How Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains Got Their Name

It’s one of Michigan’s most beautiful places, yet there are still so many of us who have not visited yet.....the Porcupine Mountains.

The Porkies are found in the northwestern part of the Upper Peninsula in Ontonagon and Gogebic counties, north of the Ottawa National Forest.

So why was this mountain range called “porcupine”? Is it because of a massive population of porcupines? No, that ain’t it. The mountains were named by the Ojibwa tribe; upon gazing at the mountain range silhouette, they came to the conclusion that it looked like a crouching porcupine...and that became the name.

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During the 1800s the mountains were experiencing an incredible influx of copper mining that lasted from 1867 to 1912. There are still some undiscovered old mines in the area as well as some obvious former mining sites.

A number of years after the mining ceased, the Porcupine Mountain State Park was created in 1945 in order to save the forestry from further damage.

This is one of Michigan’s most wondrous places. Visiting the mountains when the fall colors are out will make you never want to leave. There are 87 miles worth of trails for hiking and backpacking with trail-side cabins where you can take a break...or a nap. Or, if you prefer, there are campgrounds that include swimming and boating.

Featuring 31,000 acres of hardwood forest within a 60,000-acre park, the Porkies also claim to be part of the oldest mountain chains worldwide...approximately two billion years old. This includes Summit Peak – at 1,958 feet, it’s the highest point in the park.

Visit the Porkies – especially during the fall. Why? See the image gallery below, and you’ll see why!