Porcupine Mountains Visitor

2021 Printed by the Friends of the Porkies www.michigan.gov/porkies Welcome To the Porcupine Mountains

Last year was a challenging year, but also a record attendance year at the Porkies. With indoor activities closed or canceled due to COVID-19, many people chose to get outside. In addition to the regular local visitors and returning visitors from outside the area, we had an influx of first timers which meant our attendance hit a record high at nearly 600,000.

We welcomed both first-time campers and backpackers. With so many people in the park, including many who were inexperienced, we also experienced a record number of lost and injured hikers. In 2020, Porkies rangers responded to 52 rescues or emergencies. Historically, this number typically ranges between 6 and 18 per year.

As the name implies, wilderness is inherently “wild.” Trails can be steep and slippery. Weather can change quickly, accidents happen and nobody is to blame. Overexertion, lower-leg injuries and a Park Rangers training with the rescue litter at the Lake of the Clouds. lack of pre-trip planning were among the primary causes for the record rescues. We also want you to pack appropriately Due to restrictions for wilderness areas, and plan accordingly prior to your visit. topography and the size of the park, the Please wear appropriate footwear, tread majority of rescue efforts last many hours. lightly, bring and drink water, have the 10 They require a team of 6-10 rangers Essentials and know how to use them, to hike to the injured person’s location, grab a map, do not overload your pack, provide First Aid, then load them onto a and if you have any questions, please ask a ranger. wheeled rescue litter and haul them out to Safe Travels and Happy Trails, a trailhead at the speed of 1 mile per hour. Michael J. Knack We want you to enjoy the trails, experience Park Supervisor the shoreline, feed your need for Porcupine Mountains adventure, connect with friends and family. Wilderness State Park

Map on pages 4-5

Contents:

Welcome ...... p.1 Scenic Areas...... p.2 Park Navigation...... p.2 Waterfalls ...... p.3 The Wilderness Visitor Center Cabin and Yurt rentals...... p.3 The Wilderness Visitor Center is located along South Boundary Road, one quarter Rustic camping ...... p.6 mile from the CR-107 Junction. This Friends of the Porkies ...... p.7 should be your first stop when visiting the iNaturalist ...... p.7 Porcupine Mountains. Here you can check trail conditions, register for backpacking, Artist In Residence ...... p.8 purchase fishing/hunting licenses, get Folk School is back ...... p.8 directions to scenic sites and more.

During busy times of the day, please The Michigan Department of Natural keep your party size within the building Resources is committed to the to a minimum. There is plenty of beauty conservation, protection, management, outside to enjoy while you wait, including a use and enjoyment of the State’s The Wilderness Visitor Center is open 1-mile self-guided trail that winds through natural and cultural resources for through mid-October. giant eastern hemlocks and over majestic current and future generations. Daily hours 8 a.m. ‒ 8 p.m. EST. streams. Scenic

Areas Presque Isle River

Lake of the Clouds Summit Peak Presque Isle River Standing along the top of the steep At 1,958 feet tall, Summit Peak is the The Presque Isle River is located at the escarpment you look out over the beautiful highest point in the park. From the parking very west side of the park. Here, there is a Lake of the Clouds, surrounded by lush area, there is a half-mile packed dirt trail rustic campground, pavilion in the day use forests and dramatic mountains. On clear that winds through huge hardwood trees, area and three of the biggest waterfalls in days, you can see over 20 miles away. It is with benches stationed along the route. The the park. From the day-use area, the hiking easy to see why this is the most visited site trail leads to wooden stairs, walkways and a trail leads to wooden stairs and walkways in the park. viewing tower that access two breathtaking that take you to the falls. At the river mouth, panoramic vistas. a beautiful suspension bridge spans the Located at the end of CR-107, only a fast-flowing water. The trail leads to Lake short 100-yard walk up a paved trail or Superior, the perfect spot for sunsets. The turn-off for this site is located half-way accessible boardwalk will bring you to this down South Boundary Road. A turn-around amazing view. Due to limited parking, it and parking area is situated at the end Take the flat gravel trail behind the DNR’s is recommended visitors drop trailers and of the entrance road. It is recommended Presque Isle contact booth for the shortest campers off in the middle ski hill parking visitors drop trailers and campers off in the and easiest access to view one of the area on summer and fall days. designated lot located as you exit South waterfalls, Nawadaha. Boundary Road before heading up the mountain.

