Porcupine Mountains

Sitting on Michigan’s largest body of water is also its largest state park, Porcupine Mountains, or, the “Porkies.” With breathtaking views of Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake, combined with a rugged old-growth forest holding many enchanting attractions including winding rivers, hidden lakes, and abundant wildlife, it’s no surprise the Porkies is one of the most visited parks in the state. This vast, largely untouched wilderness offers an immersive experience into the beauty of the North Woods.

A visit to the Porcupine Mountains is often centered on its spectacular vistas and dramatic waterways. The most iconic viewpoint is the Lake of the Clouds Overlook, where visitors gaze down hundreds of feet to a long, finger-shaped lake nestled between two parallel ridges. Elsewhere, the powerful Presque Isle River carves its way through the park’s western end, tumbling over layered basalt rock to create a series of impressive waterfalls and rapids before emptying into Lake Superior. The park’s diverse terrain, from the rocky, storm-battered Lake Superior shoreline to the tranquil depths of the old-growth forest, provides a breathtaking setting for hiking, backpacking, and experiencing the raw, untamed power of nature in all four seasons.