Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Entrance sign along Lake Superior
A couple of days ago, I posted a short photo essay from Lake of the Clouds from the Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Area in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This is where my hike and adventure began. The beautiful Lake of the Clouds was only 300 yards into my trip. I still had 30 miles to go. Although the most scenic view was checked off at the very beginning, I still had a beautiful trip ahead.
Porcupine Mountains fall colors on the Mirror Lake Trail
This hike was a return to the scene of my first outdoor adventure experience as a 9 year old hiking with my dad in 1980. Since I have backpacked here before, I am familiar with how great the hiking is in this park, but I walked away with even more respect for the Porkies after three amazing days in the wilderness. The park has so much to offer from a hiking, backpacking, and camping aspect.
First of all, there are many loop options, which I love. I am not a big fan of out and back hikes. I prefer to constantly break new ground. Some parks do not have enough connecting trails for convenient loop options. The Porcupine Mountains offers several interesting loop options for two, three, and even four night hikes.
Lake of the Clouds scenic overlook
This time I choose to start at Lake of the Clouds. After staring in awe at the scenic overlook, I proceeded to Mirror Lake and then down the Little Carp River Trail. In just a couple of miles I experienced mountain overlooks, mountain lakes, beaver ponds, and then a cascading river with several waterfalls.
The Little Carp River Trail
The lovely Little Carp River
After camping along the Little Carp River, the next day I entered a new realm of beauty. The Little Carp River meets with Lake Superior and the Lake Superior Trail. I then followed the sensational great lake for ten miles back to the parking lot.
The last night I camped right along Lake Superior. I was treated to an unbelievable sunset and heard the soothing crash of the waves all night. Dave Freeman of the Wilderness Classroom stated that the great thing about camping is you wake up with a different view each morning. This was my view as I went to bed and woke up: not too shabby.
Setting up camp along the Lake Superior Trail
The only problem with this loop is the Lake Superior parking lot is about a mile and a half from the Lake in the Clouds parking lot. I had to walk along the road to get my car. Fortunately, I met two extremely nice people at the end of the trail named Larry and Kathy. They gave me two snickers and a ride to my car. The Appalachian Trail hikers have a word for these acts of kindness along the trail. They call it “trail magic.”
Other loops:
This is just one loop to choose from. Another one starting from the same area is the Little Carp River to the Big Carp River Trail. This one starts and ends at Lake of the Clouds, so no need to find a nice couple to get a ride from.
The Lake Superior Trail
Instead of heading towards Lake Superior, you can also hike east on the Escarpment Trail and then loop back on the Government Peak Trail. You can then add one of the previous loops for a longer three or four day hike or head back to the Lake of the Clouds if only hiking a modest one night out in the woods.
The North Country Trail goes through the park and follows the Little Carp River Trail and then the Lake Superior Trail to Presque Isle. For those interested in a longer trip, they can always do an out and back on the North Country Trail. When it is completed it will be 4,500 miles long, so one could walk to North Dakota or New York.
Stay tuned,
TT
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I would love to go hiking here, especially during this time of year!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..When memorable moments surprise you
Yep, I was glad to get out on the trail here for the first time in many years.
The picture are so lovely… How I wish I can experience seeing these beautiful pictures in person. Thank you for sharing your experiences in hiking Ted. This is one of my dreams, to experience hiking in Wilderness in fall…
Scarlette recently posted..Improvements of Nokia Lumia 900 from Nokia Lumia 800
Thanks Scarlette! Fall is a beautiful time to experience the outdoors.
This area looks so peaceful. That North Country Trail sounds like it will be a phenomenal experience!
Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted..Having a Good Time in Willemstad, Curacao: Beach, Food and Music
This is the second time I have hiked on the North Country Trail this fall. First time was in Wisconsin. Once they complete the trail it will be a phenomenal path.
you really make us feel like we could enjoy a night of serious camping… it’s never really been on our radar before!
the lazy travelers recently posted..no travel required
Seriously.. the fall foliage in the Lake of the Clouds photo is ridiculous – absolutely stunning!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Ranakpur in Photos: The Most Beautiful Temple in India
Thanks Kieu,
I agree, it was almost otherworldly looking at it like I was looking over some enchanted forest.
You really know what I need: those stunning views. And I love fall in the US.
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..Photos of the Week – #FriFotos turns 2!
Fall is great. Sad that it is coming to an end soon.
Michigan looks great this time of year… it is the best time to hike too. Fall.
stay adventurous, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..Sunset Sunday – Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico
Fall is definitely the best time to hike and of course experience the amazing colors.
do you think “trail magic” can happen outside of camping?! i love that name & random acts of kindness is always a wonderful thing!
lola recently posted..postcards, pins, patches – what’s your favorite travel souvenirs?
Of course. A trail can be a metaphor or a microcosm for life.
Wait. Thirty miles? You lost me there, although I love the trees.
Leah Travels recently posted..Serendipity and Skiing in Switzerland
Actually, I think it was more like 27 miles.
I’ve never really given much thought to there & back vs. loop hiking. The latter makes a lot of sense though! Beautiful pics, again.
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: A Street in Georgetown (Washington, DC)
Thanks Pola,
Loops are preferable although out and backs are not so bad. You actually get a different perspective of a trail coming from the other direction, but a loop and fresh ground is a little more interesting.