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Porcupine Mountains State Park Winter Activities:
Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, Winter Camping, Cabins

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Lake Superior Beach - Superior Shores Resort

In the winter of 2006-2007 we traveled to the Porcupine Mountains for our winter getaway. We planned to visit some of our favorite areas in the porkies to see how they appeared in winter and do some snowshoeing. (see info on snowmobile trails, downhill skiing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing below)

cabin at superior shores resortWe stayed at Superior Shores Resort, near Ontonagon, Mi, at one of their lakeside cabins. Very compfy with a warm gas fired fireplace and picturesque views of the lake; perfect for reading and relaxing. And while we were definitely off the beaten path in a winter wonderland, modern amenities were available - cable-satellite TV and wireless internet. We could have stayed a few more days had we not other travel commitments in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The 2006-2007 winter in the upper midwest was unusual for the capricious snowfall. Southern areas of Wisconsin received goodly amounts of snow while the northwoods were frequently passed over. The Porcupine Mountains Ski Area normally receives 140 to 200 inches of snow a year. This season the early snows were so sparse that the ski hill didn't open until January 17th - the latest on record. However, by mid-February though conditions were ideal - for downhill skiing, cross country, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.

Since that winter of 06-07, normal winter conditions have returned with lots of winter snowfall. By mid-November 2010, it was already snowing in the Porkies. Forecasts for 2012-13 winter are for average precipitation, which for the Porkies is quite a bit of snow, so that is good news.

~~~"Click" on smaller images for a larger picture~~~

Winter Snow shoe & Cross Country Trails - Porcupine Mountain


Views of the mountains from Silver City (near) and of the ski hill (far right). The ski hill offers 640 feet of vertical drop on the regular runs and over 780 feet of drop on the new snowcat skiing area,

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The wind and waves sculpted huge snow drifts by the lakeshore (near). Far right, Jo checks out one of the backcountry cabins available to hikers (includes a wood stove for winter camping).

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One of the x-country trails has kerosene lanterns for regular Saturday night skiing (near). Jo pauses to admire a big hemlock along the Deer Yard trail (far right).

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Snowshoe hikers can use the center of the x-country trails, use existing hiking trails or blaze their own.

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Porcupine Mountain Cross Country & Snowshoe Trail Information

Although technically all the hiking trails are open for skiing and snowshoeing, winter access to some trails is limited. In the winter, both the South Boundary Road and the Lake of Clouds Roads are snowmobile trails with no car/truck access. Therefore the groomed trails are those at the eastern end of the park. Get current trail condition information from the Friends of the Porkies website.

Saturday nights in February, the area sponsors evening skiing through a Lantern Lit trail from 6:30 - 9 pm ET.

Links

Snowshoe & Cross Country Ski Trails

Showshoeing & Cross County Skiing Trail Map

Special Events - Porcupine Mountain Ski Area

Porcupine Mountain Snowmobiling Information

There are two snowmobile trails in Porcupine Mountains State Park. One goes to the Lake of the Clouds and the other trail follows the South Boundary Line Road along the entire western and southern perimeter of the park. These trails connect into the extensive network of snowmobile trails in Ontonagon County. One of the trails runs along or adjacent to the Lake Superior shoreline between the park and the village of Ontonagon.

Ontonagon County Snowmobile Trail Map

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Porcupine Mountains - Summit Peak, Camping

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Porcupine Mountains - Fall Foliage Color

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More Porkies - Waterfalls, Presque Isle River & Lake of the Clouds Scenic Area

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Trail Map & Facility Info on the Porkies

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Porcupine Mountains - Winter Attractions

 

More Porcupine Mountain Resources

  Michigan DNR Porcupine Mountain State Park Website
  Porcupine Mountains Visitors Bureau
  Friends of the Porkies Website
  Porcupine Mountain Ski Area Website

  Michigan UP Copper Harbor & Keweenaw Peninsula

Going east towards Munising and Pictured Rocks . . . More waterfalls and hiking pages from the Keweenaw Peninsula through Tahquemenon Falls to Sault Ste. Marie.

 

 

 

 

 
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Campground Directory
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Upper Peninsula

Lake Superior Circle Tour Travel Planner

Wisconsin Outdoor Treasures Hiking Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Eric Hansen's guide to UP hiking is well respected in hiking circles. this guide includes profiles on some terrific off-the-beaten path hiking trails. [More info]

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