The Iconic Trail in Michigan Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

My son and I were recently planning a backpacking trip, and as lovers of hiking and camping, we were searching for a Michigan bucket-list trail that was both iconic and outside of our typical milieu. In thinking of the places that he had yet to see, it didn't take me long to decide on Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park on the Upper Peninsula. All I had to do was show my kid some photos of Lake of the Clouds, and he was convinced that we had to head out to the U.P. and hike the Escarpment Trail, a truly iconic Michigan hiking trail that you need to visit at least once.

Setting up Camp at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Instead of tent camping, we opted for one of the park's rustic, hike-in cabins. The trek to the cabin we chose—the Crosscut—was a moderately challenging (a little uphill) two-mile hike from the trailhead. But the solitude, dark skies, and quiet (all without having to pitch a tent) were very much worth it, especially during an early-morning thunderstorm that rolled through while we were staying at the Crosscut Cabin.

We spent most of our days hiking and exploring the park. And as large as it is, there was a lot to explore. Believe me when I say we left plenty on the table for the next time, and for several times after that. The Porkies encompass more than 60,000 acres along the U.P.’s Lake Superior highlands, 35,000 of which are northern hardwood forest—one of the largest remaining expanses in the country. More than 90 miles of Michigan hiking trails weave through the park’s forests and bluffs.

Hiking the Famous Escarpment Trail

There’s definitely a lot more to see in this stunning wilderness park, but one thing we were sure to do was the hike that we came here for: the park’s iconic Escarpment Trail. If you access it from one of the terminal trail heads, the whole hike is a little over eight miles, out and back. You don’t have to do the whole thing, of course, and there is a trailhead that comes in at around the middle of the hike, which halves the distance.

What You’ll See Along This Scenic Michigan Hike

If all you want is to have a peek at Lake of the Clouds, just head down to the parking area for the westernmost trailhead for the Escarpment Trail, which is located right at the Lake of the Clouds Scenic Area. Get there early, though, if you happen to visit on a summer weekend. Otherwise, you'll notice that the parking lot fills up quickly.

As for us, we connected with the Escarpment from our cabin via the Union Spring and Lost Lake trails. We used a paper map and offline guides from AllTrails Plus for navigation, because we had no cell service in the park. It was a long day of hiking, and my son was very patient with his out-of-shape dad. We saw a lot of good stuff, however, including the iconic view we came for.

What Makes This Michigan Trail so Unforgettable

Something that makes the Escarpment Trail even more iconic is that it’s a segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail’s Upper Peninsula section. Between the stunning views and incredible setting, I don’t think there’s a more iconic Michigan hiking trail, and you should definitely hike the Escarpment Trail at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park at least once in your life. The combination of those rolling hills, the lake, and a seemingly endless stretch of sky makes for an unforgettable panorama.

Know Before You Go

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park requires a Michigan Recreation Passport for entry, or a non-resident daily or annual pass, which is roughly $11 per day or $40 per year. If you do plan to hike the Escarpment Trail, you might consider bringing hiking poles to support you as you climb. Also, sturdy hiking shoes are a must for navigating the steep, rocky incline. Visit the park's website for more info on the park and to make camping or cabin reservations.

Have you hiked the Escarpment Trail? What are some other Michigan hiking trails you'd consider to be iconic? Share this article with a fellow outdoor enthusiast and let the planning begin!