3 Must See Spots in the Porcupine Mountains

The Porcupine Mountains in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan are amazing. The state park is the largest in the state at nearly 60,000 acres and over 90 miles of hiking trails. It is so large it would take many visits to come close to exploring it all. 

Now, lets get down to 3 must see spots at The Porkies. These 3 spots are unique and amazing in their own ways. 

First off is the Presque Isle River Waterfall Loop trail. The trail is 2.3 miles long with a mix of natural terrain, boardwalks and stairs all along the river with 3 main waterfall sections. The waterfalls are Manabezho Falls, Manido Falls and Nawadaha Falls. At different times of the year these waterfalls can look very different based on water flow. The river flows out into Lake Superior so make sure to go out to the beach where the river meets the lake. It is one of the most peaceful spots around.

Presque Isle River
Presque Isle River

Next up is the highest point inside of The Porkies. Take the 1 mile round trip hike out to the main lookout tower for amazing 360 degree views of the massive park. Be prepared for a continuous uphill hike and over 200 stairs to reach the top of the highest platform. There is something special about being at the highest point inside of the The Porkies at 1,958 feet above sea level.

Summit Peak Trail
Highest spot in the porkies

The last spot may seem like a popular spot but it is from a different perspective. This is Lake of the Clouds but we are talking specifically from the Escarpment Trail east of the end of the lake. There are a couple starting points for the Escarpment Trail that can dictate how long the hike is but the entire out and back trail is 8.6 miles The trail has spots to stop along the way along cliff edges for views of Lake of the Clouds and the Carp River. 

Lake of the Clouds Escarpment Trail
Escarpment Trail

We did the hike early in the morning and got the true "Lake of the Clouds" experience with the morning fog burning off along the hike. Not interested in the full 8.6 miles? Start at the Lake of the Clouds overlook and hike along the Escarpment Trail until you are just past the end of the lake and turn around. 

Lake of the Clouds

As a reminder, the Porcupine Mountains does have many miles of legit hiking trails that have elevation changes, rocks, exposed roots and more. Be prepared for a real hiking experience in these areas. 

Below are two separate videos from our adventures in the Porcupine Mountains. 

The Presque Isle River

The Escarpment Trail and Summit Peak Trail