Porcupine Mountains

The state bought this land in 1945 specifically because it held the last substantial stand of uncut northern hardwood in the region and logging was about to take it - around 14,000 hectares of old growth survives, sugar maple, hemlock and yellow birch, the largest such tract between the Rocky Mountains and the Atlantic coast. Lake of the Clouds sits in a valley between two escarpments and the overlook above it is reached by a short walk from the road, which is why it is the image of the park. Copper was mined here in the 1800s and the Nonesuch mine ruins remain. Around a hundred and forty kilometres of trail cross the park, with rustic cabins bookable in the backcountry.

What you actually see

• The largest old-growth hardwood tract in the east - about 14,000 hectares.
• Lake of the Clouds - the overlook a short walk from the road.
• Nonesuch mine ruins - from the copper era.
• Backcountry cabins - bookable along the trail network.

When to go

June to October; colour peaks in early October. A full day or several.

Honest expectations

Black flies and mosquitoes in June are severe. Trails are rooted, muddy and slower than distances suggest. Cabins book out months ahead. It is a long drive to reach - this is the far west of the Upper Peninsula.

Nearby

Lake Superior is at the northern boundary; Ontonagon is east.