Come discover our wonderful waterfalls and hiking trails that provide opportunities for tranquility, relaxation, education and fun. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers 100 miles of trails within its 73,000 acres along 42 miles of Lake Superior’s shore.
Lace up your hiking shoes, grab a snack, water, map and compass, and head down the trail to adventure. (Note: Trail mileages listed below are round trip unless specified otherwise). For more information, visit the National Park Service website
Sand Point Marsh Trail
A short distance up the North Country Trail, the Marsh Trail boardwalk leads you to this interesting wetland area. Interpretive exhibits relate the rich natural and cultural heritage of the area. Old beach ridges, an active beaver colony, white cedar and black spruce swamp communities dominate the scene. The best times for this walk are early and later in the day. This 1/2 mile fully-accessible trail begins across from the Sand Point Beach just four miles northeast of Munising. Follow H58 to the Washington Street Junction and travel two miles past the hospital.
White Pine Interpretive Trail
This easy 0.7-mile loop includes a stand of a stand of 250- to 300-year-old White Pines. Take 30 minutes to an hour to enjoy this walk on a warm summer day when the cool, moist, micro climates of the north woods can be appreciated to their fullest. A brochure is available at the trailhead. Trail begins at Little Beaver Lake Campground.
Miners Castle
Miners Castle is probably the most recognizable of all formations within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. There are plenty of interpretive exhibits at the Miners Castle Area. In 2006, Miners Castle lost one of its turrets due to erosion. Approximately 6 1/2 miles east of Munising on Alger County Road to the parking area. The visitors platform is just a short walk and provides ample opportunity for photography and viewing.
Chapel Rock
Chapel Rock is a remnant of Cambrian age sandstone. The archway between the rock and the mainland collapsed in the 1940’s. Travel 15 miles east of Munising on Alger County Road (H58), then an additional five miles heading north to the end of the Chapel Road Drive. Chapel Rock is 1.8 miles one way starting from the parking log.
Munising Fall Trail
Hurricane River Campground to the AuSable Light Station
This level 3-mile (round-trip) walk takes you back in time to an isolated Lake Superior lighthouse. Exposed shipwreck remains dot the shoreline, and the quiet light station gives you a feeling of yesteryear where families lived and worked from 1874 to 1958. Guided tours of the lighthouse are provided daily in the summer, and a brochure is also available. Wayside exhibits interpret the historic scene. Water is available at the light station. 12 miles west of Grand Marais to the Hurricane River Campground.
Log Slide Trail
The 0.4-mile fully accessible trail leads through mature hardwoods to an old log landing at the former site of the log slide. Interpretive exhibits relate the logging and dune building history of the area. An elevated platform provides views of the Grand Sable Dunes and Au Sable Point in the distance. Located seven miles west of Grand Marais, then about one mile north on Log Slide Road.
Grand Sable Dunes Trail
The Grand Sable Dunes are five square miles and 300 feet high. The one-miles trail to the portion of the dunes passes an old apple orchard and crosses a bridge over Sable Creek. It then winds uphill through Jack Pines into an open dune environment. Exhibits along the trail discuss dune plants and their role in this unique environment. Best viewing is from the trail beginning at the Sable Falls parking lot. Another access point is one-quarter mile east of the Log Slide.
Beaver Lake Loop
Several hikes can be made in the Beaver Lake area. From the campground a circle hike east around Beaver Lake and back along Beaver Creek is 3 1/2 miles. From the campground out to Lake Superior and back is 1 1/2 miles. The is a beautiful area with potential for wildlife sightings in the water. Take H58 north of Munising 20 miles, then three miles north on Little Beaver Road.
White Birch Trail
This two-mile self-guided interpretive trail explores the natural history of the uplands adjacent to the lake – an environment very different from that near the campground. Trail begins at the east end of Twelvemile Beach Campground.
DOWNLOAD THE INTERACTIVE MAP APP
The Munising Interactive Map App is an excellent resource to use while visiting our area. Multiple trails, waterfalls and area resources are available within the App – with no Internet needed!
