Jaymie Depew

Along the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula you’ll find the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Managed by the National Park Service, the lakeshore offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails that lead to gorgeous waterfalls, beaches, towering cliffs, and dunes.

Although best viewed by water, exploring the Pictured Rocks – which is sandwiched between Munising and Grand Marais in Alger County – by foot offers some of the most tranquil experiences and intimate views one can only revel in by land.

All points of interest in the park are accessed from scenic Highway 58:

Discover Pink Sand and a Gorgeous Waterfall

Just over two miles northeast of Munising is Sand Point Road, where you’ll find Munising Falls and Sand Point Beach. The 50-foot-waterfall is the first attraction about a mile down the road.

From the parking lot, walk up a short, paved trail along Munising Creek to the central platform to view the falls. There are also two sets of stairs leading to elevated platforms for varying views.

A popular spot for sunbathing and seeing amazing sunsets over Munising Bay, Sand Point Beach is known for its pink sand from crushed sandstone and views of Grand Island.

Photograph a Sandstone Castle

Miners Castle is one of the most popular landmarks in the Pictured Rocks park. Erosion, weather, and Lake Superior have all played a role in creating the interesting rock formation. People of all abilities can easily view the castle as trails to the overlook are paved and easy to reach.

Nearby Miners Beach offers gorgeous views of cliffs and Bridalveil Falls. Miners Falls, which requires 1.2-round trip walk in the woods to reach, is also close by.

Towering Cliffs, Unique Formations, and Even More Beaches and Falls

You’re guaranteed to see amazing sights when you hike the Chapel Basin area like popular landmarks Chapel Rock, Mosquito Falls, and Grand Portal Point. The entire Chapel Basin Loop is just over 10 miles, but the 3-mile Mosquito Loop and 6-mile Chapel Rock Loop are also found within for those looking for something not as extensive. The trailhead parking lot is at the end of Chapel Road, approximately 15 miles northeast of Munising.

Explore Tranquil Forests

The Beaver Basin Wilderness includes 13 miles of stunning Lake Superior shoreline from Spray Falls to Sevenmile Creek, several miles of connector trails, six backcountry campsites. The beautiful Twelvemile Beach is also located in the Beaver Basin near Grand Marais.

Tour a Historic Lighthouse

There’s something daunting yet romantic about lighthouses and the Au Sable Light Station is no different. Built in the 1800s about 12 miles west of Grand Marais, tall pines and birch trees hover along the 1.5 (one way) path to the splendid 86-foot lighthouse. Tours are available from mid-summer to fall depending on staff availability.

See Where Loggers Once Rolled Timber Over Large Dunes

Grand Sable Dunes are the highest formation in the park, rising more than 300 feet above the lake. Visit the Log Slide, where loggers once rolled timber down a fast chute over the dunes into the water. Sable Falls is also close by.

42 Miles of Sweet Serenity

The North Country Trail stretches the entire 42-miles of the Pictured Rocks along the lake. If you’re into backcountry camping and want to spend a few days exploring the park, this is the way to go. There’s even a shuttle bus available to give you a ride back to where you started. Just make sure to make reservations ahead of time.

Editor’s note: Jaymie Depew is the communications and special project assistant for the Alger County Chamber of Commerce/Greater Munising Bay Partnership for Commerce Development, Munising Downtown Development Authority and Munising Visitors Bureau.