Porcupine Mountains/ Union Bay Campground

Question

Hi! I will be camping for 3 nights in Union Bay Campground in Porcupine Mountains in July, so I have 2 full days to hike/ explore. I know I want to do the Escarpment Trail and would like to do another hike on this day. I also want to see Bond Falls and Presque Isle river trail waterfalls (?) hike. I think that both of these are in opposite directions from another. Can anyone recommend avice on how to best use these 2 days to hike and see as much as possible given my location at Union Bay. Thanks so much for any tips!

Answer

It sounds like you have an exciting adventure ahead in the Porcupine Mountains! With your location at Union Bay Campground, you'll have easy access to several scenic hiking spots, including the Escarpment Trail and the beautiful waterfalls of the region. Here's how you can maximize your two full days of hiking and sightseeing to cover as much as possible:

Day 1: Escarpment Trail and Bond Falls

The Escarpment Trail is a must-do hike, offering spectacular views of Lake of the Clouds and the surrounding wilderness. It's a moderately challenging 7.5-mile round trip, and you'll want to allocate a few hours for it, so plan to start early. The hike includes both wooded areas and some exposed ridge sections, where you'll get amazing vistas. Make sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, as some areas of the trail can be exposed to the sun.

After finishing the Escarpment Trail, head out for Bond Falls, which is located to the southeast of the Porcupine Mountains (about a 40-minute drive). The Bond Falls area is a popular stop and well worth the detour. It's an easy walk along a short trail to the waterfall, which cascades beautifully over rocks and into a peaceful pool below. You can spend an hour or so here enjoying the views and snapping photos. It’s a good spot for a relaxing afternoon after a more strenuous hike like the Escarpment Trail.

Escarpment Trail: 7.5 miles, moderate, great views of Lake of the Clouds
Bond Falls: Short, easy walk, beautiful waterfall

Day 2: Presque Isle River Trail and Other Waterfalls

The Presque Isle River Trail is another excellent hike for waterfall lovers. This trail follows the Presque Isle River through a beautiful forested area, passing multiple waterfalls, including the impressive Manabezho Falls and Nawadaha Falls. It's about a 1.5-mile trail, but expect to spend some time at each waterfall enjoying the sights. Depending on your pace, this trail should take about 2-3 hours, including stops at the waterfalls.

If you're feeling energetic, you can combine this hike with a visit to the nearby Porcupine Mountains State Park waterfalls, like the scenic Smokey Falls, which are located just a short drive away. Afterward, you can return to Union Bay for a well-deserved rest, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of your campsite.

Presque Isle River Trail: 1.5 miles, easy to moderate, multiple waterfalls
Porcupine Mountains Waterfalls: Additional waterfalls near the park for more exploring

Additional Tips:

Transportation: Both Bond Falls and the Presque Isle River Trail will require driving, so be sure to plan for travel time between hikes. The Presque Isle River Trail is about a 30-40 minute drive from Union Bay, and Bond Falls is slightly farther.
Timing: Start your days early, as both trails can take several hours to complete, and you'll want to have enough daylight to enjoy the waterfalls and trails at a leisurely pace.
Pack for the Weather: July can be warm, but the Porcupine Mountains can also be quite cool, especially near the lakes and waterfalls. Be sure to bring layers, bug repellent, and plenty of water.

By following this itinerary, you'll be able to see some of the best highlights of the Porcupine Mountains region and still have time to enjoy the stunning natural beauty. Have an amazing time hiking and exploring!

Porcupine Mountains/ Union Bay Campground

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