trail extends from South Boundary Road to the Government Peak trail, past the second largest natural spring in the State of Michigan, which is typically what initially draws in visitors. The trail is highlighted by the crystal clear pool of Union Spring and is best for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing.

Visitor Center Nature Trail

Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking
Trail Length: 1.4 miles

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.

Whitetail Path

Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking
Trail Length: .8 miles

The Whitetail Path, one of several trails that lies within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, is a short, 0.8-mile path that is perfect for campers that are staying at Union Bay Campground. The trail will take you from the Union Bay Campground to the Wilderness Visitor’s Center, making it a perfect way to experience the wilderness of the area in a short amount of time. Plus, a stop at the Wilderness Visitor’s Center is a must when visiting the park.