Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, 15 miles west of Ontonagon in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. Covering 60,000 acres, with towering virgin timber, secluded lakes and miles of wild rivers and streams, the Porkies arguably offer the best hiking in the Midwest with nearly 90 miles of trails and virtually no roads.
The Porkies consist of a series of undulating, irregular ranges, making the hiking rugged and challenging. We'll hike 4.3 miles along the Escarpment Trail, which is considered by many to be the most scenic and awe-inspiring route in the Porkies. Sheer cliffs and scenic vistas of Lake of the Clouds provide exceptional beauty. While we hike at a moderate pace and stop often, the trail is rocky and steep in places; good physical conditioning is required for this trip but the beauty will make every step worth it!
We'll provide Nordic walking poles for those interested. Van transportation is provided from Manitowish Waters. 60-806-61500
John Bates/Mary Burns
Friday, October 10
8 am - 5 pm
Depart from Manitowish Waters
Fee: $32; Class #23328
Located nine miles east of Eagle River, the Anvil National Recreation Trail stretches 13 miles within the Nicolet National Forest. We'll hike a five-mile loop within the system, walking at a moderate pace and stopping often to enjoy the last of the autumn colors and to discuss the many fine ecological features of the trail. The terrain undulates, and the hills can be a bit challenging, so good physical conditioning is required for the hike. We'll provide Nordic walking polesfor those interested. 60-806-61500
John Bates/Mary Burns
Friday, September 26
9 am - 2 pm
Fee: $28
Class #23329
What better way to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another with a walk in one of the most beautiful forests in the Northwoods! Just off Highway 70 about 13 miles west of Minocqua, Patterson Hemlocks State Natural Area comprises 304 acres and harbors a large block of old-growth northern hemlock-hardwood forest with super-canopy white pines. This site was designated as a State Natural Area in 1987. We'll snowshoe off trail at a moderate pace, exploring about a two-mile loop within the area for its beauty and stopping now and again to consider the diverse ecological features of the site. 60-806-61500
John Bates/Mary Burns
Sunday, December 31
10 am - 12:30 pm
West of Minocqua
Fee: $20
Class #23332