Hikers who are willing to go the distance in Michigan are richly rewarded. A hiking route in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers it all – spectacular cliffs, two backcountry waterfalls, and even two pristine beaches in Michigan. It’s not a short hike, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find Michigan hikes that offer a better mix of outdoor beauty. Here’s what you need to know about this extraordinary hike in Pictured Rocks.
You’ll find the trail along the shore of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula – it’s in the heart of the stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Erica Mahns/AllTrails
The national lakeshore extends 42 miles and covers more than 73,000 acres. It’s named for a 15-mile stretch of colored sandstone cliffs that can be found northeast of Munising.
Dan Rini/AllTrails
The Chapel Loop Trail will take you through some incredible beauty - it’s a hiking route that includes stops at Mosquito Falls and Chapel Falls.
Anne Rieder/AllTrails
Start this hike early from the trail’s expansive parking area so you have time to take in the cliff vistas. The trail will take you right along the edge of the cliff!
Reiley Hall/AllTrails
The hike can also include stop-offs at Mosquito Beach and Chapel Beach. If you hike the trail in the summer you may want to bring a swimsuit!
Dave Campbell/AllTrails
The scenic overlooks and the waterfalls are spectacular! You’ll definitely want to take some photos of the sights on this hike.
Anne Rieder/AllTrails
Check out this great video from America’s Parks as they take a tour of the Pictured Rocks area and show us 10 things to do and see in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:
Allow plenty of time to do this hike – at least five hours. Also, arrive early as the parking areas can fill up. The terrain can be a little challenging so if you’re looking for an easy hike you might be better off choosing different trails. But if you have the time and inclination, you’ll be glad you took on this hike! You will even be rewarded with a cool dip on those two secluded beaches in Michigan.
Erica Mahns/AllTrails
Dan Rini/AllTrails
Anne Rieder/AllTrails
Reiley Hall/AllTrails
Dave Campbell/AllTrails
Check out this great video from America’s Parks as they take a tour of the Pictured Rocks area and show us 10 things to do and see in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:
If you love exploring wild waterfalls, here are some more places to get your imagination flowing.
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Address: Pictured Rocks, Munising Township, MI 49884, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
More wonderful hikes in Michigan January 19, 2023 Chris Muras Where are the best hiking trails in Michigan? Michigan is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with picturesque lakes, towering sand dunes, and lush forests providing breathtaking views no matter where you decide to explore. For the dedicated hiker, this state is teeming with trails and paths offering something for everyone. Here is a list of some of the best hiking trails in Michigan:
Pigeon Creek Park, West Olive, MI Kensington Metropark, Milford, MI Boardman Lake Trail, Traverse City, MI Windmill Island Gardens, Holland, MI Chippewa Trail, Negwegon State Park, MI Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary, White Cloud, MI Empire Bluff Trail, Honor, MI
From the extensive network of trails through the Huron-Manistee National Forests to the Old Mission Peninsula’s rolling hills and coastline paths there’s no shortage of routes available. Those looking for seclusion should take a trip to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park which boasts acres of unspoiled trails with spectacular vistas that can be experienced without leaving the serenity of nature. See all 12 of these fantastic Michigan hikes. There is one selected for each month of the year. What are the best hiking trails with waterfalls in MI? As you know, Michigan has some of the most beautiful terrain in the country, and many waterfalls are waiting to be discovered. Try out some, or all, of these wonderful waterfall hikes. Here is a list of some of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in MI:
Trail To Upper Falls (Tahquamenon Falls), McMillan Township, MI Bond Falls Loop, Trout Creek, MI Laughing Whitefish Falls Trail, Rock River Township, MI North Country Trail, Manistee National Forest, MI Sturgeon Falls Hike, Nisula, MI Ocqueoc Falls Trail, Millersburg, MI Munising Falls Trail, Munising, MI
Check out all nine of these featured Michigan hiking trails with waterfall rewards. No matter what you’re looking for in terms of terrain, length, or difficulty Michigan has it all – so lace up your hiking boots and come discover all that this beautiful state has to offer!