NEW PARK NAVIGATION The Porkies is Michigan’s largest state The Park will continue to use the blue trail park, almost 60,000 acres in size with markers to show the path while hiking. over 90 miles of hiking trails branching throughout the park. Navigating the Porkies can get a little confusing at times. Park staffers are excited to introduce our visitors to our new trail maps and confidence markers.

Each trail intersection will have a map marking the hiker’s current location. As a path is chosen and the hiker goes a short distance down that trail there will be a confidence marker. This marker will state which backcountry campsites, cabins, yurts, and next trail intersection is ahead on this trail, as well as the distance to each. Use these markers as a way to New confidence markers © Northwoods Exposure confirm you are heading down the correct trail. Follow the blue markers.

Dispersed camping is not allowed in the Porcupine Mountains for spring, summer or fall backpackers. A backcountry permit is required. Camping without one may result in a civil infraction. Register for backcountry camping in the Visitor Center: Open everyday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST. Due to increases in park visitation, we highly reccommend making a reservation ahead of time at: www.MiDNRreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS

2 What About The Waterfalls?

The Porcupine Mountains have many beautiful attractions. Waterfalls are one of the features that seem to capture the attention of all visitors. Big or small, water trickling or roaring over rocks is an almost mystical sight to behold. Here at the Porkies we have over 70 waterfalls throughout the park. Some are more difficult to get to than others and to get to each one could take over a week of exploring.

If you are looking for some reccommendations check out what some of the park staffers suggest.

Waterfalls of interest at Porcupine Mountains

R O I R Lake of the Clouds Scenic Area E Escarpment Trail Whitetail P White Birch U S

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r e t i m t 1.5 W n T ll s r ra a s M e p Waterf v o a Go L E Mirror Lk 8 2.1 Mirror Lk 4 th r 0.9 o 1.4 Correction Lin N e Trail Bathtub Falls rail 2.9 Lost Creek r T Big e 1.9 v Mirror Lk 2 C i Summit Peak Scenic Area N #1 ll 1.3 a R 2.8 a wad . terfa rp Rad ha Wa South Mirror Lake Trail y l ar i outh d a S #4 B un r o N o T u ones ch B n u h d ut 1.5 a So r ry a d e rror L Ro Mi ak v S. W l i 1.5 e aterfal Trail

R 1.5 l i Lost Creek a B r eav Outpost p er Presque Isle T Lily Pond r a 1.2 4.5 C C k r le ee il e t k Tra it S l C e u i r L m White Pine Extension r o m a it s r C s P Outpost

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p d u k Water fall 2.5 S n L #5 i S 4.2 i h t inin ud P t g lo le C e C k a 6 Speaker’s a rp L WaRitver fall 2 er T Boundary rail 1 Speaker's Trail Section 17 R CAUTION o a Overlooked Falls d Waterfalls are beautiful but can be dangerous. 2.1 th Little Carp ou River Road S Do not jump off of the falls and be aware of slippery rocks. 1 1

Less than 2 hours 2-5 hour 5 hours or more Easy hikes Medium hikes Difficult hikes

1. Nawadaha Waterfall 3. Greenstone Waterfall 5. Shining Cloud Waterfall Easy to get to on a short, packed gravel This hidden falls is a 2-mile round-trip hike. This is an all day 11 mile hike but worth the trail, it’s one of the biggest falls in the park. On a hot day this is one of my favorite effort. The Big Carp River is packed full of Breathtaking and the view never gets old! places to wade in, but look out for leeches! waterfalls and wonder. -Whitney Rule, Summer Ranger -Steve Negovan, Park Officer - Michael Knack, Park Supervisor

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2. Little Union Gorge Waterfall 4. Nonesuch Waterfall 6. Trap Waterfall This waterfall is located on the interpretive It is worth the 2-miles round trip it takes to This is a 5-mile round trip hike that follows mine 1-mile loop. This short hike offers a lot explore them. Hidden in the rocky remains the Upper Carp River. The bank of this of waterfall views as a reward. of an old mine there is no fall such as it. waterfall is a great place for lunch. - Séamus D. Heaney, Park Officer - Katie Urban, Park Interpreter - The Park’s Interior Crew

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North R O I R Lake of the Clouds Scenic E P U S

