The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore was established in 1966 and while it encompasses about 115 square miles, people new to the area may not be aware of all it has to offer! While leading kayak tours along the Lakeshore last summer, I encountered several people pointing to an interesting feature of the cliffs and asking, “Is that the Pictured Rock?”
The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is more than just a single rock. It contains about 40 miles of lakeshore composed of giant sand dunes, beaches, and of course the iconic cliffs towering 200 feet above Lake Superior. These cliffs are probably the most recognizable feature of the area, and for good reason. The rocks as we know them today were formed approximately 500 million years ago. The last glacier in the Great Lakes area retreated about 10,000 years ago, eventually forming Lake Superior as well as the plethora of inland lakes that make the area so special. The approximately 12 miles of sandstone cliffs are incredibly porous. While hiking above them, you may hear water dripping into the large lake and you may notice the array of colors gracing the cliffs’ surface. Red, orange, white, black, and even blue/green make an appearance. These colors are caused by flowing water depositing minerals on the surface of the rocks. There are also some unique parts of the cliffs that stand out, including Chapel Rock and Miner’s Castle (these locations are featured on several of our hikes!). However, there is much more to the Lakeshore than these two iconic rocks!
Lesser known, but equally beautiful scenes can be found at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. These are areas that you won’t see on the cruise boat or on a kayak tour and they are discussed below:
The stunning Grand Sable Dunes rest 300 feet above Lake Superior on the east end of the park. A feature known as the “log slide” is a must see if visiting the dunes. Timber production began in the Upper Peninsula in the 1860’s. Cut logs were sent down the log slide to be placed on ships and sent to saw mills. Views of the Au Sable Light Station (built in 1874) are also afforded near the log slide. In fact, we offer an overnight backpacking trip that will get you up close and personal with this iconic light house.
12-Mile Beach, Chapel Beach, and Miner’s Beach are also wonderful places to explore at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Dig your toes in the sand, feel the breeze on your skin, and listen to local waterfowl. These beaches also have rivers flowing near and through them. Rivers and waterfalls abound in the Lakeshore! Some you can practically drive on top of, but some are nestled in the park and you’ll need to lace up your hiking shoes. We have a day hike that features Chapel Falls and Mosquito Falls and longer backpacking trips featuring Spray Falls.
So when you visit, know that there is so much more to see than the cliffs! Let Hiawatha Hiking Company show you those iconic cliffs AND those areas off the beaten path. If you’re looking for a shorter jaunt, we have a half-day hike in the Beaver Basin Wilderness, featuring Beaver Lake, Little Beaver Lake, and Beaver Creek. See where the creek meets the big Lake and enjoy a healthy snack on a sandy beach. You can also explore more of the greater Munising-area by joining us at the Grand Island National Recreation Area or surrounding Hiawatha National Forest!
The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is so much more than a single formation. There are miles and miles of beauty to discover. We are excited to share the cliffs, sand dunes, beaches, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls with you!