Porcupine Mountains Grand Loop Permit
The Porcupine Mountains Grand Loop links the Big Carp River, Lake Superior, and Little Carp River Trails through Michigan's largest state park wilderness. Backcountry camping is by reservation with Michigan DNR (MiDNRReservations.com); this page gives sourced trip info and a link to book.
“A backcountry loop through Michigan's largest state park wilderness, linking three named trails along Lake Superior.”
Plan your Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (MI) trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Plan your trip
How to get Grand Loop
Michigan DNR backcountry camping runs on the state's GoingToCamp reservation system, but this session found no live-verified facility id for Porcupine Mountains backcountry sites to alert on. Wiring this needs a verified GoingToCamp map/facility id for the park.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
How to get a Grand Loop permit
- Type
- Backpacking
- Location
- Porcupine Mountains, Upper Peninsula, Michigan, MI
Step 1: Create a Michigan DNR account
Sign up at Michigan DNR if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
More on Grand Loop: Live availability activityWhen Grand Loop permits open up
How much a Grand Loop permit costs
Grand Loop permit fee: Backcountry camping fee around $20/night for up to 6 people (confirm at booking).
The Grand Loop hike
- Route Type
- Loop
- Duration
- 3-4 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Grand Loop landmarks
- 1Lake of the Clouds Overlook (trailhead)
The Big Carp River Trail begins at the Lake of the Clouds overlook, the park's most visited spot.
- 2Big Carp River Trail
A 9.6-mile trail from the Lake of the Clouds overlook to the mouth of the Big Carp River at Lake Superior, with 8 backcountry campsites along it.
- 3Mouth of the Big Carp River
The Big Carp River Trail's remote northern end, where the river meets Lake Superior.
- 4Lake Superior Trail
The park's longest trail, following the rocky Lake Superior shoreline; a 1.3-mile stretch of it carries 10 backcountry sites plus 4 cabins.
- 5Little Carp River Trailhead
Located about 16 miles west of park headquarters on South Boundary Road.
- 6Miscowawbic Peak
- 7LaFayette Peak
- 8Shining Cloud Falls
- 9Traders Falls
- 10Trapper's Falls
A waterfall on the Little Carp River, roughly 4 miles from the Little Carp River trailhead.
- 11Overlooked Falls
- 12Lily Pond
- 13Mirror Lake
A backcountry lake with cabins, reached via the North or South Mirror Lake Trail; the southern loop around it is about 3 miles.
- 14Summit Peak
A scenic-area trailhead and one of the park's high points, an alternate access point toward Mirror Lake.
- 15Escarpment Trail
A ridge trail connecting toward the Lake of the Clouds overlook, part of common Grand Loop combinations.
A backcountry loop through Michigan's largest state park wilderness, linking three named trails along Lake Superior.
About this permit
The Porcupine Mountains Grand Loop combines the Big Carp River, Lake Superior, and Little Carp River Trails into one backcountry route through Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, with backcountry campsites and cabins spaced along the way.
The route
From the Lake of the Clouds overlook, the Big Carp River Trail runs about 9.6 miles to the river's mouth at Lake Superior. The Lake Superior Trail follows the shoreline, with backcountry sites along a 1.3-mile developed stretch, before the Little Carp River Trail climbs past Trapper's Falls and Mirror Lake back toward Summit Peak and the Escarpment Trail.
The feeling
The route follows the Big Carp River down to Lake Superior, turns along the rocky shoreline on the Lake Superior Trail, and returns inland past Trapper's Falls and Mirror Lake on the Little Carp River Trail.
How hard the Grand Loop hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required1/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
Best for: Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.
Recommended experience: Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.
When to hike Grand Loop
Grand Loop photography guide
Classic Shots
- Lake of the Clouds overlook
- Trapper's Falls
- Mirror Lake
Grand Loop rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Grand Loop.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Grand Loop · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Grand Loop FAQ
Do I need a permit to backpack in the Porcupine Mountains?
Yes. Every backcountry campsite, cabin, and yurt requires an advance reservation, and you must check in in person at a park check station to get your paper camping permit before you head out.
How far ahead can I reserve a Porcupine Mountains backcountry campsite?
Reservations open 6 months in advance and can still be made up to 72 hours before your arrival if space remains.
How much does backcountry camping cost in the Porkies?
Around $20 a night for a group of up to 6 people, booked through MiDNRReservations.com.
Where do I check in for my Porcupine Mountains backcountry permit?
At Park Headquarters, the Visitor Center, or Union Bay Campground, each open specific hours during the camping season.
What is the Porcupine Mountains Grand Loop?
A common combination of the Big Carp River, Lake Superior, and Little Carp River trails into one multi-day loop through the park's interior and Lake Superior shoreline.
Can I pick any backcountry campsite in the Porcupine Mountains?
No. Sites are numbered and site-specific, meaning your reservation is for one particular site, not just the general area.
Grand Loop trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
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