Porcupine Mountains Visitor - State of Michigan

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Porcupine Mountains Visitor - State of Michigan
Porcupine Mountains Visitor
2021 Printed by the Friends of the Porkies                                                                     www.michigan.gov/porkies

Welcome To the Porcupine Mountains
Last year was a challenging year, but also
a record attendance year at the Porkies.
With indoor activities closed or canceled
due to COVID-19, many people chose to
get outside. In addition to the regular local
visitors and returning visitors from outside
the area, we had an influx of first timers
which meant our attendance hit a record
high at nearly 600,000.

We welcomed both first-time campers
and backpackers. With so many people
in the park, including many who were
inexperienced, we also experienced a
record number of lost and injured hikers.
In 2020, Porkies rangers responded to 52
rescues or emergencies. Historically, this
number typically ranges between 6 and 18
per year.

As the name implies, wilderness is
inherently “wild.” Trails can be steep and
slippery. Weather can change quickly,
accidents happen and nobody is to blame.
Overexertion, lower-leg injuries and a            Park Rangers training with the rescue litter at the Lake of the Clouds.
lack of pre-trip planning were among the
primary causes for the record rescues.          We also want you to pack appropriately
Due to restrictions for wilderness areas,       and plan accordingly prior to your visit.
topography and the size of the park, the        Please wear appropriate footwear, tread
majority of rescue efforts last many hours.     lightly, bring and drink water, have the 10
They require a team of 6-10 rangers             Essentials and know how to use them,
to hike to the injured person’s location,       grab a map, do not overload your pack,
provide First Aid, then load them onto a        and if you have any questions, please ask
wheeled rescue litter and haul them out to      a ranger.
                                                              Safe Travels and Happy Trails,
a trailhead at the speed of 1 mile per hour.
                                                            Michael J. Knack
We want you to enjoy the trails, experience                 Park Supervisor
the shoreline, feed your need for                           Porcupine Mountains
adventure, connect with friends and family.                 Wilderness State Park

                                                                                                              Map on pages 4-5

                                                                                                Contents:
                                                                                                Welcome ...................................... p.1
                                                                                                Scenic Areas................................. p.2
                                                                                                Park Navigation............................. p.2

The Wilderness Visitor Center                                                                   Waterfalls ..................................... p.3
                                                                                                Cabin and Yurt rentals................... p.3
                                                The Wilderness Visitor Center is located
                                                along South Boundary Road, one quarter          Rustic camping ............................ p.6
                                                mile from the CR-107 Junction. This             Friends of the Porkies ................. p.7
                                                should be your first stop when visiting the
                                                                                                iNaturalist .................................... p.7
                                                Porcupine Mountains. Here you can check
                                                trail conditions, register for backpacking,     Artist In Residence ....................... p.8
                                                purchase fishing/hunting licenses, get          Folk School is back ...................... p.8
                                                directions to scenic sites and more.

                                                During busy times of the day, please            The Michigan Department of Natural
                                                keep your party size within the building           Resources is committed to the
                                                to a minimum. There is plenty of beauty        conservation, protection, management,
                                                outside to enjoy while you wait, including a      use and enjoyment of the State’s
The Wilderness Visitor Center is open           1-mile self-guided trail that winds through      natural and cultural resources for
through mid-October.                            giant eastern hemlocks and over majestic           current and future generations.
Daily hours 8 a.m. ‒ 8 p.m. EST.                streams.
Porcupine Mountains Visitor - State of Michigan
Scenic
    Areas                                                                                                                   Presque Isle River

