Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Walking & Hiking
Nature Trails
Miners Falls Trail
Located about five miles north of Alger County Road H-58 on Miners Castle Road. The hike is 1.2 miles round-trip.
This self-guiding interpretive trail begins at the Miners Falls parking lot and ends at Miners Falls with views of the Miners Basin along the way. There are 77 steps leading down to the viewing platform at the falls where Miners River cascades some 50 feet over a sandstone outcrop.
Sand Point Marsh Trail
Located about 4 miles NE of Munising, near Park Headquarters and the end of Sand Point Road. This half-mile fully accessible trail begins across from the Sand Point beach.
A short distance up the North Country National Scenic 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 late in the day.
White Birch Trail
Located at the Twelvemile Beach Campground, approximately 18 miles west of Grand Marais on Alger County Road H-58.
This two-mile long self-guiding interpretive trail begins at the east end of the campground. The trail explores the natural history of the uplands adjacent to the lake, an environment very different from that near the campground and Lake Superior.
White Pine Trail
Located at Little Beaver Lake Campground, approximately 20 miles east of Munising on Alger County Road H-58, and three miles north on Little Beaver Road.
This easy 0.7 mile loop includes a stand of 250-300 year old white pines. Take 30 minutes to an hour to enjoy this walk on a warm summer day when the cool, moist, microclimates of the north woods can be appreciated to their fullest.
Backpacking
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore includes a 42 mile section of the North Country National Scenic Trail, stretching from Munising to Grand Marais.
The Lake Superior shoreline provides a spectacular place for backcountry camping, hiking, and relaxation. Hikers are rewarded with exhilarating views and opportunities for personal challenge and introspection.
Campers must stay in designated backcountry campgrounds, located at two to five mile intervals along the trail. Each campground has a specific capacity; individual campsites within each backcountry campground are identified by a numbered post.
Pets are not permitted. Fires are permitted only in community fire rings at the campgrounds; however, fires are not allowed at the Mosquito River and Chapel Beach campgrounds.
Shuttle bus transportation is available for hikers wishing to take a bus to the starting point and hike back to their vehicle.
Backcountry Permits
All hikers and sea kayakers camping overnight in the backcountry must obtain a permit. Permits must be obtained in person; the permit is available the day of your trip or one day prior.
Permits are available at the Hiawatha National Forest - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Interagency Visitor Center in Munising year round. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, permits are available at the Grand Sable Visitor Center in Grand Marais.
If arriving after business hours, you must wait until the next day to obtain your permit and begin your trip. Only people in the camping party may obtain the permit.
The Lakeshore backcountry is very popular, especially in July and August. Advance planning and having an alternate itinerary is important when requesting a permit.
A user fee of $4 per person, per night is required when you pick up your permit. There are no refunds. This fee will change to $5 per person, per night in 2008.
Individual campsites are available for camping parties of 1-6 people (2 tent limit). Groups of 7-20 people must camp in designated group sites.
Day hikers do not need a backcountry permit.
Day Hiking
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers some 90 miles of trails within its 73,000 acres along 42 miles of Lake Superior's south shore. Whether you have only a few minutes, hours, or days to see a portion of the lakeshore, one of these hikes may be for you.
No matter what length, any hike is more fun if you are properly prepared. Always wear sturdy shoes. If you plan to be out an extended time, let someone know where you are going and your expected time of return. Carry a map and compass, and know how to use them. Lake Superior modifies local weather - be prepared for cool conditions and rain.
Pets are permitted only on specific trails. Please check the Pets site bulletin before you plan your hike. Bicycles are not permitted on trails.
Backcountry permits are required only if you plan to camp overnight in the backcountry.
Please use toilets where provided. Otherwise, bury waste 4-6 inches deep and cover with mineral soil. Thank you for carrying out your trash.
So lace up your hiking shoes ... grab a snack, water, map and compass ... and head on down the trail of adventure!
Pictured Rocks In Depth
News from the Parks
State Pushing its Plan to Thin Federal Elk Herd
January 7, 2009 - 3:39pm
Unhappy with federal alternatives, the State Game and Fish Department is pushing its own plan to thin an overpopulated elk herd at North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
January 7, 2009 - 3:39pm
Unhappy with federal alternatives, the State Game and Fish Department is pushing its own plan to thin an overpopulated elk herd at North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Northwestern Hawaiian Isles Might Met U.N. Designation
January 7, 2009 - 3:11pm
The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands could become the second United Nations World Heritage site in Hawaii, joining Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
January 7, 2009 - 3:11pm
The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands could become the second United Nations World Heritage site in Hawaii, joining Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Full Slate of Activities this Month at Saguaro National Park
January 7, 2009 - 3:09pm
A series of programs are under way at Saguaro National Park. Explore the natural and cultural history of the park. Come along on a naturalist-led evening walk or join a local expert for a presentation in the visitor center. Programs will be offered at both districts. There is no charge for interpretive programs, but park entrance fees apply.
January 7, 2009 - 3:09pm
A series of programs are under way at Saguaro National Park. Explore the natural and cultural history of the park. Come along on a naturalist-led evening walk or join a local expert for a presentation in the visitor center. Programs will be offered at both districts. There is no charge for interpretive programs, but park entrance fees apply.
Park Service Rolls Out Bike Sharing
January 7, 2009 - 3:08pm
About 300 National Park Service employees have the opportunity to get around D.C. in an environmentally-friendly way. In a one-year demo program between the NPS and Lousiville, Ky.-based Humana Inc., the health-benefit company is giving 30 bikes to NPS employees to help them cut down on auto gas emissions.
January 7, 2009 - 3:08pm
About 300 National Park Service employees have the opportunity to get around D.C. in an environmentally-friendly way. In a one-year demo program between the NPS and Lousiville, Ky.-based Humana Inc., the health-benefit company is giving 30 bikes to NPS employees to help them cut down on auto gas emissions.
A Plan for Stimulus Money: National Parks
January 7, 2009 - 3:05pm
There are any number of things that could be done with the upcoming, huge stimulus package to put Americans back to work and and improve infrastructure. About $2.5 billion of that could go to our national parks, says the National Parks Conservation Association, and they have a plan.
January 7, 2009 - 3:05pm
There are any number of things that could be done with the upcoming, huge stimulus package to put Americans back to work and and improve infrastructure. About $2.5 billion of that could go to our national parks, says the National Parks Conservation Association, and they have a plan.
