Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

33303 Headquarters Road
Ontonagon MI, 49953-9087

906-885-5275
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

60000 (Acres)

Required

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Event Information

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Trails

Porcupine Mts-Beaver Creek Trail
Trail Length: 1.20 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Big Carp River Trail
Trail Length: 9.60 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Cross Trail/Correction Line Trail
Trail Length: 7.30 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Deer Yard Trail
Trail Length: 5.00 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Double Trail
Trail Length: 3.00 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-East and West River Trails
Trail Length: 2.30 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-East and West Vista Trail
Trail Length: 2.50 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Escarpment Trail
Trail Length: 4.30 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Government Peak Trail
Trail Length: 7.30 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Lake Superior Trail
Trail Length: 17.10 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Lily Pond Trail
Trail Length: 2.50 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Log Camp Trail
Trail Length: 5.00 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Lost Lake Trail
Trail Length: 6.70 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Nonesuch Trail
Trail Length: 3.00 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-North Mirror Lake Trail
Trail Length: 7.30 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Overlook Trail
Trail Length: 2.70 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Pinkerton Trail
Trail Length: 2.60 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-River Trail
Trail Length: 10.50 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-South Mirror Lake Trail
Trail Length: 3.00 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Summit Peak Tower Trail
Trail Length: 0.50 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Superior Loop
Trail Length: 1.50 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Triple Trail
Trail Length: 3.00 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Union Mine Trail
Trail Length: 1.00 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Union Spring Trail
Trail Length: 4.00 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Visitor Center Nature Trail
Trail Length: 1.40 (Miles)
Porcupine Mts-Whitetail Path
Trail Length: 0.80 (Miles)

About the Area

Activities (Display as List)

Boat Rental Item is accessible.
Boat Rental: Simple Adventures offers canoe and kayak rentals late May through mid-October. Call 906-275-4200 for more info.
Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing:

The park maintains 42 km of groomed cross-country ski trails. Trail grooming is supported by donations to the park. View cross-country ski trail map.

Child, teen and adult-sized adaptive sit skis are available to borrow from the Porkies Ski Chalet. They are fully adjustable and can be towed by a partner skier or used independently on the park's cross-country and lantern-lit trails. Please call ahead for details, availability or assistance 906-885-5270.

Disc Golf Item is accessible.
Disc Golf: An 18-hole course is located in the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex. The course is free, and discs are available for rent at the park’s campground store located near the Union Bay Campground entrance on M-107. Call 906-885-5612 for more info. The course is open late May through mid-October.
Dog Sledding Item is accessible.
Dog Sledding
Downhill Skiing Item is accessible.
Downhill Skiing: The Facebook page for news and updates.
Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: There are numerous fishing opportunities in the park. Natural brook trout habitat is found throughout the Porkies watershed. Lake of the Clouds has special fishing regulations.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking: The park is home to 90 miles of hiking trails. In the park, you can also hike portions of the North Country Trail and Michigan's Iron Belle Trail.
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting: Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Metal Detecting Item is accessible.
Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.
Nature Programs Item is accessible.
Nature Programs: Professional interpretive naturalists lead weekly nature-based programming (PDF) July through September.
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: Paddling is a popular activity in Union Bay in Lake Superior. Parking is available at the Union Bay boating access site adjacent to Union Bay Campground.
Snowmobiling Item is accessible.
Snowmobiling: In addition to a few trails that are open to snowmobiling, County Road 107 and South Boundary Road transition to designated snowmobile trails during the snowmobile season. During this time, they are closed to vehicular traffic until the roads are deemed safe to travel by the Ontonagon County Road Commission
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing
WiFi Item is accessible.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available at the visitor center late May through mid-October.
Winter Camping Item is accessible.
Winter Camping: Dispersed backcountry camping and winter camping in the middle parking lot of the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex is available Dec. 1 through May 15. You must register at park headquarters between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A few overnight lodging facilities offer winter reservations as well.

Facilities (Display as List)

Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch: Two boat launches access Lake Superior. One launch is located adjacent to Union Bay Campground, and the second is located at the Big Iron River mouth in Silver City.
Cabins & Lodges Item is accessible.
Cabins & Lodges
Concession/ Store Item is accessible.
Concession/ Store:

Simple Adventures offers camping supplies, gifts and refreshments. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available. Call 906-275-4200 for more information.

A gift shop, also located in the visitor center, is open late May through mid-October.

Fishing Pier Item is accessible.
Fishing Pier: There is an accessible fishing pier located at the Union Bay boating access site (adjacent to the campground).
Group Use Area Item is accessible.
Group Use Area
Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms: A modern restroom is in the visitor center.
Observation Platform Item is accessible.
Observation Platform:

There are multiple observation platforms located at the various scenic sites, including Lake the Clouds (accessible walkway and observation platform), Summit Peak and Presque Isle River (an accessible observation platform overlooking Nawadaha is located along the West River Trail) and East Vista (chairlift rides in the fall).

Specially adapted EnChroma-enabled viewers now offer people who are colorblind a tool to enjoy the full spectrum of colors at Lake of the Clouds scenic overlook, Summit Peak Observation Tower and Nawadah Falls, thanks to the Friends of the Porkies.

Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: There are picnic areas located along M-107 that include picnic tables and some charcoal grills available first come, first serve.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: There is a picnic shelter located in the in Presque Isle day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills and vault toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MIDNRReservations.com.
Playground Item is accessible.
Playground
Rustic Site Item is accessible.
Rustic Site
Sanitation Station Item is accessible.
Sanitation Station: The park’s sanitation station is located at Union Bay Modern Campground. There is potable water and two lanes.
Shooting Range Item is accessible.
Shooting Range: The Porcupine Mountains shooting range, managed by the Lake Superior Sportsman Club, includes a rifle and shotgun range. There is an annual membership fee in addition to the Recreation Passport.
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Visitor Center Item is accessible.
Visitor Center: The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Visitor Center, located near the junction of South Boundary Road and Highway M-107, introduces visitors to the rich wilderness heritage of the park. Visitors will find an exciting multimedia show, educational exhibits, maps, park information, merchandise and a helpful park staff. The center is open daily mid-May to mid-October from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
Walk-in Sites Item is accessible.
Walk-in Sites
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access:

Enjoy 1.6 miles of Lake Superior’s Union Bay shoreline along M-107, the Presque Isle River and many other rivers and streams. A sandy beach is located within walking distance.

Please be mindful of Great Lakes beach safety. Pay attention to changing conditions.

Yurt Item is accessible.
Yurt