E Buckshot K LS-18 Buckshot Landing A LS-17 LS-16 L LS-15 Lone Rock 4.9 LS-13 LS-14

il Lafayette Landing ra Manabezho r T rio Falls pe Su e LS-12 ak BC-2 L BC-3

l BC-1 Presque Isle i Manido a Falls Campground r

T 4.6 l ai r Tr e l LS-11 r v i ve i a i r R R T rp

a t Lake Superior k C r r e e s v e e i r g R e Lafayette Peak i p v C r i B a Big Carp 6 n C W ig R o t B g t LS-10 in s Big Carp 4 h s a a

E W BC-4 Mirror Lk 4 BC-5 Nawadaha ,8 9 ,7, 1.4 Correction Li Falls BC-6 ne T rail ,6 2.9 L 5,4 Bathtub Falls il an ra dl BC-8 r T oo -S Bi e ke Mirror Lk 2 g v r' L i s 2.8 1.3 C C a R r d. rp e R e ary Little Carp LC-13 k nd ou LC-14 BC-7 h B Shining Cloud Falls ut T So o r le e d v o i LS-3 LC-11,12 C r R ee k LC-1

l LC-2 i a r rp Presque Isle T Lily Pond M a 4.5 C e K m o k n t le e e t e t C k i l n a i e L g r Cree r o k a LC-10 w s Lily Pond r a s C C T r T 1.3 eek r r n a o 2.6 i LC-3 i o l r t Cotten e r P

e i LC-9 p n u k k Greenstone Falls LC-4 e L S S n r a 4.2 i t i o t LS-2 h K n t w e P le a e n C a 6 Speaker’s LS-1 k be Cre ar LC-7 a e ek p er L C k R Greenstone Falls iv re iv LC-6 2 R ek e r T Boundary ra LC-8 LC-5 1 p il r Speaker's Trail Section 17 a C R C re e o k a Overlooked Falls S d e l p t t e i a L

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1 e B k k Ontonagon County Eastern Time Zone Gogebic County Central Time Zone

Gi ATTENTION ALL TRAIL USERS p sy Creek

qu e Pres Isle Ri ve r You are responsible for your Black bear are unpredictable

own safety in the wilderness and can be dangerous

P e 519 b o a n Knowing what to do can C Pack it in, pack it out re e k save your life

Lepisto Falls Protect pets – keep them You are responsible for your on leash campfire

Plan Ahead and Prepare Be Considerate of Others Know the rules for the area and always be prepared. Respect other visitors by maintaining appropriate noise levels.

4 Union Tiny House UNION BAY Bay Union Bay Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park West Campground Union Bay Kaug Wudjoo East Lodge 107

Wilderness Visitor Center

Lake of the Clouds Scenic Area Escarpment Trail Whitetail South Boundary Rd White Birch Administration Building

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tl Mirror Lk 8 t B i GP-7 2.1 L L Mirror Lk 4 Lost Lake o th s r 0.9 t o C r ML-1 N e ML-2 e LL-1 k Lost Creek ML-3 1.9 Mirror Lk 2 Mirror La ke Summit Peak Scenic Area

d SML-1,2,3,4 South Mirror Lake Trail o a l R i ry a a r d T n Nonesuch 1.5 S u r o k o th B Falls e rror L L e u Mi a i r v S. k t e e i e t r iv 1.5 T l R rail e C n R o Ir Summit Peak I n r e LC-1 r o e l i iv

Elevation 1,958 ft 1.5 o R tt s n i n Iro L

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So W o est ty r C Br e anc iv r h R C e n ro e ro w k I n ig ed B Cree k

Accessible area Lookout tower Scenic area Cross country ski trail

Backcountry cabin Modern campground Suspension bridge Hiking trail

Backpack campsite Parking Toilets North Country Trail

Bear pole location Picnic area Warming shelter Primary forest

Boat launch Ranger station Winter lodging Park land

Hiking trailhead Un-bridged river crossing Yurt 2 Distance in miles

Information Rustic campground Camp store

Respect Wildlife Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Leave What You Find Never feed or approach any wild animal. Stay on the trail and camp at designated camp sites. Never move natural or historic objects.

