Escarpment Trail
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| SyrenSong |
Well-known outdoors writer Jim DuFresne says this may well be the finest trail in the Midwest. In his guide to the Porkies, he says it "combines a high rocky bluff and alpine-like vistas with views of the park's rugged interior, Big Carp River Valley, and, of course, the centerpiece of the park, Lake of the Clouds." Along the trail you actually see the legendary lake from several vantage points. The trail is challenging—expect some steep climbing.
The trail begins at the North Mirror Lake Trailhead. After half a mile, before that trail dips toward Lake of the Clouds, Escarpment trail begins and climbs quickly to a wonderful vista of the lake. From the trail you also get an awesome vista of the Upper Carp River and the river valley. The lake eventually comes totally in view at the top of Cloud Peak. The trail's pinnacle is reached on top of Cuyahoga Peak. Nearby is a backpacking campsite.
Take M-107 to Lake of the Clouds Overlook and take the North Mirror Lake Trail for half a mile. Escarpment Trail begins at this point.
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Return to Porcupine Mountains State Park
POINTS OF INTEREST
Escarpment Trail. The U.P.'s most spectacular hiking trail has stunning views of Lake of the Clouds, the Upper Carp River, and the vast interior of the Porkies ... more
Hikes in the Porkies. From an hour to days-long, select hikes in the Porkies ... more
Lake of the Clouds Overlook. One of Michigan's most famous views looks down from a dramatic Porcupine Mountain ridge onto a peaceful lake and Big Carp Valley ... more
Lost Creek Yurt. Very cool adventure if you're up to it: a 6+ mile trek through deep winter snow in a remote, dense forest to a delightful yurt warmed by a wood stove. ... more
Shining Cloud Falls. One of the legendary U.P. hikes for hardy soles up to a rugged 10+ mile outing ... more
Union Bay. The most popular and easily reached Lake Superior beach in the Porkies, it's accessible by car and even has a concession stand by the large modern campground. ... more
Summit Peak Observation Tower. It feels like you're floating above an undulating sea of green here at the park's highest spot ... more
Presque Isle River Waterfalls & Picnic Area. Many consider the three waterfalls here among the most U.P.'s most beautiful ... more
Overlooked and Greenstone Falls. Two fine waterfalls, reached by fairly short hikes through old-growth hemlocks and past a gorge, are well worth the walk ... more
Explorers Falls. For those up to a long hike into the Porkies, the reward is experiencing the finest waterfall on the park's Carp River. ... more
Hike to Trap Falls. A 3 to 4 hour hike though hemlocks, hardwoods and big pines to a remote and picturesque waterfall ... more
Along the North Country Trail. Not the Porkies' most scenic trail, but its most remote. Connects to Black River waterfalls, Trap Hills, and Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness Area beyond the state park. ... more
Long trek deep into the Porkies. A recommended 3- to 4-day backpacking hike deep into the Porkies, through old-growth forest, past waterfalls, along the Little Carp River. ... more
Abinodja Falls, Ogimawke Falls & Ogima Falls. Just south of the state park, a marvelous series of waterfalls for those willing to take the trouble to find them ... more
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