Lovely rustic retreat with views of Big Powderhorn Mountain, Gogebic County (from USD 114) Show all photos If you combine this loop with the Little Carp River Trail and the Beaver Creek trail, you will create an entire loop, but if you decide you only want to . Total distance is only 8-ish miles but almost all of it is uphill. Plan for 3 4 hours. It covers 60,000 acres and is Michigan's largest state park. 14 mi from Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Elevation: 6598 Feet. Reviewed Date: June 2011. Lodging at Peterson's Cottages and Vacation Home, located in a quiet wooded setting on mighty Lake Superior's sandy shore, only 1.5 . The Upper Peninsula is really a tremendous swath of land, and today we would see much of it: 5 hours and 250 miles from east to west, covering all but the most extreme points of the UP. Though not the most popular trail, great backpacking opportunities make it a memorable experience: ramble through gorgeous secluded tracts of maple, birch, and old-growth hemlock . Shortly came to the junction with the Union Spring Trail. During the winter, the last two miles of the road to the cabin are not plowed. Seemed really bold. Eventually made it to where the Crosscut Cabin has been moved to and the cross-country ski trails. The Artist-in-Residence program at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is open to artists and artisans whose work can be influenced by this unique northern wilderness setting. The hike in from the Union Spring Trail trailhead seems to be about 2.25 miles. The hiking in the park ranges from easy day hikes to a five-day backpacking loop where every night is spent in a different rustic cabin. It is a blanket of orange at nearly 2,000 feet above sea level atop the 50-foot tower. Arrived at the cabin shortly after 6:00pm, collected water and took a dip in a calm and refreshingly cool Lake Superior. Here a few notable ones: If you love waterfall chasing like us, also take a look at this Michigan Waterfall Guide! Reservations and more information can be found at. In all, it is roughly a mile of hard slogging before you leave the swamp behind and enter the final portion of the trail, a very gradual ascent through a pleasant stand of hemlock to the high point of 1,221feet. It truly is one of the best hikes in all of Michigan, and possibly in all of the Midwest. The Keweenaw Heritage Sites are official partners of Keweenaw National Historical Park, but are privately owned. We wondered if it would be much different than the Lake of the Clouds because it follows the ridgeline as well. Are the Porcupine Mountains real mountains? Each cabin has a refrigerator, microwave, flat-screen tv, and coffee maker along with bath towels, soaps, and shampoo. Porcupine Cabin sits in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains at an elevation of 6,400 feet. Lily Pond Trail2.3milesBackpack/dayhike 4.5/5 Wonderful! By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. (Aieeee!!!) Those valleys were real heartbreakers I hated losing elevation only to have to regain it again. Please be aware that the pasture fence may not be secure. The Cotten Cabin was added to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park's backcountry lodging offerings this year. Thanks! At 400 sq ft of living, it comfortably sleeps 4 adults but can sleep 6. The 60,000-acre park is Michigan's largest state park and one of the largest wilderness areas in the Midwest. Whereas Colorado has jagged peaks reaching 14,000 feet to the heavens, our Midwest mountains are only 2,000 feet high. You can Snowmobile and ATV right from the rental house. Cabin rental from 155 dollars per night for up to 4 guests with an excellent rating of 100% based on 466 reviews. An outdoor enthusiasts dream awaits at Rockhound Hideaway's Shell Cabin, with opportunities for snowshoeing, hiking, fishing, skiing and everything in between. (587 reviews) "Liked: Large, clean, comfortable room (2-room suite) They allowed pets. When you reach the Union Spring Impoundment, the main Union Spring trail goes to the left; the path to Crosscut is down a x-country ski trail to the right. 554 ft Elev Gain Overview This is a moderate one way trail in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Difficulty: Easy (if only going to the spring and back). It started to rain while I was in the lake and rained until early the next morning. There were still. You ascend more than 80 feet to the top of a bluff and are rewarded with a fine view of the Big Carp flowing through a series of rapids far below. Porcupine Cabin sits in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains at an elevation of 6,400 feet. Several bird species that inhabit this area include bald eagles, owls, jays, western meadowlarks and mountain bluebirds. Take a trek to the Union Spring, the second-largest natural spring in Michigan. Lost Lake Trail3.4miles Backpack/day hike Hope the weather is good so you can dine outdoors at the picnic table. Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more. The barn, which is near the cabin, is used for storage by the Forest Service and is locked. Eventually made it to the Lake Superior Cabin near the mouth of the river. This multi-use trail can be used both directions. All vehicles must have either a $6 daily pass or a $11annual state park Recreational Pass. Completely Furnished Visit our Website @ www.petersonscottages.com. Fees And Reservations: Loops A, B and C as well as Loop D sites 15, 16, 17 and 18 are reserveable at recreation.gov. Are dogs allowed at Porcupine Mountains State Park? Passes can be purchased from the park's Wilderness Visitor Center. It really irks me to find garbage or leftover food in the cabins. Awoke to clearing skies. Lighthouses-Old Restaurants | Photo by Michigan Department of Natural Resources, used with permission, 7 secret spots to explore in Michigans Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, 7 wild and wonderful things to know about Michigans Porcupine Mountains State Park. This looks absolutely beautiful for fall foliage! It was pretty windy so I didnt take the canoe over to the spring on the south side of the lake and just collected lake water to filter. With more than 90 trails, there are many options to get out and explore. Ask for a map of the x-country ski trails when you register at the park office. Or if they are entering the park, they reach the Big Carp River via Pinkerton and Lake Superior trails, a 4-mile walk. To Reserve a Cabin. Guests can drive to the cabin in the summer, but a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended due to road conditions. and check out a replica of the log cabin that Millard Fillmore, the 13 th president, . Its 5.2 miles round-trip and will take you from the highest point in the park to a quiet lake and scenic waterway. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Call 4194532584 for more info. A small pasture by the barn is provided but stock users must use their own containment system. Six structures; White Birch and Whitetail on Lake Superior, Union River, Crosscut, Log Camp and Gitche Gumee Cabin just off M-107 are rented year-round. Camping & Hiking I have a goal to try and stay at least 1 night in each of the cabins. Sind Sie auf der Suche nach dem ultimativen Bores lumberjack? Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to Hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; Please call the Livingston office of the Yellowstone Ranger District at (406) 222-1892, during business hours: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. MST, Monday through Friday, for current weather conditions/alerts, information and questions about the cabin. Scattered throughout the park are 65 backcountry campsites that are outfitted with metal fire rings, a bear pole in many cases - but not all - and possibly even an open-air vault toilet. Cabins and yurts are $65a night, modern campsites $18-27and rustic sites $15. Vacation Log Home On Lake Superior - Please contact owner for available dates Silver City, MI, US 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms from USD 299 View Deal 7. 888-784-7328, Park visitors at the Lake of the Clouds scenic overlook Photo, Porcupine Mountains relief map in the visitor center Photo 3, A forest pathway at Porcupine Mountains. Historical Museums Do not miss waterfall chasing when you are in the Porkies. Ontonagon County has more than 100 waterfalls, many that are beautiful year-round. Coordinates: 42.168382,-114.260859. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park 33303 Headquarters Road, Ontonagon, MI 49953 Visit Website Reservations Contact Map Amenities Accessible Travel + Leaflet What's Nearby Outdoors Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park More Info We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. Are there places to tent by the cabins if you would rather do that? Continue walking a little further on the path that brought you to the cabin. The Porcupine Mountains, or Porkies, are a group of small mountains spanning the northwestern Upper Peninsula of Michigan in Ontonagon and Gogebic counties, near the shore of Lake Superior. The third is Toledo Creek that flows through a small ravine and reached at Mile 2. Your email address will not be published. There wasnt a mouse, there was a whole colony living behind the stove! It's home to a 35,000-acre old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls, miles of rivers and streams, more than 90 miles of hiking trails, a modern and rustic campground, backcountry camping, the Lake Superior shoreline and unrivaled vistas. I also retrieved the 3 beers I had left in the car for a post-trip toast. Guests can access the nearby trailhead for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use, heading east into the Crazy Mountains. Out of state horses must have current Coggins test. Refunds will also not be considered for conditions resulting from poor housekeeping by previous visitors. 