Lake of the Clouds                              Summit Peak                                      Presque Isle River
Standing along the top of the steep             At 1,958 feet tall, Summit Peak is the           The Presque Isle River is located at the
escarpment you look out over the beautiful      highest point in the park. From the parking      very west side of the park. Here, there is a
Lake of the Clouds, surrounded by lush          area, there is a half-mile packed dirt trail     rustic campground, pavilion in the day use
forests and dramatic mountains. On clear        that winds through huge hardwood trees,          area and three of the biggest waterfalls in
days, you can see over 20 miles away. It is     with benches stationed along the route. The      the park. From the day-use area, the hiking
easy to see why this is the most visited site   trail leads to wooden stairs, walkways and a     trail leads to wooden stairs and walkways
in the park.                                    viewing tower that access two breathtaking       that take you to the falls. At the river mouth,
                                                panoramic vistas.                                a beautiful suspension bridge spans the
Located at the end of CR-107, only a                                                             fast-flowing water. The trail leads to Lake
short 100-yard walk up a paved trail or                                                          Superior, the perfect spot for sunsets.
                                                The turn-off for this site is located half-way
accessible boardwalk will bring you to this
                                                down South Boundary Road. A turn-around
amazing view. Due to limited parking, it
                                                and parking area is situated at the end          Take the flat gravel trail behind the DNR’s
is recommended visitors drop trailers and
                                                of the entrance road. It is recommended          Presque Isle contact booth for the shortest
campers off in the middle ski hill parking
                                                visitors drop trailers and campers off in the    and easiest access to view one of the
area on summer and fall days.
                                                designated lot located as you exit South         waterfalls, Nawadaha.
                                                Boundary Road before heading up the
                                                mountain.

                       © Northwoods Exposure
                          © Sandy Richardson                                 © Michael
                                                                           © Sandy     Knack
                                                                                   Richardson

NEW PARK NAVIGATION
                                                The Porkies is Michigan’s largest state          The Park will continue to use the blue trail
                                                park, almost 60,000 acres in size with           markers to show the path while hiking.
                                                over 90 miles of hiking trails branching
                                                throughout the park. Navigating the
                                                Porkies can get a little confusing at times.
                                                Park staffers are excited to introduce
                                                our visitors to our new trail maps and
                                                confidence markers.

                                                Each trail intersection will have a map
                                                marking the hiker’s current location. As
                                                a path is chosen and the hiker goes a
                                                short distance down that trail there will
                                                be a confidence marker. This marker
                                                will state which backcountry campsites,
                                                cabins, yurts, and next trail intersection is
                                                ahead on this trail, as well as the distance
                                                to each. Use these markers as a way to
New confidence markers                                                                                                 © Northwoods Exposure
                                                confirm you are heading down the correct
                                                trail.                                             Follow the blue markers.

                      Dispersed camping is not allowed in the Porcupine Mountains for spring, summer or fall backpackers.
                      A backcountry permit is required. Camping without one may result in a civil infraction.
                      Register for backcountry camping in the Visitor Center: Open everyday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST.
                      Due to increases in park visitation, we highly reccommend making a reservation ahead of time at:
                                                   www.MiDNRreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS

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Porcupine Mountains Visitor - State of Michigan
What About The Waterfalls?
The Porcupine Mountains have many beautiful attractions. Waterfalls are one of the features that seem to capture the attention of all
visitors. Big or small, water trickling or roaring over rocks is an almost mystical sight to behold. Here at the Porkies we have over 70
waterfalls throughout the park. Some are more difficult to get to than others and to get to each one could take over a week of exploring.

If you are looking for some reccommendations check out what some of the park staffers suggest.

                                                                          Waterfalls of interest at Porcupine Mountains
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Do not jump off of the falls and be aware of slippery rocks.
                          So                                                                                                                                                                                         River Road

