Porcupine Mountain 3 Day Backpacking Trip

Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Porcupine Mountain state park was established in 1945. Used for its mining properties in the 19th century, this park is home to a large stand of old growth forest. Numerous sightings of black bears have been reported across the parks 87 miles of backpacking trails that includes portions of the North Country Trail (NCT). Some of the various land features you will see here are rivers, waterfalls, swamps, and lakes that lie between rocky outcroppings. A number of waterfalls can be found on the parks western border.

After arriving Friday mid afternoon we will backpack into our campsite. Over the course of Saturday and Sunday we will hike through the park camping at a backcountry site on Saturday night. Daily mileage will be somewhat short, allowing us time to explore and take pictures. Backpackers should expect to hike approximately 3 miles on Friday, 10-12 on Saturday and 6 miles on Sunday.

Backpackers attending this event should have previous experience in the wilderness. Members are responsible for obtaining their own gear. A recommended gear/food/clothing list will be provided prior to the trip. Essential gear includes a backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad/mattress, tent or shelter, cooking system with fuel, rain gear for you and your backpack, clothing suitable for hiking (we recommended not wearing cotton), trail runners, headlamp, food, water filtration device, bear proof storage bag or container, and water. Other recommended gear: trekking poles, first aid kit, compass, bug repellant, 25-50' of high visibility paracord.

If you have never backpacked before this event is not designed for you. We suggest attending one of our Backpackers boot camps. Contact us if you have a question concerning your readiness or equipment. Participants should be able to carry a load of up to 30 lbs. for up to 8 hours over multiple days.

Registration fee includes camping registration and park entrance fee.

Carpooling pick up locations available at:

-Metra Station-Schaumburg, IL

-Elgin, IL-Park and Ride

-Belmont & 63rd Park-n-Ride-Downers Grove, Illinois

-Newville Park and Ride -Edgerton, WI

-American Center Park & Ride-Madison, WI

-WisDOT Park & Ride 37-01-Kronenwetter, WI

-WisDOT Park & Ride 35-01,-Irma, WI

-Ramsay Rd, Bessemer, MI

Rental gear is available and includes the following:

-Backpack

-Sleeping bag

-Sleeping pad

-UL Pillow

-2 person tent

-water purifier

-Stove

-Headlamp

-Sit pad

-Trekking poles