Plan In onX Backcountry

Hike-in Required

Yes

Open Year-round

No

ADA accessible

No

Guided tours

No

Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Summit Peak Observation Tower is situated on the highest point (at 1958 feet of elevation) in Upper Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The tower provides sweeping views of the deciduous forest of the Porcupine Mountains and Lake Superior. On a clear day visitors can see the Apostle Islands to west.

Reaching the Summit Peak Observation Tower requires an out-and-back hike that is just under a mile in length. The trailhead is located at the end of Summit Peak Road which is off South Boundary Road. Parking near the trailhead is very limited considering how popular this hike is. There are a few picnic tables near the trailhead as well as a composting bathroom facility. Leashed dogs are allowed on this hike.

The trail to the tower is a steady climb on a wide dirt path. The climb is pretty gradual so it is not too strenuous. After about a third of a mile, there is an observation platform with a very nice view. After this the trail is mostly boardwalks and steps leading to the tower. The tower is 50 feet tall, so it does not take a lot of effort to reach the top. This is an especially popular destination during the fall color season.