General information about the state park
The Porcupine Mountains are located in the northwest of Michigan's Upper Peninsula on the shores of Lake Superior. The Porcupine Mountains were named by the Ojibwa people, supposedly because their silhouette is shaped like a crouching porcupine. The state park protects the most extensive stand of old-growth northern hardwood forest in North America west of the Adirondack Mountains.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 9$/vehicle/Non Resident Daypass
- Covered by the Recreation Passport*
- Open daily 24h
*The Recration Passport is the “flat rate” for all state parks in Michigan. The pass costs a one-time fee of $40 (non-residents) and can be purchased online, at the entrance of the respective state parks or at the Customer Service Centers of the Department of Natural Resources. The pass is valid for one calendar year.
Lake of the clouds
Description: If there is one sight that is always recommended everywhere, it is the viewpoint over the Lake of the Clouds. So of course we had to come here too. The parking lot is at the end of the park road. When the leaves are in full color in autumn, there can be waiting times. Directly in front of the parking lot there is a station where the entrance tickets to the state park are checked. The actual viewpoint can be reached via a short, easy path a few hundred feet long. Once you have reached it, there are several platforms connected by stairs from which you can see in almost all directions.
Our rating: The view over the forests of the Porcupine Mountains and the Lake of the Clouds is really great. Even though the leaves were still a little off color during our visit, the drive here was well worth it.
Summit Peak Observation Tower
Description: The short trail offers the opportunity to climb an old watchtower and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding wilderness of the Porkies. The trail to the tower is just under a kilometer long. You can also start longer hikes from the same trailhead. To climb the tower, you have to climb numerous steps. But then you are also at the highest point in the state park.
Our rating: If you are not afraid of the numerous steps, you will be rewarded with a fantastic view over the Porkies forest. Especially in autumn, when everything here is colorful, it's really great. We really liked it here.
Presque Isle Falls
Description: The Presque Isle River Waterfalls are formed by a series of cascades and rapids. Located on the western edge of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the Presque Isle River is home to three waterfalls - Manabezho, Manido and Nawadaha Falls. They can be reached via a loop from a central parking lot. However, there is also a separate parking lot at each waterfall. To reach the waterfalls, however, you always have to climb a few steps. The individual paths to the falls are only a few hundred feet long.
Our rating: Unfortunately, we were a little late for our visit. As the waterfalls are in the forest, it was already relatively dark everywhere. All three falls are relatively small, but offer a pretty sight in the beautiful surroundings. We enjoyed taking a look at all the sights.
