Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - Natalie Hardy
Meet Natalie, Northwest Michigan photographer and traveler
Natalie let the ROVM team know she wanted to head to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and stay at a very cool safari tent and explore the gorgeous trails and beaches. Sounded right up our alley - read on to get Natalie’s trail guide, and give her a follow for all her adventures and travel tips!
They don’t call it the Great Lakes for nothing, and Lake Superior is truly the greatest of them all. Pictured Rocks is the country’s first National Lakeshore and when you go there you won’t be surprised as to why. With over 50 miles of lakeshore, 100+ miles of trails, and 200’ cliffs, there’s no shortage of stunning nature. This is truly a spot you can come back to over and over with still more to explore!
ROVM ASSESSMENT:
You’ll be questioning if you’re actually in Michigan. Painted cliffs with Caribbean blue crystal-clear waters. Lake Superior’s immense beauty (and size) can be intimidating but also breath-taking. This is by far one of my favorite places to explore in Michigan.
Pack your cooler with Blueberry Yuzu to enjoy post kayak or hike and grab some Hibiscus Berry to enjoy on the beach while the sunsets over Lake Superior
MUST DO’S:
- Kayak Pictured Rocks cliffs
- Relax on Miners Beach
- Hike Chapel Beach loop
- Hike Munising and Miners Falls
- Take in the view at Miners Lookout
- Hike Sable Falls
LOCALS ITINERARY:
If you’re staying on the West End of PR (Munising): grab a latte from Rustic Grounds Coffee in Munising (highly recommend the butter bear or black bear latte)
If you’re staying on the East End of PR (Grand Marais): grab a coffee out of the adorable Dream Bean Machine
Get up bright and early to hike Chapel Loop, this 7-mile loop is minimal elevation and features the gorgeous cliffs of this National Lakeshore and Chapel Falls
Grab a Pasty (an Upper Peninsula staple) from Au Train Grocery and Gas
Head over to Uncle Ducky’s rentals and jump in a kayak to get a whole new perspective of the cliffs
Have a bite to eat after a day of adventuring at The Duck Pond Eatery & Beer Garden
Watch the sunset at the Au Train beach rest area and crack open a can of Hibiscus Berry
STAY:
Tent or Trailer camp at Au Train Beach Campground
Glamp it up in a Safari Platform tent or Yurt at Paddlers Village (they have electricity)
Backcountry camp in Pictured Rocks NL (permits and campsite reservations required)
EAT
Falling Rock Café and Bookstore is the perfect spot to grab a light breakfast or lunch
Get a Pasty from numerous locations around Munising (Au Train Grocery and Gas is my favorite)
The Dock Pond Eatery & Beer Garden is a great place to grab a local MI beer and a delicious burger
Main Street Pizza for when you’re just craving some good ol’ pizza
Driftwood Deli is another great lunch spot for some delicious sandwiches