         1   1

 Less than 2 hours                                                                                                                                                                                2-5 hour                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5 hours or more
 Easy hikes                                                                                                                                                                                       Medium hikes                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Difficult hikes
1. Nawadaha Waterfall                                                                                                                                                                  3. Greenstone Waterfall                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Shining Cloud Waterfall
Easy to get to on a short, packed gravel                                                                                                                                               This hidden falls is a 2-mile round-trip hike.                                                                                                                                                                                                 This is an all day 11 mile hike but worth the
trail, it’s one of the biggest falls in the park.                                                                                                                                      On a hot day this is one of my favorite                                                                                                                                                                                                        effort. The Big Carp River is packed full of
Breathtaking and the view never gets old!                                                                                                                                              places to wade in, but look out for leeches!                                                                                                                                                                                                   waterfalls and wonder.
                        -Whitney Rule, Summer Ranger                                                                                                                                                                                                    -Steve Negovan, Park Officer                                                                                                                                                                                                    - Michael Knack, Park Supervisor

                                                                                                                                                                                        photo holder

                                                                                                  © Michael Knack                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        © Michael Knack                                                                                                                                                                                          © Michael Knack

2. Little Union Gorge Waterfall                                                                                                                                                       4. Nonesuch Waterfall                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. Trap Waterfall
This waterfall is located on the interpretive  It is worth the 2-miles round trip it takes to                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This is a 5-mile round trip hike that follows
mine 1-mile loop. This short hike offers a lot explore them. Hidden in the rocky remains                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             the Upper Carp River. The bank of this
of waterfall views as a reward.                of an old mine there is no fall such as it.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           waterfall is a great place for lunch.
          - Séamus D. Heaney, Park Officer                   - Katie Urban, Park Interpreter                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             - The Park’s Interior Crew

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      photo holder

                                                                                                © Dave Braithwaite                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       © Michael Knack                                                                                                                                                                 © Northwoods Exposure
                                                                       This paper is 100% recycled from magazines and books and printed with soy-based ink.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           3
Porcupine Mountains Visitor - State of Michigan
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Pa
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                                                                                                                                             ATTENTION ALL TRAIL USERS
                                     P res q ue I sl e R
                                                         i         ve                                                                       You are responsible for your                                                                                                                                                                                        Black bear are unpredictable
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                                                                                                                                            own safety in the wilderness                                                                                                                                                                                        and can be dangerous

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                                                                                                                                            Knowing what to do can
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                                                                              Lepisto Falls
                                                                                                                                            Protect pets – keep them                                                                                                                                                                                            You are responsible for your
                                                                                                                                            on leash                                                                                                                                                                                                            campfire

Plan Ahead and Prepare                                                                                                                                                                                      Be Considerate of Others
Know the rules for the area and always be prepared.                                                                                                                                                         Respect other visitors by maintaining appropriate noise levels.

4
Porcupine Mountains Visitor - State of Michigan
U N I O N              B AY
ark                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Union
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bay
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      West
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Tiny House
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Union Bay
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Campground
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Kaug Wudjoo
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         107

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Sout h Boun dary Rd
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Wilderness
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Visitor Center

ake of the Clouds Scenic Area
                                                                    Escarpment Trail                                                                                                                                                                                                    Whitetail
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            White Birch                                Administration Building
                                                                                                                                           Carp Lake Landing                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Union Bay Area

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           o g a Creek
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            107

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                   Elevation 1,958 ft                                              1.5                                                                                                                                Riv e
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                                Accessible area                                                                                                            Lookout tower                                                                                                            Scenic area                                                                                                            Cross country ski trail

                                Backcountry cabin                                                                                                          Modern campground                                                                                                        Suspension bridge                                                                                                      Hiking trail

                                Backpack campsite                                                                                                          Parking                                                                                                                  Toilets                                                                                                                North Country Trail

                                Bear pole location                                                                                                         Picnic area                                                                                                              Warming shelter                                                                                                        Primary forest

                                Boat launch                                                                                                                Ranger station                                                                                                           Winter lodging                                                                                                         Park land

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 2
                                Hiking trailhead                                                                                                         Un-bridged river crossing                                                                                                  Yurt                                                                                                                   Distance in miles

                                Information                                                                                                               Rustic campground                                                                                                          Camp store

