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Porkies chairlift rides begin

Chairlift rides to view the fall colors at the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park will begin this weekend.

Rides will be offered at the park’s ski hill over the next several weekends, as the colors of autumn continue to change.

“The Porcupine Mountains is one of the best places in the Upper Peninsula to experience the dazzling fall color season,” said John Pepin, DNR deputy public information officer. “From Summit Peak to the Lake of the clouds or riding the chairlift, a visit to the park during fall color is stunning.”

Porcupine Mountains State Park was established in 1945 to protect this large stand of old-growth forest. Much of it is maple-hemlock.

In 1972, Michigan passed the Wilderness and Natural Areas Act. This act gave the park the new designation of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The facilities provided by the park include an extensive network of backcountry trails for hiking and wilderness backpacking, rustic trailside cabins, modern campgrounds, swimming and boating areas, and various interpretive programs led by park ranger.

The North Country Trail passes through the park, making up a portion of 87 miles of hiking trails.

The 59,000-acre state park is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. On September 13, 2012, the DNR launched a partnership with Gogebic Community College in Ironwood allowing students from the school’s ski management department to operate the 400-acre ski hill.

The park is also a cooperating unit of the Keweenaw National Historic Park because of its copper mining history.

Tourists from the United States and Canada visit the “Porkies” every fall. The fall color season is promoted by the Upper Peninsula Tourism and Travel Recreation Association (UPTRA), along with the Porcupine Mountain Convention and visitors Bureau.

Chairlift rides will be available from noon to 7 p.m. Cost is $7 per person. Children age 12 and younger ride free.

The ski hill at the park is located a half-mile west of the Union Bay Campground along County Road 107.

“Ride the chairlift to the top of the ski hill and either hike or ride the lift back down for some great scenery overlooking Lake Superior,” said Bob Wild, DNR park interpreter. “Don’t forget to bring your camera.”

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