Porcupine Mountains Escarpment Trail

The Porkies’ Escarpment Trail delivers the most rugged 4-wheeling in Michigan, threading along ancient ridgelines through 60,000 acres of virgin hemlock and sugar maple. Starting from the Government Peak Road turnoff, you’ll climb through boulder fields and root-crossed granite shelves that predate the last ice age. The notorious Rock Crawl at mile 4.8 requires precise wheel placement between house-sized boulders, and the reward is a stunning overlook across Lake of the Clouds to Lake Superior’s distant shimmer.

This is expert-level terrain demanding rock sliders, aggressive tread, and recovery gear—along with the skill to use it all. Wet conditions multiply the difficulty exponentially. Open year-round but best tackled June through October when the bugs calm down and visibility is optimal. Day-use permits required. Fuel and supplies are available in Ontonagon, but pack everything you need including water—this is backcountry Michigan at its most demanding and rewarding.