Experience Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | Stunning Lake Superior Landscapes

Have you visited Michigan’s stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?  Along Lake Superior’s southern shore, beautiful 50-200 foot sandstone cliffs line the shore for over 15 miles.  These sedimentary sandstone cliffs are composed of minerals such as iron oxide, copper, manganese, and limonite deposited during the Precambrian and Cambrian periods. As groundwater drips down the face of the cliffs, these minerals appear in colors of red, orange, blue, green, and white, creating a beautiful banded appearance that gave rise to their name, “Pictured Rocks.”   

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Pictured Rocks was established as part of the National Park system in 1972.  The established Lakeshore includes a 42 mile stretch of Lake Superior shoreline that includes numerous beautiful geologic features. You’ll find sea caves, stone spires, unique sandstone arches, and sand dunes like Grand Sable Dunes along the Superior shore.

National Parks Service Website

The National Parks Service Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore website highlights historical information, maps, photos, site descriptions, and amenities. Pictured Rocks will not disappoint, whether you plan to hike, camp, or just enjoy the scenery.

I have visited Munising and the Pictured Rocks for over 40 years, and the area has remained largely unchanged, with the quiet, picturesque, vast beauty of Lake Superior’s southern shore.  For a unique adventure by boat, you can book a seat on the Pictured Rocks Cruises to take in this beautiful shoreline from the water.

All Trails Maps/App

You can find detailed information on Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on the AllTrails website and AllTrails app. Search 500,000+ trails by state and trail type – includes photos, maps, and detailed trail reviews.

• 500K+ trails
• 90M+ members
• 1.8B+ miles logged
• 2.9B+ kilometers logged
• 14 languages supported

Sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE. 

Munising, Michigan

Muldoons Pasties

Be sure to stop at Muldoon’s Pasties in Munising for a pasty with gravy (best in the UP, in my humble opinion!).  Muldoon’s Pasties and Gifts address is 1146 M-28 West in Munising. Pasties available are beef, chicken, and  vegetable. Muldoon’s also offers dessert pasties! (cherry, blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry, and seasonally, pumpkin!)

Pictured Rocks Fees & Passes

• Standard Pass: $15-25
  • Private Vehicle: $25.00
  • Motorcycle: $20:00
  • Snowmobile: $10.00
  • Bicycle/On Foot: $15 for 16 and Up
  • Children under age 16: $0
• Annual Pass: $45
  • Covers admission for cardholder + 3 additional passengers for 12 months from purchase month
• America the Beautiful Pass: $80.00
  • Covers admission for one private vehicle or four per person fees

Scenic Waterfall | Munising Falls

 

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | Hiking Gear

As we journey through the coldest months of the year, be sure you’re dressed in layers for the comfort on the trail. Explore Jackets & Layers Up to 70% Off at Steep & Cheap’s Gone Outside Sale.

Hiking Packs

For a well-fitting, sustainably made pack for a hike of any length, Osprey packs are my go to. If you’re anything like me, you travel light!  My go to pack for day hikes is Osprey’s Talon 11. I have faithfully carried this pack for 10 years, and aside from some normal wear and tear, it’s still in excellent condition! The Talon 11 has an adjustable hip-belt, two water bottle compartments, and a mesh front pocket with plenty of room for an extra layer and snacks for the trail.

Osprey’s Sportlite 20 is another great option for day hikes. For something a bit larger, Osprey’s Hikelite Daypack includes padded hipbelt pockets and plenty of storage space. Check out Osprey’s Packfinder to find the pack that will best fit your frame and activity.

An Experience You Don’t Want to Miss