Porcupine Mountains — Local services in Carp Lake Township

Just got done with a four-day backcountry hiking and camping trip at Porcupine Mountains. First, some trails are easy. Others are moderately difficult. For example, I spent my second day hiking to the mountain summit on the Big Carp River Trail, and that involved some difficult up-hill, rocky terrain that was treacherous at times. It wouldn’t be hard to lose your balance and fall, or misplace a step and break your ankle. However, the view up there is absolutely amazing. I included a picture with this review, but it really doesn’t do it justice. Second, the park has few potable water stations. This isn’t a big deal if you’re just doing a short day hike. But if you’re camping overnight for multiple days like I was, you have to plan your trip so that you have regular access to a water source. The day I camped at the summit of the Big Carp River Trail, shortly after I reached my campsite I realized I was out of water. I then had to hike another five miles (round trip) to get water at Lake of the Clouds. Try doing that after you’ve already hiked 12 miles with a 20-pound backpack up a mountain. Not fun. Don’t make the same rookie mistake that I did. Third, I’m giving it a four-star rating instead of five because some of the camp sites that I reserved online, which you have to do now, did not line up with the actual sites at the park. In other words, campsite BC-6 online was not in the same location as the actual BC-6 at the park. It was no big deal when I was there bc most of the backcountry camp sites were unoccupied. Also, I hiked the Lake Superior Trial my first day, and there were a lot of trees that had been knocked down and were blocking the path. Some looked like they had been there for awhile. The park needs to do a better job of clearing those trees out. These are small criticisms, however, and my overall experience at the...

Porkies are awesome (5 stars no doubt), but the DNR has made it suck to try and camp there in the past year. Now it's basically just a prettier Milwaukee. Have to reserve in advance. Have to let everyone know exactly where you'll be at all times, which means no spontaneous decisions - where's the adventure in that? Fees increasing always. Their website reservation system wasn't even working and I had to call and by the time they were open to talk, the reservation wasn't far enough (72hrs) in advance. Sorry but no thanks anymore. I'll stick to national forest land that doesn't have so many rules. There are still some hidden gems out there (in the area) like this used to be. I don't really blame management too much though- I figure there's been an increase in disrespectful people and they've had to make it more of a hassle/more control over you. Was fun...

It was awesome. Beautiful waterfalls. I even picked some Chicken of the woods Mushrooms (Laetiporus). 8/9/2020. Battered and fry them up they we're delicious. If you go down the trail on the way to view the green stone falls about 100 feet or so before you cross the first bridge wear the sign says green stone fall 3/4mi look to your right across the creek and they are growing on a tipped over decaying tree. Bright orange and yellow can't miss them. I only picked a couple. Probably 10or20 pounds of them left. If you have never had them your in for a treat. One of the easiest mushrooms to identify in the wild. Look them up if you think I am steering you the wrong way. But I am...