Porcupine Mountains

Porcupine Mountains is a nature reserve in Michigan's Upper Peninsula featuring old-growth forests, cascading waterfalls, and shoreline along Lake Superior. The terrain includes ridges and valleys interspersed with rivers and mountain slopes that create a varied landscape.

The area became a protected park in 1945 to preserve one of North America's largest remaining old-growth northern forests west of the Adirondack region. This decision reflected a growing focus on protecting intact woodlands during the middle of the twentieth century.

The Ojibwa people named these mountains after their silhouette, which resembles a crouching porcupine when viewed against the horizon. This naming tradition shows how indigenous communities understood and described the landscape around them.

Visitors have access to over 90 miles of hiking trails and a range of camping options from rustic cabins to modern facilities. The area offers swimming spots and ranger-led programs that run throughout the year.

The location receives extreme lake-effect snowfall from Lake Superior that accumulates heavily at higher elevations. These extraordinary winter conditions create exceptional opportunities for winter recreation and shape the landscape.

Location: Michigan

Elevation above the sea: 595 m

Made from material: basalt

Operator: Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Part of: Canadian Shield

Website: https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ParksandTrails/Details.aspx?id=426&type=SPRK

GPS coordinates: 46.76667,-89.75000

Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:22