Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has sandstone cliffs, great swimming spots, sea kayaking and more! Here are some of the best hiking trails in the Pictured Rocks:

why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy and I grew up exploring Northern Michigan. For me, there is nothing more beautiful than spiky pine trees and rugged Great Lakes shores. The Pictured Rocks is one of those places that scratches that itch every time. I’ve been working as a Lake Superior sea kayaking guide and outdoor writer since 2018, and the Pictured Rocks are one of my favorite Great Lakes Destinations. I’m happy to show you around!

Pictured Rocks, Michigan Packing List:

Hi there! this site uses affiliate links. That means if you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

Summers on Lake Superior can be cooler than expected, especially in the evening. Pack and plan accordingly. Here’s what I recommend bringing for a hiking and kayaking trip:

• 2 lightweight, long hiking pants. I wear a size 8 and am short, and find the REI trailmade to be super flattering as well as the Kuhl freeflex.
• A pair of shorts, and yoga pants with pockets 
• A fleece. Any fleece will do, but I really love my Patagonia Synchilla
• Wool baselayers. Five years of heavy paddling and my Smartwool baselayers are the only wool baselayers I’ve had that have really stood the test of time. For seven days, pack four baselayer tops. 
• Study hiking boots. I like my Briger Mids. Working in outdoor retail I literally never had anyone try on these shoes and not buy them. Pair with Darn Tough hiking socks and pack at least five pairs.
• hiking sandals
• Quick dry shots: I like Patagonia Baggies
• A day hiking pack: I love my Perimeter 35L. I was gifted this pack a few years back and it’s still my go-to day pack; a savvy packer can easily pack for a seven day hiking trip in this bag. 
• A raincoat. I love the Moss Raincoat from Helly Hansen; It’s affordable, cute, and super durable.

for a kayaking specific packing list, click here!

Best Hiking Trails & Adventures in Michigan’s Pictured Rocks:

1) Hike to Spray Falls

Start at the Little Beaver Creek trailhead, and hike about five miles out to Spray Falls, a waterfall that cascades directly off the Pictured Rocks Cliffs into Lake Superior. Along the way, stop to swim in the Coves of Lake Superior, some of the Midwest’s most picturesque swimming holes. This is an intermediate level hike.

Pictured above: some of the best swimming along the Lake Superior coves section in the Pictured Rocks.

Between Spray Falls and the Coves, this hike has several of the most stunning views in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Pictured above: a view of Spray falls from the cliffs above Lake Superior. From the Little Beaver Trailhead, it’s just 8-miles round trip. Dogs are not allowed in the Beaver Basin Wilderness. If you hike directly above the falls, you might be able to see the shipwreck “Superior” in the water below. Read more about this hike here.

2) Walk to Miner’s Falls

Miner’s Falls is less than a miles walk on a very well-maintained travel out to the viewing platform of Miner’s Falls. While in the area, be sure to check out Miner’s Castle (ADA accessible) and Miner’s Beach. The Miner’s Beach/Falls area tends to be crowded in the summer but for good reason– this is one of the best places for easily accessible swimming, hiking, and views in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

BONUS: walk along Miner’s Beach out to Elliot Falls at the northeastern edge of the beach.

3) Walk to Munising Falls

Munising Falls is an easy, ADA accessible walk out to the viewing platform. This classic Michigan waterfall is especially lovely to view in the fall, when all the leaves have changed, or in the spring, when the falls are running with spring meltwater.

Munising Falls is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and will likely be crowded on peak summer weekends.

looking for more on the Pictured Rocks? Check out 30 things to do at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore!

4) Hike the Chapel-Basin Loop

Between 10 and 13 miles round trip, the Chapel-Basin Loop is sometimes treated as a beginner’s backpacking loop, and offers some of the most varied scenery in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This hike can also be done as a day trip. Pack up a lunch and head out to see three waterfalls and hike along the cliffs!

The Chapel-Basin Loop is pretty much the only hike in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore where you can truly hike cliffside, and has some of the best views in the region.

5) Paddle the Pictured Rocks Cliffs

Paddling the Pictured Rocks cliffs gets you up close and personal with some of the most impressive features in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, one of the best kayaking venues in North America, if not the world. Paddle under sea arches and through caves, and under towering cliffs that looks as if they’ve been painted.

As a sea kayak guide, I highly recommend you be picky with which guiding service you choose. The Pictured Rocks are a notoriously dangerous region for paddlers. Northern Waters Kayaking  or Pictured Rocks Kayaking are the only companies I would recommend within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

6) Backpack the Lakeshore Trail (NCT Segment)

The North Country National Scenic Trail winds from New York all the way out to the Dakotas, and an impressive section follows the Pictured Rocks Cliffs, and this Lakeshore Trail is some of the best hiking in Michigan. Take shuttle out to Grand Marais, MI and backpack along the cliff line towards Munising in a bucket list worthy trip.

New to backpacking? Check out this detailed beginner’s backpacking guide!

7) Circumnavigate Grand Island by Sea Kayak

Circumnavigation of Grand Island is a bucket list item for any paddler, with beautiful sandstone cliffs that rival the Pictured Rocks themselves. At 26-28 mile trip, for the most advanced paddlers with the right conditions it can be done as a day trip. If you’re looking for the backcountry paddling experience, take 2-3 days to circumnavigate the island. Click here for guided trip information.

Where to eat at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:

Looking for the best food and places to eat near the Pictured Rocks? Check out…

• Pictured Rocks Pizza, for classic summery ‘za
• East Channel Brewing, to sample local beers
• Bear Trap Inn, for that Northwoods Diner feel

8) Hike Grand Sable Dunes and Sable Falls

Looking for a kid-friendly but beautiful area to hike in the Pictured Rocks? Check out Grand Sable Dunes and nearby Sable Falls, as well as the Log Slide Overlook. Be aware that descending to the lakeshore means you’ll have to climb back up to the top of the dunes!

Where to camp in the Pictured Rocks?

Camping in the Pictured Rocks is one of the best experiences out there! There is so much great camping in the area, and some of the best campsites are at 12-mile beach. For a deep dive into camping options and “secret” camping spots near the Pictured Rocks, check out my Exploring Michigan eBook.

Love reading about Midwest Adventure? Come join thousands of other Midwest adventurers at Hello Stranger Newsletter to explore the Midwest, share real, gritty adventure stories, and find your next adventure!

Looking for more Lake Superior adventures?

• Check out the best Great Lakes Summer Destinations
• Pictured Rocks too crowded for your taste? Check out the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin instead.
• Looking for a list of bucket-list hiking on Lake Superior? I’ve got you covered!