Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, a scenic gem in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, offers some of the most breathtaking hiking experiences in the Midwest.
Have kids who love to hike? The area has it all: stunning cliffs, cascading waterfalls, dense forests and trails for hikers of all levels. You might be surprised how your kids will open up and talk about everything when they’re on the trail rather than scrolling their devices.
While there are so many trails and stops worth mentioning, here’s a guide to some of the most highly-rated trails and sights to explore around Pictured Rocks.
Start making your plan! See the rest of our guide to Pictured Rocks. You’ll find the basics on where to stay and what to eat, fun things to do nearby and four-season fun at Pictured Rocks.
Miners Falls Trail
The Miners Falls Trail is always at the top of the list, especially for those eager to experience one of the area’s most iconic waterfalls. This 1.2-mile round-trip trail leads to Miners Falls, a striking 40-foot cascade that drops into a rugged gorge. The trail is fairly easy, featuring a well-kept path and an observation deck that provides clear and breathtaking views of the falls. It’s the perfect photo op location!
- What families are saying: “We walked the short trail to Munising Falls from the Visitor Center (which is currently a temporary building with no store and a tent for information from a Ranger). Then we drove to the Miners Castle area, where we walked the trail to Miners Falls and wandered the trail to the upper and lower observation platforms for Miners Castle and the shoreline.” — Kate S, Tripadvisor
Au Sable Light Station and Dunes
The trail to the Au Sable Light Station is a rewarding one and worth the round-trip 6.2-mile hike. On this trail, hikers will go through a diverse landscape of forest, sand dunes and along the shore of Lake Superior. The highlight is the historic Au Sable Light Station, which has been guiding ships since 1874. If you still have the energy, climb to the top of the lighthouse for the most incredible views of the lake and the surrounding dunes. The trail is moderately challenging but offers varied terrain and scenic beauty.
Chapel Falls via Chapel Loop
For a more comprehensive experience of the Chapel Basin area, the Chapel Loop Trail is the best option. This 10.2-mile loop combines the Chapel Falls Trail with additional scenic spots. Chapel Falls, a series of three cascading waterfalls, is the highlight along this route. The loop offers a diverse range of landscapes. It’s a moderately strenuous hike but well worth the effort for the scenery and waterfall views.
- What families are saying: “Wow I have lived in Michigan my entire life and this is a must see/do and a must/see do again. We did the 10 mile loop to walk Pictured Rocks and beautiful Chapel waterfalls and the entire chapel loop. This trail is well marked and overall not too difficult — other than 10 miles. Obviously it took a long time, because you want to stop at every scenic opportunity.” — Claudia D., Tripadvisor
Chapel Rock Trail
The Chapel Rock Trail is a 3.6-mile out-and-back hike leading to Chapel Rock, the most iconic natural rock arch in the area. Starting from the Chapel Beach parking area, this moderate hike includes a steady climb with views of Lake Superior and the surrounding forest. Upon reaching Chapel Rock, you’ll have the best view of the picturesque landscape, including the rock arch and the charming Chapel Beach island. It’s the best location for a picnic or taking a relaxing break.
Mosquito Falls Trail
The Mosquito Falls Trail, a 1.8-mile round-trip hike, is a great choice for those seeking a shorter adventure. This easy trail leads to the picturesque Mosquito Falls, a series of cascades that flow over a rocky bed. The trail has a well-marked path and a few gentle inclines. While this trail is always beautiful, the best time to visit is in the early summer when the water flow is at its peak.
- What families are saying: “Consider hiking and kayaking this amazing place. You get incredible views from both. My husband and I hiked the Mosquito Falls and Chapel Falls trail via Chapel Loop. There are plenty of reviews about this trail counterclockwise but if we had to do it over again we would’ve started with the hard way and ended the easier route with the beautiful Chapel falls at the end of the trail (much bigger than Mosquito Falls). Bring lots of snacks and water and take time and enjoy the beautiful views, do not rush this amazing trail.” — Sandy D., Tripadvisor
Spray Falls from Little Beaver Lake
Spray Falls is a majestic waterfall that plunges directly into Lake Superior. To reach this 6.5-mile round-trip destination, start from the Little Beaver Lake Trailhead. The trail is more challenging but the view of Spray Falls cascading over a cliff into the lake is a spectacular reward.
Find out so much more in our guide to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Learn the basics about how to get here, where to stay and what to eat, fun things to do nearby and four-season fun at Pictured Rocks.
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