The OIYS Visitor Center
More wonderful hikes in Michigan
January 19, 2023
Chris Muras
Where are the best hiking trails in Michigan? Michigan is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with picturesque lakes, towering sand dunes, and lush forests providing breathtaking views no matter where you decide to explore. For the dedicated hiker, this state is teeming with trails and paths offering something for everyone. Here is a list of some of the best hiking trails in Michigan:
Pigeon Creek Park, West Olive, MI Kensington Metropark, Milford, MI Boardman Lake Trail, Traverse City, MI Windmill Island Gardens, Holland, MI Chippewa Trail, Negwegon State Park, MI Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary, White Cloud, MI Empire Bluff Trail, Honor, MI
From the extensive network of trails through the Huron-Manistee National Forests to the Old Mission Peninsula’s rolling hills and coastline paths there’s no shortage of routes available. Those looking for seclusion should take a trip to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park which boasts acres of unspoiled trails with spectacular vistas that can be experienced without leaving the serenity of nature. See all 12 of these fantastic Michigan hikes. There is one selected for each month of the year. What are the best hiking trails with waterfalls in MI? As you know, Michigan has some of the most beautiful terrain in the country, and many waterfalls are waiting to be discovered. Try out some, or all, of these wonderful waterfall hikes. Here is a list of some of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in MI:
Trail To Upper Falls (Tahquamenon Falls), McMillan Township, MI Bond Falls Loop, Trout Creek, MI Laughing Whitefish Falls Trail, Rock River Township, MI North Country Trail, Manistee National Forest, MI Sturgeon Falls Hike, Nisula, MI Ocqueoc Falls Trail, Millersburg, MI Munising Falls Trail, Munising, MI
Check out all nine of these featured Michigan hiking trails with waterfall rewards. No matter what you’re looking for in terms of terrain, length, or difficulty Michigan has it all – so lace up your hiking boots and come discover all that this beautiful state has to offer!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Michigan is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with picturesque lakes, towering sand dunes, and lush forests providing breathtaking views no matter where you decide to explore. For the dedicated hiker, this state is teeming with trails and paths offering something for everyone. Here is a list of some of the best hiking trails in Michigan:
- Pigeon Creek Park, West Olive, MI
- Kensington Metropark, Milford, MI
- Boardman Lake Trail, Traverse City, MI
- Windmill Island Gardens, Holland, MI
- Chippewa Trail, Negwegon State Park, MI
- Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary, White Cloud, MI
- Empire Bluff Trail, Honor, MI
From the extensive network of trails through the Huron-Manistee National Forests to the Old Mission Peninsula’s rolling hills and coastline paths there’s no shortage of routes available. Those looking for seclusion should take a trip to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park which boasts acres of unspoiled trails with spectacular vistas that can be experienced without leaving the serenity of nature.
See all 12 of these fantastic Michigan hikes. There is one selected for each month of the year.
What are the best hiking trails with waterfalls in MI?
As you know, Michigan has some of the most beautiful terrain in the country, and many waterfalls are waiting to be discovered. Try out some, or all, of these wonderful waterfall hikes. Here is a list of some of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in MI:
- Trail To Upper Falls (Tahquamenon Falls), McMillan Township, MI
- Bond Falls Loop, Trout Creek, MI
- Laughing Whitefish Falls Trail, Rock River Township, MI
- North Country Trail, Manistee National Forest, MI
- Sturgeon Falls Hike, Nisula, MI
- Ocqueoc Falls Trail, Millersburg, MI
- Munising Falls Trail, Munising, MI
Check out all nine of these featured Michigan hiking trails with waterfall rewards. No matter what you’re looking for in terms of terrain, length, or difficulty Michigan has it all – so lace up your hiking boots and come discover all that this beautiful state has to offer!
