Top Things To Do in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is certainly worth a visit. With crystal-clear waters and colorful sandstone, a trip to Pictured Rocks feels as though you have transported yourself to the rocky cliffs of Portugal or Italy. Exploring the pristine lakes and forests will remind you of National Parks out west filled with wildlife and natural beauty. In this Pictured Rocks travel guide we will outline the top things to do, places to eat, and beers to drink near this breathtaking national park.
Fun Fact
Pictured Rocks earns its name from the 15 miles of colorful sandstone cliffs, carved out by water and given its colors from the iron minerals.
Table of Contents
Views
1. Hike the Chapel Basin Loop Trail
If you only have time for one hike in Pictured Rocks, this is the one! Do not be intimidated by the mileage, it does not feel very long when you are taking in the incredible views of Pictured Rocks. Although, make sure you do plan plenty of time for this hike as you will be stopping every few feet along the lakeshore to admire the beautiful landscapes.
Trail & Parking Information
Completing the entire Chapel Basin Trail is 10.1 miles round-trip with 754 feet in elevation gain. The trail is a loop and is rated as "Moderate" difficulty. Plan at least four hours to complete the entire trail. For more information and to download the trail offline on your mobile device, visit AllTrails.
Parking for this trail is at the end of Chapel Road, where we recommend you start off your hike going counter-clockwise to Chapel Falls. Along the hike you will see Chapel Lake, Chapel Falls, Chapel Beach, Chapel Rock (tree growing out of rock), Mosquito Falls, and several lookouts with breathtaking vistas. There is also a segment that cuts off Mosquito Falls and shortens your hike by a mile if you are looking for a shorter duration hike.
Advertisement
2. Drive to Miners Castle Viewpoint
A drive-up vista that offers sweeping views of the cliffs and lakeshore without completing a 10-mile hike. Be sure to notice the multiple layers of rock when admiring Miners Castle. Each layer represents long periods of sand deposition and its shape is defined by water movement.