One of the best ways to experience Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is to hike its network of trails. If you only have a few minutes or hours to see a portion of the Lakeshore, one of these day hikes may be for you. Lace up your hiking shoes, grab a snack and a canteen, and head down the trail!

 

 

Munising Falls

Walk the paved 0.25 mile round trip trail up the cool, shaded sandstone canyon along Munising Creek to the falls. The trail leads you to one of three platforms where you can view the falls. Watch for ferns, flowers, and an occasional mink. The trail is disabled accessible to the middle falls viewing platform. Please stay on the trail. Pets permitted on 6’ leash.

 

Chapel Beach

This 5.4 mile round trip walk from the Chapel parking lot to the beach is popular with picnickers. A day picking blueberries or watching the waves roll in to the white sand beach is always a pleasure. Most hikers use the trail which follows the rolling terrain along the west escarpment above Chapel Lake. Pets not permitted on this trail.

 

White Pine Trail

This 0.7 mile loop begins at the Little Beaver Campground. The trail includes a stand of 250-300 year old white pines. Take 30 minutes to an hour to enjoy this walk on a hot summer day when the cool, moist, microclimate of the north woods can be appreciated to its fullest. A self guiding interpretive brochure is available at the trailhead. Pets not permitted on this trail.

 

Chapel Falls

The Chapel Falls trail, a 3.0 mile round trip hike, begins at the Chapel parking area, 20 miles east of Munising. The trail ventures down an old road trace then crosses Chapel Creek on a footbridge. The overlook structure reveals a spectacular view of Chapel Falls as it cascades some 90 feet down the sandstone cliff. Chapel is one of the highest waterfalls in the park. It is especially beautiful when the birches are tinted yellow in autumn. Pets permitted on 6’ leash.

 

Sand Point Marsh Trail

This 0.5 mile disabled accessible boardwalk trail begins across from the Sand Point parking area. A short distance up the Lakeshore Trail the Marsh Trail boardwalk invites you to explore this unique wetland area. Interpretive exhibits relate the rich natural and cultural history of the trail. Old beach ridges, an active beaver pond, and white cedar and black spruce swamp communities dominate the scene. Early or late in the day are good times to look for waterfowl and other bird and mammal species. A large print trail guide is available at the trailhead for sight impaired visitors. Pets not permitted on this trail.

 

Miners Falls

This 1.2 mile round trip trail is popular with families and groups. The trail leads you through a second growth stand of northern mixed hardwoods of sugar maple, yellow birch, beech, and hemlock trees. Low growing evergreen yew flank the trail in places. Wild flowers and warblers are abundant in the spring. Descend the steep set of 77 stairs at trail’s end to see a rainbow reflected in mist rising from the falls. A self-guiding interpretive brochure is available at the trailhead. Pets permitted on 6’ leash.

 

Beavers Basin Loop

This 5.0 mile loop begins at the Little Beaver Campground. The first section of trail traverses part of the White Pine self-guiding interpretive trail, then walk past several old “sea caves” cut in the 500 million year old sandstone on your way to Lake Superior. Take the right hand side of the loop east along the shores of Little Beaver and Big Beaver Lakes, then out to Lake Superior. Return via the beach and inland trail.

 

Walking and Hiking Tips

Any walk or day hike, no matter what length, is more fun if you are properly prepared. Always wear sturdy footgear. If you plan to be out an extended time, carry a snack and a canteen of water. Save more than half of your energy for the return walk. Local weather is modified by Lake Superior. Dress for cool conditions and carry rain gear. If you are hiking in unfamiliar terrain, carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Rock within the Lakeshore is soft, crumbly sandstone and is often covered with gravel — stay away from cliff edges. As always, let someone know where you are going. Pets are allowed only on specific trails — check a bulletin board or ask a Park Ranger for details. Bicycles are not permitted on hiking trails or board walks. Backcountry permits are required only If you plan to camp In the backcountry.

 

 

- Day Hike Tips
Day Hiking Tips In Michigan- U.P. A well organized weekend trip could easily provide you with a quality, full day hike that will revitalize your metabolism, satisfy your soul and cleanse your inner spirit.

 

- Day Hikes - Grand Marais, Michigan Area
Day Hikes information for the Grand Marais, Michigan area and the Hiawatha National Forest.

 

 

Bruno's Run Hiking Trail
Hiking, Biking, Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski Trail

 

Backcountry Camping
Department of Natural Resources - Recreation & Camping

 

Hiking Hiawatha National Forest
U.S. Forest Service Recreational Activities - Hiking Hiawatha National Forest

 

Recreational Trails in the Hiawatha National Forest
Hiawatha National Forest Tourist Attraction Information Resource

 

Hiawatha National Forest Hiking & Walking
Yahoo! Travel - A complete list of hiking and recreational trails in Michigan's U.P.