The remote interior, the towering pine and hemlock, seem to defy time. The solitude of the park is mysterious and exciting. A hiker to the interior of the Porkies must actually turn back the clock and call on skills that were second nature to our ancestors. One must appreciate the ways of a Wilderness Area to thoroughly enjoy backpacking the Porkies. The Department of Natural Resources maintains over 90 miles of foot trails and 16 rustic trailside cabins for the public.
Trails traverse most of the park and lead the hikers to the most spectacular overlooks and vistas.
Steep grades and stream crossings are frequently encountered. Whether you are visiting the Porcupine Mountains for an hour or a week, the Center should be your first stop. Here, you can check on trail conditions, register for backpacking, get directions to scenic sites, check wildlife sightings, note the interpretive activities schedule, and more. While at the Center, be sure to see the park's exciting multi-image program. This 15 minute presentation provides a brief history of the mountains and an overview of the park itself.