We couldn't get enough of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We did many different hikes, including the hike through the huge sand dunes (they're incredible!) and down to the beach. You can actually watch natural erosion happening at an alarming rate... fascinating nature lesson!I really can't say enough great things about this area. The shoreline is just incredible regardless of which beach you are on. The actual Pictured Rocks themselves, as well as the visitor centre, are the main attraction. You have to see this place!
I visited the Pictured Rocks for three days both in 2012 and 2014 during Memorial Day weekend and stayed both nights at the Holiday Inn in Munising. The first visit I did the afternoon cruise and several of the hikes (recommend the ten mile Chapel Rock loop and the one from the Log Slide to the lighthouse) and the second time round there was still ice on the lake so no cruise but kayaking. What an experience to kayak on the lake with the ice around you. We took the 6.5h kayak tour which was very worth it as you bring your own lunch and picnic on the beach.Most of the look outs and beaches are also accessible by car in case you do not want to hike too much.Pictured Rocks, although not around the corner is a unique experience.
Very very pretty lakeshore. Lots of minerals leaching out of the rock makes for some spectacular colors. Then you have waterfalls running over the edge. A must see if in munising.
We stayed overbite in Munising to take the boat tour and were awestruck by all the natural beauty of the rocks and the lake! A hidden gem! Glad we got boat tats in advance and didn't have to stand in line!
The Lakeshore area is beautiful not only for its rock formations and shoreline, but also for the lovely waterfalls and hiking trails. We found the autumn foliage colors particularly beautiful and the crowds were much less in October. All of this and it is free admission! The rocks are best seen by boat with Pictured Rocks Cruises, and are best viewed during the sunset cruise. Hiking trails and waterfalls should also not be missed. Many of the falls are accessible within a short hiking distance (.25-.5 mi). Do note that is you bring your dogs with you that certain areas are not open to pets. Luckily, the park office (physical location as well as online) hosts a helpful document of where dogs are permitted. If you are wanting to go hiking, most trails do not permit dogs, so you'll want to plan ahead for that. The campgrounds do permit pets as long as they are not backcountry camping sites. The park facilities are as described, so be sure to check ahead on where picnic areas and bathrooms are located. Additionally, the area is an active bear area, so be sure to dispose of your food properly.
If you live in Michigan it should be on your list of places to see. Our state has many beautiful areas but this is absolutely stunning. The coast line from a boat and all the water falls you can walk to. Michigan is a beautiful state!
We camped for a week and I can not wait to go back. Awesome trails, Lake Superior, just an amazing place! We camped September 28th - Oct 3rd 2014. The first day was 70, sunny, and Lake Superior was as smooth as glass. At 4am a storm blew in... temps dropped to 43 with 20 mph winds and Lake Superior was just starting her anger ;) This is nature... pack for anything... bring a camera... and high five the UP!
The National Park facilities spread north from Munising and are just fantastic! Trails are well marked, and there are many!
Winter access is limited by unplowed roads from Munising for the most part. However you can still drive out to Sand Point from Munising and enjoy a spectacular view of the east end including Miners castle in the distance. From that vantage point you can look across the channel to Grand Island and get an early view of the ice cave formations.
Not very sunny on way out to picture rocks, but on the way back the sun broke through and we got some lovely pictures