Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Porcupine Mountains Provincial Park, often called the 'Porkies,' is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula along the southern shore of Lake Superior. It is one of the largest state parks in the Midwest, encompassing over 60,000 acres of primarily old-growth forest dominated by towering eastern hemlock, sugar maple, and yellow birch. The park’s geography features hilly terrain shaped by glacial activity, with steep ridges, waterfalls, and a rocky lake shoreline that creates dramatic vistas. The diverse ecology provides habitat for black bears, white-tailed deer, wolves, and a variety of bird species, including the rare Kirtland’s warbler during migration seasons.
The park's history dates back to the early 20th century, when efforts to protect its unique forests began amid extensive logging in the region. Today, the park preserves extensive tracts of virgin timber, one of the few remaining in the United States. Recreational opportunities are abundant, ranging from backpacking on over 90 miles of trails to waterfall viewing at places like the famed Presque Isle River and Union Mine. Popular activities include mountain biking, fishing in cold-water streams and Lake Superior, snowshoeing in winter, and paddling along rugged Lake Superior beaches. Key landmarks include the historic Lake Superior Lookout Tower, the secluded Carp River Falls, and remnants of the 19th-century copper mining era.
Visitors are drawn to the park’s secluded atmosphere, wilderness character, and varied experiences across all seasons. The park is a compelling destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking to experience one of the most intact northern hardwood forests and rugged lakefronts in the Great Lakes region.