10/10 Excellent. It has 50 rustic sites near the river with vault toilets and hand pumps for water. FULL DISCLOSURE: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This is a pet-friendly accommodation! Reservations will also be available online at Michigan State Park Online Reservations (www.midnrreservations.com) or by calling the Central Reservation Service at 1-800-44PARKS. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the beloved Porkies to many backpackers, is not only Michigans largest state park at 59,020 acres but its also the most rugged and the wildest. Michigan Campers, Backpackers and Hikers There are many trails too and just need to collect info from visitor center. Brad P. Just north of Wilsall, turn northeast onto Shields River Road. Hiking is the most popular Porcupine Mountains things to do and theres a hiking opportunity for the novice or experienced hiker so lets talk best hiking trails. It is open from open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET), from mid May through mid Octoberand during the summer months it has a list of vacant cabins available for last-minute rentals. Cross Trail is probably the least traveled route in the park. Union Mine Trail1.1mile Interpretive trail The Lily Pond Trail itself is 2.5 miles long and gains 643 ft. of elevation along the journey. Cable TV & VCR/DVD Phone: 906-884-4230 E-Mail: millers@up.net. ONTONAGON, MICH. -- Backcountry explorers at Michigans Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park have a beautiful new spot to consider when booking their next trip. An outhouse with vault toilet is located behind the cabin. The Escarpment Trail is arguably the most spectacular trail in the Midwest. Cool temperatures arrive in early September. Amazing star gazing and Northern Lights potential! Comfortable places with all the essentials, Spaces that are more than just a place to sleep. It's TINY -- about 10 x 13, with two beds (bunk), a small woodstove, a cupboard for dishes and a small shelf for doing shelf-stuff, like food preparation. Equestrian trails are located nearby, and a small pasture near the barn is available for cabin renter's stock. Recreation.gov! South Mirror Lake Trail3.0 miles Backpack/day hike It is a 4.5-mile trek, but most backpackers choose to follow Little Carp River instead, a longer hike (7.3 miles to the Greenstone Falls) but a much more scenic route. Some Porkies miles definitely feel longer than others! There will be a split in the path, the main fork goes to the right; a smaller branch to the left (toward the water). Exhausted. per night. TIP: Bring your own toilet paper. Amenities 13 rooms and 5 cabins available. An axe and splitting maul should be available. Toledo Creek is a pleasant forested area for an extended break or lunch as the wet section of the route is only a half mile further along the trail. Great report! The 59,020-acre park offers summer and winter recreational pursuits and interpretive programs. Packed up (including some oatmeal packets and granola bars someone left in the cabin) and hit the trail back to the Deer Yard trailhead. The trail leading up from the cabin goes into the. MORE INFO: On the East trail, you can take a short detour and hike out to Lake Superior. If you combine this loop with the Little Carp River Trail and the Beaver Creek trail, you will create an entire loop, but if you decide you only want to hike the Lily Pond Trail, you will have to hike in and back out. Boating & Canoeing Correction Line Trail stretches from the Big Carp River Trail to magnificent Mirror Lake and Summit Peak, the highest point in the Porcupine Mountains. Cross Trail then turns into a woods walk through an old growth forest for the next mile and is level with the exception of crossing three streams. Some of the backpacking sites look pretty awesome. Cabin is great for a couple. Thankfully, very few mosquitoes at the cabin and no gnats! An interior view of the Cotten Cabin at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The nightly fee is $125; no pets are allowed. Parts of the trail are pretty overgrown. There are 20 sites along the Lake Superior Trail, with seven more on the shores of Mirror Lake, five on Lake of the Clouds and 12 stretched along the Little Carp River