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Porcupine Mountains Loop
Trail Running Route
Hard
26.14 mi
3,889 ft
An epic trail running circuit of the Porcupine Mountains loaded with epic views and rocky singletrack.
Known regionally as the "Porkies," this 26.2-mile circuit through the Porcupine Mountains is the ultimate way for trail runners to experience some of the UP's most technical and stunning singletrack. A perfect marathon, this loop links miles of ridgetop running loaded with epic views to the murky and muddy evergreen wetlands that define much of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. According to [this source]( the fastest official times for the Porcupine Mountains Loop range from 5 to 6 hours, though a sub-5 finish is absolutely within reach with proper training. Though you must complete the official circuit seen here to be recorded on the registry, those less concerned with their times have the option to shorten or lengthen the route as needed. For instance, one shorter run or day hike is to link Beaver Creek, Little Carp River, S. Mirror Lake, and Summit Peak. Leashed and well-mannered pets are allowed in the Porkies, making a great alternative to running the [Greenstone Ridge Trail (GRT)]( or [Minong Ridge Trail]( on Isle Royale NP. Water is also abundant along the trail, though it should be sufficiently treated or filtered first. There are no developed facilities or potable water on trail, though the [Michigan DNR]( makes note of "rustic restrooms" at the Lake of the Clouds Scenic Overlook. One feature that makes this circuit great is its versatility. The loop as mapped here begins from the trailhead for Summit Peak Observation Tower, one of the best and most-visited views in the park. Should something go wrong early on, or if you're simply looking for a shorter loop, Mirror Lake is the gateway into the main portion of the route. It makes a great day hike or running destination when paired with Summit Peak. Sources: Written by Brendon Voelker
Known regionally as the "Porkies," this 26.2-mile circuit through the Porcupine Mountains is the ultimate way for trail runners to experience some of the UP's most technical and stunning singletrack. A perfect marathon, this loop links miles of ridgetop running loaded with epic views to the murky and muddy evergreen wetlands that define much of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. According to [this source]( the fastest official times for the Porcupine Mountains Loop range from 5 to 6 hours, though a sub-5 finish is absolutely within reach with proper training. Though you must complete the official circuit seen here to be recorded on the registry, those less concerned with their times have the option to shorten or lengthen the route as needed. For instance, one shorter run or day hike is to link Beaver Creek, Little Carp River, S. Mirror Lake, and Summit Peak. Leashed and well-mannered pets are allowed in the Porkies, making a great alternative to running the [Greenstone Ridge Trail (GRT)]( or [Minong Ridge Trail]( on Isle Royale NP. Water is also abundant along the trail, though it should be sufficiently treated or filtered first. There are no developed facilities or potable water on trail, though the [Michigan DNR]( makes note of "rustic restrooms" at the Lake of the Clouds Scenic Overlook. One feature that makes this circuit great is its versatility. The loop as mapped here begins from the trailhead for Summit Peak Observation Tower, one of the best and most-visited views in the park. Should something go wrong early on, or if you're simply looking for a shorter loop, Mirror Lake is the gateway into the main portion of the route. It makes a great day hike or running destination when paired with Summit Peak. Sources: Written by Brendon Voelker
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Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summit Peak climb | 0.45 mi | 243 ft | 10.0% |
| Summit Peak Side Trail (tower - S. Mirror Lake Tr.) | 0.46 mi | -276 ft | -10.5% |
| Summit Pk. Tr. to Mirror Lake bridge | 1.28 mi | -171 ft | -2.5% |
| Mirror Lake bridge to NML Tr. | 1.31 mi | 118 ft | 1.0% |
| th Engineers Memorial Highway Climb | 0.31 mi | 200 ft | 11.5% |
| Porkies punishment | 1.61 mi | 404 ft | 4.7% |
| th Engineers Memorial Highway Climb | 0.45 mi | 161 ft | 6.7% |
| th Engineers Memorial Highway Climb | 0.49 mi | 410 ft | 15.8% |
| climb to Cuyahoga Peak | 0.94 mi | 548 ft | 10.9% |
| Escarpment Trail (WB) | 3.57 mi | 518 ft | 1.0% |
| th Engineers Memorial Highway Climb | 0.23 mi | 151 ft | 12.3% |
| stair climb to LOTC view | 0.17 mi | 131 ft | 13.7% |
| BCRT: LOTC to Big Carp River | 4.17 mi | -430 ft | -1.3% |
| th Engineers Memorial Hwy Climb | 0.33 mi | 164 ft | 9.2% |
| Little Carp River Rd Climb | 1.55 mi | 614 ft | 7.5% |