         Respect Wildlife                                                                                                                                                 Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces                                                                                                                                                 Leave What You Find
         Never feed or approach any wild animal.                                                                                                                          Stay on the trail and camp at designated camp sites.                                                                                                                                Never move natural or historic objects.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               5
Porcupine Mountains Visitor - State of Michigan
Cabin/Yurt
                      Number of       Trailhead                                               Distance
    (*available for                                             Route             Distance               Fee/night
                      Occupants        Parking                                               in Winter
    rent in winter)

                                                      Pinkerton to Lake
      Big Carp 6          6       Pinkerton Creek                                   4 mi                   $68
                                                      Superior Trail East

                                                      Pinkerton to Lake
      Big Carp 8          4       Pinkerton Creek                                   4 mi                   $68
                                                      Superior Trail East

                                  Lake Superior
      Buckshot            4                           Lake Superior Trail           3 mi                   $68
                                  Trailhead

        Cotten            8       Speakers Creek      Speakers Creek Trail          1 mi                   $125

      Crosscut*           2       Union Spring        Union Spring Trail            2 mi       3 mi        $68

                                                      East of south Boundary
    Gitche Gumee*         8       Gitche Gumee                                    Drive In   Drive In      $68
                                                      on M107

     Greenstone                   Little Carp River
                          4                           Little Carp River Trail       1 mi                   $68
        Falls                     Road

     Lake of the                  Overlook at Lake    Escarpment trail to North
                          4                                                         1 mi                   $68
       Clouds                     of the Clouds       Mirror Lake Trail

                                                      Pinkerton to Lake
    Lake Superior         4       Pinkerton Creek                                   4 mi                   $68
                                                      Superior Trail East

                                  Summit Peak         Beaver Creek to Little
      Lily Pond           4                                                        1.5 mi                  $68
                                  Parking             Carp Trail S.E.

                                                      Pinkerton to Lake
      Little Carp         4       Pinkerton Creek     Superior Trail                3 mi                   $68
                                                      Intersection

     Little Union                                     Little Union River Yurt
                          4       Union Spring                                      1 mi       3 mi        $68
     River Yurt*                                      Trail

                                                      Little Union River Yurt
      Lost Creek          4       Lost Lake Trail                                   1 mi                   $68
                                                      Trail

                                  Summit Peak         Beaver Creek to Little
    Mirror Lake 2         2                                                        2.5 mi                  $68
                                  Parking             Carp Trail N.W.

                                  Summit Peak         Beaver Creek to Little
    Mirror Lake 4         4                                                       2.75 mi                  $68
                                  Parking             Carp Trail N.W.

                                  Summit Peak         Beaver Creek to Little
    Mirror Lake 8         8                                                       2.75 mi                  $68
                                  Parking             Carp Trail N.W.

                                  Little Carp River
      Section 17          4                           Little Carp River Trail       1 mi                   $68
                                  Road

      Speakers            4       Speakers Creek      Speakers Creek Trail          1 mi                   $68

                                  Inside Union Bay    West end of Union Bay
     Tiny House*          4                                                       Drive In   250 yds       $95
                                  Campground          Campground

      Union Bay                   Inside Union Bay    West End of Union Bay
                          4                                                       Drive In   250 yds       $68
        East*                     Campground          Campground

      Union Bay                   Inside Union Bay    West End of Union Bay
                          4                                                       Drive In   250 yds       $68
       West*                      Campground          Campground

     Union River*         8       Union Spring        Union Spring Trail            1 mi       3 mi        $68

     White Birch          2       Deer Yard           Deer Yard Trail             0.75 mi                  $68

      Whitetail*          8       Deer Yard           Deer Yard Trail               1 mi       1 mi        $68

Rustic Lodging
If you are looking to stay at one of the
park’s 23 backcountry cabins or yurts there
are few things you should know.

The rustic lodging is spread out througout
the park. Use the chart above to find
a place to stay that is located at an
appropriate distance for your group.