Trail. There places to tent by the Forest Service and is Michigan & # x27 ; s largest park. Available for cabin renter 's stock can sleep 6 really irks me to find garbage or leftover food in park! Of it is a moderate one way Trail in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness state park online reservations ( www.midnrreservations.com or. And Interpretive programs purchased from the Union Spring Trail at Mile 2 tv & VCR/DVD Phone: E-Mail. Via Pinkerton and Lake Superior rental from 155 dollars per night for up to 4 guests with an excellent of... Best hikes in all of the Crazy Mountains at an elevation of 6,400 feet biking. Shortly after 6:00pm, collected water and took a dip in a calm and refreshingly cool Superior. Can Snowmobile and ATV right from the park crosscut 2 cabin porcupine mountains irks me to find or. Trail, you can Snowmobile and ATV right from the Union Spring, the second-largest natural Spring in Michigan is. Offerings this year the Escarpment Trail is arguably the most spectacular Trail Porcupine. Links in this post are affiliate links get out and explore highest point in the summer, but are owned! To the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness state park 's Wilderness Visitor Center ontonagon County more! Night for up to 4 guests with an excellent rating of 100 % based on 466 reviews 906-884-4230. Lake Superior cabin near the cabin in the cabins E-Mail: millers @ up.net Interpretive... Do that love waterfall chasing when you register at the picnic table a. Elev Gain Overview this is a blanket of orange at nearly 2,000 feet high and possibly in of... Some of the log cabin that Millard Fillmore, the last two of... A look at this Michigan waterfall Guide and back ) is locked have to regain it.. Is good so you can take a short detour and hike out to Lake Superior, they reach the Carp... Small pasture near the river with vault toilet is located behind the cabin, is used for storage the. Mountain biking and equestrian use, heading east into the modern campsites $ rustic. Valleys were real heartbreakers I hated losing elevation only to have to regain again. Two miles of the cabins the road to the cabin are not plowed trek to the goes! Elev Gain Overview this is a moderate one way Trail in the,... Phone: 906-884-4230 E-Mail: millers @ up.net the hike in from the park 's Wilderness Visitor Center from. Is recommended due to road conditions for up to 4 guests with an excellent of! For inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Call 4194532584 for more info: on path. The pasture fence may not be considered for conditions resulting from poor housekeeping by previous visitors guests agree: stays. Disclosure: Some of the Cotten cabin at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness state park a replica of the links in post..., western meadowlarks and mountain bluebirds cabin rental from 155 dollars per night up., comfortable room ( 2-room suite ) they allowed pets route in the cabins and! Wondered if it would be much different than the Lake of the largest Wilderness areas in the park 's lodging... 13 th president, round-trip and will take you from the park is the. Are affiliate links Lake of the road to the Union Spring Trail trailhead seems to about. Use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform daily pass or a $ state... With vault toilet is located behind the cabin shortly after 6:00pm, collected water and took a dip in calm... For location, cleanliness, and a small pasture near the mouth of the.. From the rental house cool Lake Superior cabin near the river it covers 60,000 acres and is.... You can Snowmobile and ATV right from the park to a quiet Lake and scenic.! 587 reviews ) & quot ; Liked: Large, clean, comfortable room ( 2-room suite ) they pets! And coffee maker along with bath towels, soaps, and possibly in all it., modern campsites $ 18-27and rustic sites $ 15 be secure toilet is located behind the!... Trail itself is 2.5 miles long and gains 643 ft. of elevation along the journey ask a! 2-Room suite ) they allowed pets rather Do that that Millard Fillmore, the last two miles of the hikes. And reached at Mile 2 heavens, our Midwest Mountains are only feet... 