5 Cabin/Yurt Number of Trailhead Distance (*available for Route Distance Fee/night Occupants Parking in Winter rent in winter)

Pinkerton to Lake Big Carp 6 6 Pinkerton Creek 4 mi $68 Superior Trail East

Pinkerton to Lake Big Carp 8 4 Pinkerton Creek 4 mi $68 Superior Trail East

Lake Superior Buckshot 4 Lake Superior Trail 3 mi $68 Trailhead

Cotten 8 Speakers Creek Speakers Creek Trail 1 mi $125

Crosscut* 2 Union Spring Union Spring Trail 2 mi 3 mi $68

East of south Boundary Gitche Gumee* 8 Gitche Gumee Drive In Drive In $68 on M107

Greenstone Little Carp River 4 Little Carp River Trail 1 mi $68 Falls Road

Lake of the Overlook at Lake Escarpment trail to North 4 1 mi $68 Clouds of the Clouds Mirror Lake Trail

Pinkerton to Lake Lake Superior 4 Pinkerton Creek 4 mi $68 Superior Trail East

Summit Peak Beaver Creek to Little Lily Pond 4 1.5 mi $68 Parking Carp Trail S.E.

Pinkerton to Lake Little Carp 4 Pinkerton Creek Superior Trail 3 mi $68 Intersection

Little Union Little Union River Yurt 4 Union Spring 1 mi 3 mi $68 River Yurt* Trail

Little Union River Yurt Lost Creek 4 Lost Lake Trail 1 mi $68 Trail

Summit Peak Beaver Creek to Little Mirror Lake 2 2 2.5 mi $68 Parking Carp Trail N.W.

Summit Peak Beaver Creek to Little Mirror Lake 4 4 2.75 mi $68 Parking Carp Trail N.W.

Summit Peak Beaver Creek to Little Mirror Lake 8 8 2.75 mi $68 Parking Carp Trail N.W.

Little Carp River Section 17 4 Little Carp River Trail 1 mi $68 Road

Speakers 4 Speakers Creek Speakers Creek Trail 1 mi $68

Inside Union Bay West end of Union Bay Tiny House* 4 Drive In 250 yds $95 Campground Campground

Union Bay Inside Union Bay West End of Union Bay 4 Drive In 250 yds $68 East* Campground Campground

Union Bay Inside Union Bay West End of Union Bay 4 Drive In 250 yds $68 West* Campground Campground

Union River* 8 Union Spring Union Spring Trail 1 mi 3 mi $68

White Birch 2 Deer Yard Deer Yard Trail 0.75 mi $68

Whitetail* 8 Deer Yard Deer Yard Trail 1 mi 1 mi $68 Rustic Lodging If you are looking to stay at one of the park’s 23 backcountry cabins or yurts there are few things you should know.

The rustic lodging is spread out througout the park. Use the chart above to find a place to stay that is located at an appropriate distance for your group.

The park is open year-round and so are some of our rustic lodging options. Renters Porcupine Mountain yurt covered in snow. enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing to their lodging in the winter.

Trees that are dead and laying on the ground can be collected for firewood. In the winter months (December-March) firewood is provided for the use of heating the cabins.

Check-in must occur during regular business hours and at designated check-in stations: May 15- Oct. 14: Check in at the Visitor Center, open every day 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST. Oct. 15 - May 14: Check in at Park Headquarters, open everyday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. EST.

6 PO Box 221 Ontonagon, MI 49953 906-884-7443 • Porkies.org

Supporting the Park in 2021 Support the park by joining, donating to In 2021 the long-awaited playground will the Friends and volunteering to help with become a reality. Using funds raised by projects at porkies.org. the Friends, the DNR will prepare the site FriendsOfThePorkies and purchase the playground equipment. With guidance from the equipment vendor, Friends volunteers and park personnel will New to the Porkies install the playground equipment in time for use by summer park visitors.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, and a matching grant from Portage Health Foundation, the Friends has purchased three sets of Sit-Skis. These skis will help make selected cross-country ski trails accessible. Each Sit-Ski set includes a The Outdoor Skills Academy is a molded chair mounted on custom-designed Michigan DNR program that focuses on Nordic skis, ski poles, outriggers and push- the same goals as the Friends’ Outdoor pull handles that a helper can use to assist Adventure Program, including support of the skier. The Friends will donate the Sit- area youth. Park Interpreter Katie Urban Ski sets to the park for use at the Winter is very enthusiastic about developing Sports Complex. Using this equipment, a robust OSA program in the Porkies. disabled skiers will now be able to join One of the Sit-Skis purchased by the Friends. The Friends is using funds raised for the family and friends in experiencing the OAP to support the Porkies’ Outdoor Porkies in winter. Skills Academy.

