There’s something restorative about hiking. The fresh air. The pristine views. The time alone on a trail to gather your thoughts. In Michigan, we’ve got a seemingly endless supply of amazing hiking spots from which to choose.
One such magical place is the Porcupine Mountains in the Ontonagon area of the Upper Peninsula. There are so many reasons why this is likely the best place to hike in all of Michigan. Hikers of all skill levels – from the total novice to the seasoned expert – will find what they’re looking for in a trail (there are 87 miles of hiking paths to explore). And along those trails are some of the most visually stunning views in the state. Have a look.
- Lake of the Clouds
Curtis Abert/Flickr Hiking the Porkies will take you to one of the most photographed lakes in the Upper Peninsula. Just looking at the crystal blue waters brings about tranquility.
- Lake Superior shoreline
Chris Heald/Flickr If you prefer a little more superior lake views, you’ve got access to 21 miles of Lake Superior shoreline to gaze upon.
- Summit Peak
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr With an elevation of 1,958 feet, a hike up to Summit Peak will provide you with incredible views as far as Wisconsin and Minnesota (on a clear day, of course).
- Lily Pond Trail
clare_and_ben/Flickr Maybe a little fishing in between hiking is on your itinerary. Then Lily Pond is the place to go. The small trout lake is perfect for fishing, so long as you’ve got a small boat from which to do so.
- Gorgeous Waterfalls
Abhijit Bhatwadekar/Flickr Nothing inspires calm better than a relaxing hike and close proximity to a waterfall… Like this one, Manbezho Falls.
- Presque Isle River
Jim Liestman/Flickr The Presque Isle River is the largest quite possibly the most beautiful river to run through the Porkies. When you hike alongside it, you have ample access to viewing platforms so you can witness gorgeous falls and breathtaking rapids. Warning though, swimming is not allowed, no matter how tempting it may be to enter the mesmerizing waters.
- Union Spring
Kiyo/Flickr This is the second largest natural spring in Michigan. You’ll want to make this part of your hiking journey. There’s a floating dock, with a view of more than 700 gallons of crystal clear water.
This place has us dusting off our hiking boots already, even if it’s not quite warm enough to get out there. Tell us, have you hiked the Porkies? Share with us your favorite memories!
Curtis Abert/Flickr
Hiking the Porkies will take you to one of the most photographed lakes in the Upper Peninsula. Just looking at the crystal blue waters brings about tranquility.
Chris Heald/Flickr
If you prefer a little more superior lake views, you’ve got access to 21 miles of Lake Superior shoreline to gaze upon.
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr
With an elevation of 1,958 feet, a hike up to Summit Peak will provide you with incredible views as far as Wisconsin and Minnesota (on a clear day, of course).
clare_and_ben/Flickr
Maybe a little fishing in between hiking is on your itinerary. Then Lily Pond is the place to go. The small trout lake is perfect for fishing, so long as you’ve got a small boat from which to do so.
Abhijit Bhatwadekar/Flickr
Nothing inspires calm better than a relaxing hike and close proximity to a waterfall… Like this one, Manbezho Falls.
Jim Liestman/Flickr
The Presque Isle River is the largest quite possibly the most beautiful river to run through the Porkies. When you hike alongside it, you have ample access to viewing platforms so you can witness gorgeous falls and breathtaking rapids. Warning though, swimming is not allowed, no matter how tempting it may be to enter the mesmerizing waters.
Kiyo/Flickr
This is the second largest natural spring in Michigan. You’ll want to make this part of your hiking journey. There’s a floating dock, with a view of more than 700 gallons of crystal clear water.
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