Summit Peak Scenic Area — Local services in Carp Lake Township

Decent-sized parking lot with a handful of picnic tables and restrooms (or porta-potties that looked as though they hadn't been emptied in weeks, as was the case when we went). The hike up to the tower isn't terribly long or strenuous, though it is (somewhat unsurprisingly) mostly uphill. We continued toward the South Mirror Lake Trail, on down to Mirror Lake, then back up the Little Carp River Trail, and finally onto the Beaver Creek Trail to return to this point. Overall, about 5-6 miles, depending on how much detouring you do (we checked out the primitive camp area on the southwest corner of the lake, which added about a half-mile to the hike). There were multiple places where there appeared to be a formal trail that would branch off; fortunately I was using the AllTrails app on my phone (with offline maps) and was able to determine when and where we'd need to turn or not turn. In hindsight, I think we'd elect to just hike up to the tower and back, and spend more time at the Escarpment Trail along Lake of the Clouds. Also, don't forget...

Summit Peak is the highest point in the Porcupine Mountains. To get there, you drive up a winding road that goes uphill. At the parking lot, you continue walking uphill for another 1/2 mile or so to a tower. You can ascend the tower (a few flights of stairs) and overlook the large state park from the top. It is a great way to see the view for a stop of less than an hour. if you want more expansive views, I think the Escarpment Trail is the way to go - yet that's 8.6 miles round trip. This is an easy way to get a...

The view is not really worth the walk (view similar to lake of the clouds without the lake and with trees obscuring the view). Between the boardwalks and the viewing platform my husband counted 340 stairs to get to the peak. The viewing platform stairs are similar to that of a lighthouse -- straight up. If you just want to say you've gone to the highest point in the porcupine mountains, go for it, otherwise save your energy and...