Build a Porkies’ Trails Fund For more information visit: michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills In January 2021, the Friends kicked off an innovative way to raise funds to help build, repair and restore trails in the Porkies. We are “selling” an annual Trails Supporter decal to build a Trails Fund. For a donation of $25 or more, supporters will receive a 2021 Trail Individual $25 Supporter decal. Household $40 Business $50 Lifetime $300 Pet** $10 Membership includes: **owner must be a member • Subscription to the monthly E-Quill and the Quill Annual Report featuring Friends’ yearly accomplishments and plans for the future. • Invitation to the annual membership meeting. • A collective voice with park users to express your ideas.

One of the worlds most popular nature apps, iNaturalist is happening in the Porkies. This app will help you identify the plants and animals found in the Porkies while connecting you with a community of over a million scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature! All money raised through sale of decals will grow a Trails Fund to support projects to repair and maintain hiking, cross-country skiing, Take a look at the “Porcupine Mountains Wilderness interpretive and biking trails. The fund will be used to improve State Park Project” in iNaturalist and join the fun at accessibility where possible. www.inaturalist.org For the Friends, this is an opportunity to support the largest visitor group to the Porkies – trails users. The Friends will enhance annual Trail Supporter donations by writing grants for specific trail projects and working with the park to identify volunteer opportunities to work on trails. Each year, the Friends will inform the public of identified projects and report on work completed.

Stickers can be purchased in park gift shops or online at porkies.org or mail a check designated to the Trails Fund to: Friends of the Porkies, P.O. Box 221, Ontonagon, MI 49953. 7 PO Box 221 Ontonagon, MI 49953 906-884-7443 • Porkies.org

Artist-in-Residence Program The Friends of the Porkies Artist-In-Residence Program, established in 2007, hosts artists for two or three-week residencies. While living in Dan’s Cabin in a secluded wilderness, artists have an opportunity to explore and absorb the vast wilderness of the park.

They capture their creative impressions in a variety of mediums, and each artist donates a completed piece of art to the Friends’ permanent collection. Enjoy a glimpse of the varied seasons and hidden treasures of the Porkies found in the selection of artwork displayed in the Visitor Center and in the complete collection found in the on-line gallery at www.porkies.org/artist.

The generosity of artists makes possible the sale of giclee art reproductions, books and other Porkies merchandise to support future artists in residence at the Back to Nature shop, located in the park visitor center and on-line at porkies.org/merchandise/art-prints/

Selected for 2021

Lee LaVanway, singer and songwriter, Van Nuys, CA Andre Venter, photography, and Martha Councell-Vargas, flutist, Kalamazoo, MI Carol Socks-Parker, clay and mixed media, Rochester Hills, MI Catherine Danae, needle felting, Prospect, PA, Dawn Russell, watercolor and pastels, Suttons Bay, MI Sketching at Presque Isle River, by Alex Gilford Folk School Classes Are Back The Friends of the Porkies are excited to welcome students back to classes at the Porcupine Mountains Folk School. Classes are held in the Old Carpenter Shop/Folk School taught by instructors who are experts in their fields. From bead work to basketry to journaling to blacksmithing to dyeing and painting, we’ve chosen a diverse range of classes to appeal to a diverse mix of students.

Record your impressions of Lake Superior following a short, pre-writing hike. Paint your impressions of the park on silk and transform your painting into a quilted wall hanging. Create applique bead work earrings, weave with willow or barks, explore eco-printing using natural dyes. Awaken your inner blacksmith. Build a Leopold Bench, ideal for use in your garden. Expand your personal boundaries by learning a new craft.

In the summer of 2020, we welcomed the 107th National Guard Corps of Engineers to the Porkies. The Guard replaced the weather-worn roof on the Old Carpenter Shop and provided safe use of the east entry by building a sturdy new banister and railing for its steps. A Leopold bench along the shore at Union Bay. Check us out at www.porkies.org/events Porcupine Mountains Music Festival The Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, presented by the Friends of the Porkies, remains on “hiatus” for 2021 due to issues related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Festival made state history in 2005, becoming the first music festival to be held in a Michigan state park. Performers bring to the Porkies’ stage a diverse selection of musical styles: blues, country, bluegrass, rock, folk and more. The pairing of quality performers and the intimate natural surroundings of the state park offers a unique musical experience.

Organizers are already hard at work charting the course for the future of the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival. They are planning a strong return of great live music at the Porkies. The 16th Porcupine Mountains Music Festival is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 26-28, 2022.

Please visit our website porkiesfestival.org and our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. The Porcupine Mountains Music Festival will be back in 2022. 8