A1 Trails
Hiking in Michigan

Hiking in Pictured Rock National Lakeshore

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Trails: A 42-mile trail follows the spectacular lakeshore between Munsing and Grand Marais.
Access fee: Yes
Nearest town: Munsing and Grand Marais, MI
Trail map: Available at the visitors center
Web site: Pictured Rock National Lakeshore
Points of interest: Rock formations along the shore
Other activities: Cross-country skiing
Lodging: Munsing has several motels
Camping: Two campgrounds in the park have 22 and 38 sites
Weather forecast: Marquette
Tourism info: Alger County Tourism
Getting to the trail: A shuttle service operates during the summer.
Map of local region: Munsing | Grand Marais

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Number of ratings: 5
Average rating: 4.60

Trail Name: Pictured Rock National Lakeshore
I have hiked there: Once
I last hiked there in: July, 2005
Trails that I hiked: A short section from the Grand Sable Visitor Center to the Au Sable Lighthouse, using two group campsites along the way. Led a group of teens from Camp Westminster.
Favorite trails: The woodland trail from the Log Slide to the Lighthouse is very pleasant. Also enjoyed the Dunes east of the Log Slide.
Best time to go: Summer was fine. This year we had very few bugs.
Trail marking: Very good
Trail maintenance: Very good
Rating: 5 stars
What I liked: It was a true wilderness hiking trip without being so remotely located that I would have concerns for the safety of my group of young people.
What I disliked: The backcountry camping permit is quite expensive for groups. Groups of 7-20 must use only group campsites which are quite nice, but the $5 per person per night fee adds up quickly.
Additional comments: After hiking the trails a commercial boat tour of the cliffs is a nice addition if you haven't done it before.
Submitted by: Bill Gourlay
from: Camp Westminster on Higgins Lake, Michigan
Date submitted: Dec 29, 2005

Trail Name: Pictured Rock National Lakeshore
I have hiked there: A few times
I last hiked there in: May, 104
Trails that I hiked: Grand Marais to Munising
Favorite trails: Pictured Rocks Trail
Best time to go: Spring
Trail marking: Fair
Trail maintenance: Very good
Rating: 4 stars
What I liked: Trail is great to get the legs ready for a distance hike. Water supply always nearby with the big lake to your north. Great for breaking newbies in!
What I disliked: Black Fly... watch the time of the year you hike. Trail could be better marked but at the same time is kind of a common sense width.
Additional comments: Have fun. Its a great time for anyone from bachelor party to boyfriend/girlfriend. Dont forget your camera... I made that mistake!
Submitted by: Robert Schleman
from: Manchester, New Hampshire
Date submitted: April 19, 2005

Trail Name: Pictured Rock National Lakeshore
I have hiked there: Once
I last hiked there in: June, 1999
Trails that I hiked: I hiked the pictured rock national lake shore trail from chapel falls to grand marais with 10 scouts and another leader.
Favorite trails: I liked the trails that were very close to the edge.
Best time to go: Spring or fall
Trail marking: Very good
Trail maintenance: Very good
Rating: 5 stars
What I liked: I enjoyed the scenery visable along the shoreline.
What I disliked: The trail ended too soon.
Comments: While i liked the trails along the edge, in at least one location the trail was close to washing out. We recommended to a ranger that the trail be moved behind a stump for safety. Note: keep your eyes open.
Submitted by: Bob Parker
from: Lagrange, IN
Date submitted: Sept 23, 2003

Trail Name: Pictured Rock National Lakeshore
I have hiked there: Once
I last hiked there in: July, 2003
Trails that I hiked: Chapel Basin
Favorite trails: Chapel Basin
Best time to go: spring, fall, winter
Trail marking: Very good
Trail maintenance: Very good
Rating: 5 stars
What I liked: Awesome views of Lake Superior and the Pictured Rocks
What I disliked: Nothing
Comments: You walk very close in some places to the edge of the pictures rocks - it's almost scary and awesome at the same time.
Submitted by: ERS
from: Gaylord, Michigan
Date submitted: July 25, 2003

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