Porcupine Mountains Scenic Wilderness Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Fishing · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

This trail is perfect if you want to do a loop in the Porcupine Mountains and see as much of the park as you can in that time. It goes along several pristine rivers, through amazing forests, and gives an overview of Mirror Lake and Lake of the Clouds. You also get to do the Escarpment Trail, which takes you along the length of Lake Superior.

This is a rather difficult hike with many sections of inclines and declines, river crossings, and uneven terrain. During the wet seasons it can be rather muddy and buggy, so come prepared. The campsites are well-maintained with firepits, tent sites, and bear poles.

You can start by parking at the end of Little Carp River Road and hiking along the Little Carp River Trail. From there, you'll continue on North Mirror Lake Trail to the Lake of the Clouds. Here you'll have to detour off the trail through the parking lot and pick up the Escarpment Trail, which you can follow all of the way to Cross Trail. Cross Trail will then take you to your starting point at the head of the Little Carp River Trail.