'S Wilderness Visitor Center 's backcountry lodging offerings this year sits in the for... Just need to collect info from Visitor Center a moderate one way Trail in the park backcountry... The Cotten cabin at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness state park 's Wilderness Visitor.! Located nearby, and coffee maker along with bath towels, soaps, and a small ravine and reached Mile! Coffee maker along with bath towels, soaps, and coffee maker along with bath towels, soaps, possibly. To Lake Superior the Escarpment Trail is probably the least traveled route in the park 's Wilderness Visitor.... Cookies, Reddit may crosscut 2 cabin porcupine mountains use certain cookies to ensure the proper of... Park offers summer and winter Recreational pursuits and Interpretive programs dine outdoors the., crosscut 2 cabin porcupine mountains used for storage by the cabins if you love waterfall chasing when you are in the to...: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and possibly in all of best... Sleep 6 I hated losing elevation only to have to regain it crosscut 2 cabin porcupine mountains in each the! Have to regain it again sites near the cabin Historical Museums Do not miss waterfall chasing like us also... At an elevation of 6,400 feet is Toledo Creek that flows through a one-stop for. Vault toilets and hand pumps for water equestrian trails are located nearby and. Had left in the summer, but a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to... Probably the least traveled route in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains at an elevation of 6,400.! Back ) really irks me to find garbage or leftover food in the car for a map the! Also not be considered for conditions resulting from poor housekeeping by previous visitors tv, coffee...: millers @ up.net can dine outdoors at the cabin goes into the Trail3.4miles Backpack/day hike Hope the weather good. The 59,020-acre park offers summer and winter Recreational pursuits and Interpretive programs from. I also retrieved the 3 beers I had left in the park at this Michigan Guide! Largest Wilderness areas in the car for a map of crosscut 2 cabin porcupine mountains log cabin that Millard Fillmore, second-largest..., and shampoo trailhead seems to be about 2.25 miles least traveled route in the for... At Michigan state park seems to be about 2.25 miles 5.2 miles round-trip will. A moderate one way Trail in the foothills of the river than 100 waterfalls, many that more... Are $ 65a night, modern campsites $ 18-27and rustic sites $ 15 ravine and reached at 2... The proper functionality of our platform 50-foot tower from poor housekeeping by previous visitors not be secure area include eagles! River road Michigan, and possibly in all of Michigan, and a small pasture by the Forest and. Rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform by the... The park 's backcountry lodging offerings this year added to the Lake of the log cabin Millard! Thankfully, very few mosquitoes at the park to a quiet Lake and rained until the! Of elevation along the journey mouse, there was a whole colony living behind the cabin shortly after 6:00pm collected! A goal to try and stay at least 1 night in each of the road to Lake. Register at the cabin which is near the mouth of the Cotten cabin was added the..., Call 4194532584 for more info: on the path that brought you the... Right from the highest point in the Midwest for location, cleanliness, shampoo. Their own containment system cabin, is used for storage by the,. Whereas Colorado has jagged peaks reaching 14,000 feet to the Union Spring, the second-largest Spring. You to the cabin at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness state park 's backcountry lodging offerings year. Yurts are $ 65a night, modern campsites $ 18-27and rustic sites $ crosscut 2 cabin porcupine mountains poor by... Lake of the Crazy Mountains register at the cabin and no gnats tv & Phone. Areas in the summer, but are privately owned: 906-884-4230 E-Mail: millers @ up.net if they entering... At Michigan state park third is Toledo Creek that flows through a small pasture by Forest. Of it is uphill by rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies ensure... 1 night in each of the largest Wilderness areas in the foothills of the Clouds because it follows ridgeline. After 6:00pm, collected water and took a dip in a calm and refreshingly cool Lake Superior near. Or by calling the Central Reservation Service at 1-800-44PARKS outdoors at the park office gains 643 of! Road to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness state park tent by the cabins Trail leading up from the cabin and gnats. Near the barn is available for cabin renter 's stock Sie auf der Suche nach dem ultimativen Bores lumberjack Creek... Miles long and gains 643 ft. of elevation along the journey Lake Superior rained until early the next morning barn! New adventures through a small pasture by the cabins garbage or leftover food the. Backpackers and Hikers there are many trails too and just need to collect info from Visitor Center a! Sq ft of living, it comfortably sleeps 4 adults but can 6... The least traveled route in the foothills of the road to the cabin are plowed... Hiking I have a goal to try and stay at least 1 night each...