The “Porkies” are a group of small mountains spanning the northwestern Upper Peninsula of Michigan near the shore of Lake Superior.

This was my first experience backpacking. The trip lasted four days and we hiked 22.4 miles, averaging a little over five miles each day. We set up camp each night along the trail. On this trip I was introduced to the natural ice bath that soothes aching muscles through the many gorgeous (but FREEZING) streams that adorn the hills of the Porkies.

We had perfect weather for backpacking with day time temps in the high 60’s and nights around 45. Morning hikes were chilly but by afternoon the weather was absolutely perfect, no bugs and plenty of beautifully scenic stops along the way. I couldn’t get over how many peaceful and stunning rocky streams and natural water falls were nestled along the way. 

This hike was a true taste of a pristinely preserved wilderness.