A couple of days ago, I posted a short photo essay from Lake of the Clouds overlook. This is where my Porcupine Mountains backpacking 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 State Wilderness Area entrance sign along Lake Superior
Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Area
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 the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park again, so I am familiar with how great the hiking is in this park. This trip I even 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 arena.
Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Area fall colors on the Mirror Lake Trail
A return to Porcupine Mountains backpacking
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.
Related: Porcupine Mountains Lake of the Clouds photo essay
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.
Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Area – 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.
Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Area – The Little Carp River Trail
Camping inland and along Lake Superior
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. Remember to always take black bear precautions when camping.
Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Area – The lovely Little Carp River
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. One of the great aspects of camping is the joy of waking up each morning with a different view. You can see my view from my tent on to Lake Superior below and it was stunning.
Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Area – Setting up camp along the Lake Superior Trail
Porcupine Mountains backpacking “trail magic”
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.”
Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Area – The Lake Superior Trail
Other loop options
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. Union Bay Campground is another good starting point for another network of trails.
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.
Adventure on!
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.
Hey Ted! Thanks for the loop suggestions! It’s exactly what I was hoping for! I’m planning a trip here in late July/early August. Do you have any knowledge of what the bug situation might be like this time of year? My husband and I are hammockers. We’ve been able to get away without purchasing bug nets, but I’m concerned! Any advice would be appreciated.
Happy hiking,
Nita
Hello Nita,
Thank you for the comment and reading. You should have a great trip. Impossible to say what the bug situation will be like. In my experience, rain and warm temperatures are what really trigger bug activity. It has been a long time since I have hiked the Porkies; however, I have recently camped in northern Minnesota/Canada and Isle Royal in August.
Last time I camped in Quetico over the Minnesota border, the first two days where hot and humid. The mosquitoes were off the charts. By far the most miserable bug experience ever. Then the third day, a cold front came through and it was like a light switch. The temps moved into the 70s and the mosquitoes virtually disappeared.
Since the Porcupine Mountains are along Lake Superior, it might be cool enough from the lake to quell the mosquito situation. Although, last time I hiked Isle Royal in August it was in the mid 80s and humid and the mosquitoes were pretty bad.
My point is it is hard to forecast bug activity. You can only hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
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.
Stunning pics! Looks like a really great place!!
I am going up at the end of aug. To hike the 3 day loop. I saw the range was from 1600 ft to 640ft are the incline Trail steep?
Hello Laura,
Sorry I missed this comment. I hope you had a good hike. The inclines are not nearly as steep as the Smokies, but there are some good uphills, but they don’t last that long.
Ted,
I am looking to do a night backpacking trip in the Porcies this fall. Do you have any suggested loop trails where I could do about 10 miles a day and still be on the trail for at least 3 days?
Thanks,
Jack
Hello Jack,
I would start at Lake of the Clouds and do the Lake Superior Trail and then loop back on the Big Carp River Trail to North Mirror Lake Trail to Government Peak Trail and back the Escarpment Trail. That should be about 30 miles.