The park is open year-round and so are
some of our rustic lodging options. Renters
                                                              Porcupine Mountain yurt covered in snow.
enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing
to their lodging in the winter.

Trees that are dead and laying on the ground can be collected for firewood. In the winter
months (December-March) firewood is provided for the use of heating the cabins.

Check-in must occur during regular business hours and at designated check-in
stations:
       May 15- Oct. 14:
             Check in at the Visitor Center, open every day 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST.
       Oct. 15 - May 14:
             Check in at Park Headquarters, open everyday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. EST.

6
Porcupine Mountains Visitor - State of Michigan
PO Box 221
                                                                                                            Ontonagon, MI 49953
                                                                                                          906-884-7443 • Porkies.org

Supporting the Park in 2021                                                                     Support the park by joining, donating to
In 2021 the long-awaited playground will                                                        the Friends and volunteering to help with
become a reality. Using funds raised by                                                         projects at porkies.org.
the Friends, the DNR will prepare the site
                                                                                                       FriendsOfThePorkies
and purchase the playground equipment.
With guidance from the equipment vendor,
Friends volunteers and park personnel will                                                               New to the Porkies
install the playground equipment in time for
use by summer park visitors.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors,
and a matching grant from Portage Health
Foundation, the Friends has purchased
three sets of Sit-Skis. These skis will help
make selected cross-country ski trails
accessible. Each Sit-Ski set includes a                                                          The Outdoor Skills Academy is a
molded chair mounted on custom-designed                                                          Michigan DNR program that focuses on
Nordic skis, ski poles, outriggers and push-                                                     the same goals as the Friends’ Outdoor
pull handles that a helper can use to assist                                                     Adventure Program, including support of
the skier. The Friends will donate the Sit-                                                      area youth. Park Interpreter Katie Urban
Ski sets to the park for use at the Winter                                                       is very enthusiastic about developing
Sports Complex. Using this equipment,                                                            a robust OSA program in the Porkies.
disabled skiers will now be able to join        One of the Sit-Skis purchased by the Friends.    The Friends is using funds raised for the
family and friends in experiencing the                                                           OAP to support the Porkies’ Outdoor
Porkies in winter.                                                                               Skills Academy.

Build a Porkies’ Trails Fund                                                                     For more information visit:
                                                                                                 michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills
In January 2021, the Friends kicked off an innovative way to raise
funds to help build, repair and restore trails in the Porkies. We are
“selling” an annual Trails Supporter decal to build a Trails Fund.
For a donation of $25 or more, supporters will receive a 2021 Trail                                           Individual   $25
Supporter decal.                                                                                              Household    $40
                                                                                                              Business     $50
                                                                                                              Lifetime     $300
                                                                                                              Pet**        $10
                                                                          Membership includes:                  **owner must be a member
                                                                          • Subscription to the monthly E-Quill and the Quill Annual
                                                                            Report featuring Friends’ yearly accomplishments and
                                                                            plans for the future.
                                                                          • Invitation to the annual membership meeting.
                                                                          • A collective voice with park users to express your ideas.

                                                                           One of the worlds most popular nature apps,
                                                                           iNaturalist is happening in the Porkies. This app will
                                                                           help you identify the plants and animals found in
                                                                           the Porkies while connecting you with a community
                                                                           of over a million scientists and naturalists who can
                                                                           help you learn more about nature!
All money raised through sale of decals will grow a Trails Fund to
support projects to repair and maintain hiking, cross-country skiing,      Take a look at the “Porcupine Mountains Wilderness
interpretive and biking trails. The fund will be used to improve
                                                                           State Park Project” in iNaturalist and join the fun at
accessibility where possible.
                                                                           www.inaturalist.org
For the Friends, this is an opportunity to support the largest visitor
group to the Porkies – trails users. The Friends will enhance annual
Trail Supporter donations by writing grants for specific trail projects
and working with the park to identify volunteer opportunities to work
on trails. Each year, the Friends will inform the public of identified
projects and report on work completed.

