Few places in the Midwest are as gorgeous the Porcupine Mountains. Located on the edge of The Upper Peninsula (Da Yoop) on Lake Superior, this area is “Peter Jackson Eat Your Heart Out” gorgeous. Dotted with fantastic waterfalls, pristine (and cold) crystal-clear waters, excellent agate picking, dense forest, miles of hiking trails and unreal vistas, The Porkies are a long weekend road trip you must take at least once. Come at any season for outdoor sports of all sorts. Camp, rent a cabin or yurt, or stay in a hotel in Ontonagon or Ironwood. Restaurants are so-so and cellphone reception non-existent, but the scenery can’t be beat. Be sure to have any maps you will need either in print or preloaded on your phone. Also, we and others have found that the distances on the hiking maps provided at the park bear little resemblance to reality. If you are a rockhound, be sure to bring a bucket or sturdy bags. You’ll definitely get a few weird looks if you are forced to schlep home all your treasures in dog poop bags.

http://porcupinemountains.com/