The 5 Best Forests in Upper Peninsula, Upper Peninsula

February 25, 2022 Esmeralda Fenner

Discover the best top things to do in Upper Peninsula, United States including Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Hiawatha National Forest, The Curtains - Ice Climbing Wall, Horseshoe Harbor, Escanaba River State Forest.
Restaurants in Upper Peninsula

1. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

33303 Headquarters Rd, Ontonagon, MI 49953-9087 +1 906-885-5275 http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 597 reviews

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Consists of 60,000 acres of lakes, forests and rivers.

Reviewed By TUrbanik - Clawson, United States

Wanting to take in some fall color while staying relatively close to home my wife and I decided to spend a week kicking around in the Upper Peninsula (Michigan). We’ve spent a fair amount of time on the east side of the UP but not a lot over on the west. So this time we set out for The Porcupine Mountains, located in Ontonagon, Mi. Some 60 miles from Ironwood which sits on the MI/WI boarder. Never having spent anytime in the Porcupine Mtns. (Porky’s as I have heard some refer), and only having two days to do so, we wanted to take in as much as possible. First off we tent camped at Union Bay campground, which is modern with all the amenities. They have a variety of available sites that range from rustic to modern. I recommend checking with the ranger station to get a map. They will also help steer your visit. With limited time I suggest hitting Lake Of The Clouds, Summit Peak and Presque Isle River. These three spots give you a good sense of what the park has to offer, and from there you can branch off to focus on what really strikes your interest. While there are many trails to explore, there are trails for each skill level and ability. All the trails are well marked with trail markers. Most are a combination of foot trails, boardwalks and stairs. Lake of the Clouds offer breath taking views, Summit Peak also offers great views with the addition of a watchtower, and Presque Isle River takes you on a hike along either shore, (take a short suspension bridge to the footpath or use the boardwalk on the near side), to view some beautiful waterfalls all the way to the mouth of the river as it empties into Lake Superior. Our visit was in mid September so crowds were minimal, but families, couples and singles were present. Weather was unseasonably mild. Would advise coming prepared for anything , as the UP can be unpredictable. Good Hiking.

2. Hiawatha National Forest

Hwy 13, Munising, MI 49895 +1 906-428-5800 http://www.fs.usda.gov/hiawatha
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 30 reviews

Hiawatha National Forest

Reviewed By 480christyc - Franklin, United States

What a beauty and saving grace! The Superior coast can be a bit overcrowded in August so head inland a bit and find a small rustic campground in Hiawatha. There's no shortage of beautiful lakes to watch the sunrise from. Make friends with your camp hosts and thank them for a clean pit toilet and tidy campground. Then support your National Parks!!

3. The Curtains - Ice Climbing Wall

1654, 1664 Sand Point Rd, Munising, MI 49862
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

The Curtains - Ice Climbing Wall

4. Horseshoe Harbor

Mandan Road Mary Macdonald Preserve, Copper Harbor, MI
Excellent
59%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 32 reviews

Horseshoe Harbor

Reviewed By Eldereaglewatcher - Chippewa Falls, United States

Drive onto the gravel road at the end of Hwy 41 to get to Horseshoe Harbor. There's a parking area and signage for the 1/2 mile hike to Horseshoe Harbor which is serene and beautiful. If you're a little unsteady on your feet, take hiking poles and wear boots. Otherwise athletic shoes are fine.

5. Escanaba River State Forest

County Road 551, Cedar River, MI 49887 +1 517-284-5900 http://www.ohranger.com/mi/escanaba-river-state-forest

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.