Ready to elevate your next outdoor adventure here in Michigan? If you love exploring the great outdoors and appreciating stunning views, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a must-visit destination. While there are certainly challenging and strenuous hikes to be found in this section of the state, other trails offer more moderate terrain – and the vistas are nothing short of spectacular. Lace up your hiking boots, gather up a few adventurous loved ones, and begin your trek along this high-elevation trail in Michigan.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is located near the town of Ontonagon in Michigan’s marvelous and sprawling Upper Peninsula. The park encompasses a whopping 92 square miles of natural splendor.
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At the heart of the park is its namesake: a small mountain range known affectionately as “the Porkies.” You might not typically associate Michigan with mountainous terrain, but this pretty park will change your mind.
AllTrails/Konstantin Taletskiy
When you’re eager to explore the many wonders of the park, your options are seemingly endless. If it’s top-notch views and high elevation you’re seeking, though, it’s tough to go wrong at Summit Peak.
AllTrails/Eric Hibma
The trail to Summit Peak Observation Tower extends for just under one mile out and back, so you don’t have to dedicate more than an hour or so to your visit. You’ll find a parking area off South Boundary Road.
Google Reviews/Jereme Scheffel
Upon parking, begin a short but slightly uphill trek toward the tower. Guests report that the trail is moderately taxing, but still doable with kids and beginner hikers – and trust us when we say it’s worth the journey.
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After meandering through forested beauty, you’ll find yourself at the base of the Summit Peak Observation Tower, which claims the title of the park’s highest point with an elevation of 1,958 feet above sea level.
Google Reviews/Jereme Scheffel
You’ll need to traverse up a series of wooden steps to reach the top of the tower at Summit Peak, but the payoff is breathtaking. Be sure to snap a few photos of the surrounding landscape as you gaze out.
AllTrails/Isaac Smith
Whether you’re here during peak fall foliage or on a warm summer afternoon, this trail into the clouds will leave you feeling enchanted by Michigan’s natural beauty. Summit Peak is certainly bucket-list-worthy.
Google Reviews/Paul Bunyan
Have you and your family made the short but incredible hike along this high-elevation trail in Michigan? What were your favorite experiences from the Porcupine Mountains as a whole? We always love to hear from our readers, so drop us a line in the Facebook comments or recommend another must-visit hiking trail in Michigan by completing our official nomination form.
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AllTrails/Konstantin Taletskiy
AllTrails/Eric Hibma
Google Reviews/Jereme Scheffel
TripAdvisor/mikewD7187PG
AllTrails/Isaac Smith
Google Reviews/Paul Bunyan
Seeking more marvelous views? Check out the bluffs at this beautiful waterfront state park in Michigan.
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Address: Summit Peak Scenic Area, Summit Peak Rd, Ontonagon, MI 49953, USA