Stickers can be purchased in park gift shops or online at
porkies.org or mail a check designated to the Trails Fund to:
Friends of the Porkies,
P.O. Box 221,
Ontonagon, MI 49953.
                                                                                                                                             7
Porcupine Mountains Visitor - State of Michigan
PO Box 221
                                                                                                           Ontonagon, MI 49953
                                                                                                         906-884-7443 • Porkies.org

Artist-in-Residence Program
The Friends of the Porkies Artist-In-Residence Program, established in 2007,
hosts artists for two or three-week residencies. While living in Dan’s Cabin in a
secluded wilderness, artists have an opportunity to explore and absorb the vast
wilderness of the park.

They capture their creative impressions in a variety of mediums, and each artist
donates a completed piece of art to the Friends’ permanent collection. Enjoy a
glimpse of the varied seasons and hidden treasures of the Porkies found in the
selection of artwork displayed in the Visitor Center and in the complete collection
found in the on-line gallery at www.porkies.org/artist.

The generosity of artists makes possible the sale of giclee art reproductions,
books and other Porkies merchandise to support future artists in residence at the
Back to Nature shop, located in the park visitor center and on-line at
porkies.org/merchandise/art-prints/

Selected for 2021

Lee LaVanway, singer and songwriter, Van Nuys, CA
Andre Venter, photography, and Martha Councell-Vargas, flutist, Kalamazoo, MI
Carol Socks-Parker, clay and mixed media, Rochester Hills, MI
Catherine Danae, needle felting, Prospect, PA,
Dawn Russell, watercolor and pastels, Suttons Bay, MI
                                                                                      Sketching at Presque Isle River, by Alex Gilford

Folk School Classes Are Back
                                                              The Friends of the Porkies are excited to welcome students back to
                                                              classes at the Porcupine Mountains Folk School. Classes are held in the
                                                              Old Carpenter Shop/Folk School taught by instructors who are experts in
                                                              their fields. From bead work to basketry to journaling to blacksmithing to
                                                              dyeing and painting, we’ve chosen a diverse range of classes to appeal to
                                                              a diverse mix of students.

                                                              Record your impressions of Lake Superior following a short, pre-writing
                                                              hike. Paint your impressions of the park on silk and transform your painting
                                                              into a quilted wall hanging. Create applique bead work earrings, weave
                                                              with willow or barks, explore eco-printing using natural dyes. Awaken your
                                                              inner blacksmith. Build a Leopold Bench, ideal for use in your garden.
                                                              Expand your personal boundaries by learning a new craft.

                                                              In the summer of 2020, we welcomed the 107th National Guard Corps
                                                              of Engineers to the Porkies. The Guard replaced the weather-worn roof
                                                              on the Old Carpenter Shop and provided safe use of the east entry by
                                                              building a sturdy new banister and railing for its steps.
A Leopold bench along the shore at Union Bay.
                                                              Check us out at www.porkies.org/events

Porcupine Mountains Music Festival
The Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, presented by the Friends of
the Porkies, remains on “hiatus” for 2021 due to issues related to the
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Festival made state history in 2005, becoming the first music
festival to be held in a Michigan state park. Performers bring to the
Porkies’ stage a diverse selection of musical styles: blues, country,
bluegrass, rock, folk and more. The pairing of quality performers and the
intimate natural surroundings of the state park offers a unique musical
experience.

Organizers are already hard at work charting the course for the future
of the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival. They are planning a strong
return of great live music at the Porkies. The 16th Porcupine Mountains
Music Festival is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 26-28, 2022.

Please visit our website porkiesfestival.org and our Facebook page for
the most up-to-date information.                                       The Porcupine Mountains Music Festival will be back in 2022.
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Porcupine Mountains Visitor - State of Michigan Porcupine Mountains Visitor - State of Michigan
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