Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers a wide range of outdoor activities and scenic attractions for nature lovers of any age to enjoy.
Situated along the shores of Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is renowned for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine beaches.
The Up North Explorers have a few recommended stops in Pictured Rocks.
Hiking at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks is a great place to walk and hike. You can choose from over 100 miles of hiking trails that range from easy strolls to challenging treks.
One of our favorite trails is the Chapel Loop with amazing views of Chapel Rock and Chapel Falls. If it’s hot and you want to go for a swim, Chapel Rock beach on Lake Superior is sandy and refreshing.
There’s also Mosquito Falls trail, but be warned – it lives up to its name! The trail can be very muddy (with a lot of tree roots) and the bugs are thick. And, since some of the trail is along steep slopes, you really should wear good hiking footwear (not flip flops!).
We’ve also hiked parts of the North Country Trail which runs the length of the park. This trail will take you to some really scenic overlooks and secluded beaches.
Pictured Rocks Waterfalls
Pictured Rocks has some really beautiful waterfalls, including Munising Falls, Miners Falls, Chapel Falls, Spray Falls, and Sable Falls (near Grand Marais).
You can hike along well-marked trails and enjoy the sights and sounds of rushing water in the middle of the beautiful forest.
Kayaking and Canoeing Lake Superior
Exploring Pictured Rocks by kayak or canoe is pretty popular. It’s fun to paddle close to the shoreline so you can gaze up at the towering cliffs and explore caves from the water. Check with local outfitters in Munising for guided tours and equipment rentals for kayaking and canoeing.
The conditions on Lake Superior can change at any given moment so never go it alone.
Pictured Rocks Rustic Camping
Pictured Rocks offers a variety of camping options, including drive-in campgrounds, rustic backcountry campsites, and backcountry shelters. Camping permits are required for backcountry camping, and reservations are recommended, especially during the peak summer season.
Our favorite campground is Twelve Mile Beach with rustic sites on a scenic bluff above Lake Superior. This is a really popular campground so it can be hard to find a spot.
Another option is Hurricane River Campground.
Both campgrounds have great access to hiking trails, beaches, and stunning vistas of Lake Superior.
Scenic Overlooks at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has lots of scenic overlooks and viewpoints where you can take in panoramic vistas of Lake Superior and the dramatic landscape.
The most popular overlooks – and the busiest – include Miners Castle, Log Slide, and Chapel Rock.
Wildlife Viewing
Pictured Rocks is home to some pretty cool wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons.
As nature lovers and birdwatchers, we like to venture out in the early morning or early evening hours to see a wide variety of wildlife and birds.
Visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore!
These are just a few of the things we like to do at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Even during busy summer weeks, you can still find a little quiet and a lot of beauty!
The photos below are from a recent camping trip to Pictured Rocks. Our campsite had its own “log patio” on the side of the dune where we watched a few amazing sunsets in our camp chairs and enjoyed the sounds of Lake Superior. (click image to view larger)
