![]() ![]() |
From the west, we recommend traveling via US 2 to Wakefield, Michigan, then take Michigan 28 and Michigan 519 to the Presque Isle Unit of the porkies. For the casual visitor, There's camping, a picnic area and a nice day hiking trail network around its fantastic waterfalls. And of course, for the serious backpacker, Presque Isle connects with the extensive backpacking trails that run through the porkies. From the east, we recommend going through Ontonagon via Highway 64 to Silver City. Visitor attractions at the east end are the Wilderness Visitor Center, picnic areas along the lake, Union Bay campground, and Lake of the Clouds scenic lookout. The south boundary road runs between the west and east ends. Several trailheads for short or multi-day hikes are along this road. But the most "don't miss" attraction is the road and a trail to Summit Peak (pictured below).
~~~"Click" on smaller images for a larger picture~~~ |
Summit Peak The half mile hike to Summit Peak is reached from the trail head off the South Boundary Road. At 1958 feet elevation, it offers quite a panoramic view of the area. >>> ![]() ![]() A boardwalk covers the last few hundred yards of the Summit Peak trail. Far Right. Jo and Hans take a rest at the bottom of the Observation Tower. > > >
| ![]() The Porkies cover 60,000 acres and is Michigan's largest state park. Within the park is a block of old-growth forest comprising almost 35,000 acres and considered by some to be the biggest and best stand of virgin Northern Hardwoods and Hemlock in North America. Far Right. Jo and Hans stand by a huge old-growth Yellow Birch tree that is representative of what is in abundance in the Porkies. > > >
![]() ![]() A trail map of the Summit Peak area > > > ![]() Union Bay Picnic Area & Campground |
|
Several picnic waysides along this sand beach dot the approach to the Porkies from Silver Bay. (near right) At Union Bay campground, the beach topography changes dramatically to Copper Harbor Sandstone. (far right) ![]() ![]()
The campground has 100 sites, with showers, electric and RV dump station. Several prime sites are along the waterfront. Campground Map (far right) ![]() ![]() |
|
|
|
|
![]() |
Hotel, Motel Lodging Ironwood, Marquette, Houghton-Hancock, Michigan Upper Peninsula UP Lake Superior Camping Directory
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] ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||