The Upper Peninsula is known for its breathtaking scenery, especially in the fall. While there are plenty of places to see Michigan fall colors — Tahquamenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, Grand Island — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is one of the best. With 59,000 acres of hardwood forests, miles of Lake Superior shoreline and wild rivers, the park is one of the Midwest’s largest remaining wilderness areas.

In the fall, visitors to the state park can ride a chairlift to the top of Porcupine Mountains Ski Area and either hike or ride the lift back down for stunning views overlooking Lake Superior. The state park is Michigan’s largest and is located in Ontonagon and Gogebic counties.

The chairlift rides will be offered at the ski hill over the next several weekends from noon to 7 p.m., as the colors of autumn continue to change. The cost is $7 per person. Children ages 12 and younger ride free.

Porcupine Mountains_Lake of the Clouds

Fall Color Chairlift Ride Schedule: 

  • September 24-25
  • October 1-2
  • October 15-16

The ski hill at the park is located a half-mile west of the Union Bay Campground along County Road 107 in Ontonagon. View a map.

“The Porcupine Mountains is one of the best places in the Upper Peninsula to experience the dazzling fall color season,” says John Pepin, DNR deputy public information officer. “From Summit Peak to Lake of the Clouds or riding the chairlift, a visit to the park during peak fall color is stunning.”

Porcupine Mountains

 – Plan a Northern Michigan Fall Color Weekend Getaway –

Stay: Park campsite and rustic cabins rentals are available to reserve. To make reservations, visit www.mi.gov/porkies and click on “Make a Reservation.”

Play: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is home to nearly 60,000 acres of wilderness, Michigan’s second-largest waterfall and ancient mountains that rise about 1,300 feet above Lake Superior. Let’s just say there’s plenty of incredible things to do and see. Here are five must-do ideas for your trip.

Insider Tips: “Combine the fall color with a hike on the Escarpment Trail overlooking Lake of the Clouds. Then catch many of the areas wonderful waterfalls like at Presque Isle in the Porkies or nearby Bond and Agate falls and even the falls on the scenic Black River,” says Bob Wild, Porcupine Mountains Park Interpreter.


More Northern Michigan Fall Colors

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Photo(s) by John Pepin