Summit Peak Observation Tower
From the 40-foot tower at the park's highest point (1,958 feet above sea level and 1,360 feet above Lake Superior), you're so high above the treetops of the forest, here in the park's interior, that you feel you're floating above an undulating sea of green — or of fall color.
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| Dan Urbanski |
| The Summit Peak tower looks out on unfolding vistas of old-growth forest, with views as far as the Copper Peak Ski Flying Hill near Ironwood and even the Apostle Islands on a clear day |
Come on a clear day (many are somewhat hazy) and you can see all the way to Wisconsin's Apostle Islands, over 25 miles away. A panoramic sign points you to landmarks like the Copper Peak Ski Flying Hill and stacks of the former White Pine Mine. The shady half-mile trail up to the tower is pretty; the view towards sunset is especially striking. If you aren't in shape, you could huff and puff here.
For a little more of a hike to Summit Peak, you can go out and back along the BEAVER CREEK TRAIL from the Summit Peak parking lot, about a mile each way. Or you could make a 2 1/2-mile loop from the tower to MIRROR LAKE. Ask at the Visitor Center for directions.
Midway on the South Boundary Road, 20 minutes from either end of the park, the asphalt Summit Peak Rd. goes two miles north to the parking area. Wheelchair access: no.
Return to Porcupine Mountains State Park
POINTS OF INTEREST
Escarpment Trail. The U.P.'s most spectacular hiking trail has stunning views of Lake of the Clouds, the Upper Carp River, and the vast interior of the Porkies ... more
Hikes in the Porkies. From an hour to days-long, select hikes in the Porkies ... more
Lake of the Clouds Overlook. One of Michigan's most famous views looks down from a dramatic Porcupine Mountain ridge onto a peaceful lake and Big Carp Valley ... more
Lost Creek Yurt. Very cool adventure if you're up to it: a 6+ mile trek through deep winter snow in a remote, dense forest to a delightful yurt warmed by a wood stove. ... more
Shining Cloud Falls. One of the legendary U.P. hikes for hardy soles up to a rugged 10+ mile outing ... more
Union Bay. The most popular and easily reached Lake Superior beach in the Porkies, it's accessible by car and even has a concession stand by the large modern campground. ... more
Summit Peak Observation Tower. It feels like you're floating above an undulating sea of green here at the park's highest spot ... more
Presque Isle River Waterfalls & Picnic Area. Many consider the three waterfalls here among the most U.P.'s most beautiful ... more
Overlooked and Greenstone Falls. Two fine waterfalls, reached by fairly short hikes through old-growth hemlocks and past a gorge, are well worth the walk ... more
Explorers Falls. For those up to a long hike into the Porkies, the reward is experiencing the finest waterfall on the park's Carp River. ... more
Hike to Trap Falls. A 3 to 4 hour hike though hemlocks, hardwoods and big pines to a remote and picturesque waterfall ... more
Along the North Country Trail. Not the Porkies' most scenic trail, but its most remote. Connects to Black River waterfalls, Trap Hills, and Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness Area beyond the state park. ... more
Long trek deep into the Porkies. A recommended 3- to 4-day backpacking hike deep into the Porkies, through old-growth forest, past waterfalls, along the Little Carp River. ... more
Abinodja Falls, Ogimawke Falls & Ogima Falls. Just south of the state park, a marvelous series of waterfalls for those willing to take the trouble to find them ... more
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