Porcupine Mountains Wilderness

The 'Porkies' are Michigan's wild heart - 60,000 acres of true wilderness in the UP. This is old growth forest that was never logged: 300-year-old hemlocks, massive pines, ferns as tall as your waist. The trails are rugged and remote, leading to the Lake of the Clouds overlook (worth the entire trip), Manido Falls, and the Lake Superior shore. You'll camp in the backcountry surrounded by forest so dense it feels primeval. Black bears are common - you'll learn proper food hanging. The fishing in the Presque Isle River is excellent. This is the wilderness experience that makes boys realize forests have age, history, and power. It's humbling in the best way.