Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located on the southeastern shore of Lake Superior in Alger County, Michigan. Across approximately 73,236 acres, multicolored sandstone cliffs meet long beaches, sand dunes, and waterfalls. The area also includes inland lakes, wetlands, and deciduous and coniferous forests. The cliffs are between 50 and 200 feet high and stretch along 15 miles of shoreline. The name Pictured Rocks refers to the colors and patterns of the sandstone and mineral deposits on the cliffs.
Waterfalls, Shoreline Trails, and Overlooks
You can reach Chapel Falls on an easy, 2.5-mile loop hike to a 60-foot waterfall. The Sable Falls Trail is a 0.4-mile loop: the path descends 168 steps to the base of Sable Falls and then continues to a beach on Lake Superior. The Chapel Loop passes through hardwood forests and follows more than four miles of Pictured Rocks shoreline. The North Country National Scenic Trail also runs through the lakeshore for up to 42 miles.
Miners Castle is the only area of cliffs in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore accessible by vehicle. The two upper viewing areas are wheelchair accessible and just a short distance from the parking lot; interpretive exhibits are also available at Miners Castle. At Lake Superior Overlook Beach, a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform offers views of the lake. A short flight of stairs leads down to the beach, and a parking lot is available for day use.
The Munising Falls Trail also leads to a waterfall: the 800-foot paved path runs one way to the 50-foot Munising Falls. A National Park Service notice reported a temporary closure due to storm damage in April 2025. Check the current status before your visit.
Lighthouse, Dunes, and History
Au Sable Light Station was built in 1874. It can be reached from Hurricane River Campground via a 1.5-mile walking trail. Guided climbs combine a brief overview of the lighthouse’s history and function with a tour of the assistant keeper’s quarters. There are 98 steps to the top. Exposed remains of shipwrecks lie along the shoreline on the beach below the trail.
At Log Slide, you can enjoy views of the Grand Sable Dunes. A short walking trail passes historic logging equipment. At Bay Furnace Historic Site, a short, accessible one-eighth-mile loop circles the stabilized ruins of a blast furnace. Pig iron was produced in this furnace between 1870 and 1877. Check the site’s condition before your visit.
Grand Island and Discoveries on the Water
Grand Island is a 13,500-acre extension of Hiawatha National Forest with a rich natural and cultural history. A passenger ferry connects the mainland with the island from Grand Island Landing; check the current ferry schedule for your visit. Grand Island has a 20-mile main mountain biking route that follows the island’s perimeter. Another perspective is offered by the narrated interpretive bus tour: it lasts two and a half to three hours and includes nine stops. A short hiking trail leads to the Grand Island Harbor Front Range Light along the shore of Lake Superior; check trail conditions before your visit.
Alger Underwater Preserve offers diving attractions such as sea caves, intact shipwrecks, and underwater interpretive trails. An intact, 145-foot schooner lies in Murray Bay in 30 feet of water. Another wreck is part of the Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tour, which operates from Munising: the 71-foot tugboat Steven M. Selvick. Check tour availability before your trip.
Munising and Practical Information
In Munising, the Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market offers fresh produce, baked goods, meat, and crafts weekly from mid-June through mid-October. Check the current year’s calendar before visiting.
The main road through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is Alger County Road H-58. Every vehicle entering the lakeshore must have a Pictured Rocks Pass or an America the Beautiful federal lands pass. Camping is by reservation only and is permitted only at designated sites.
Discover more destinations: Munising, St. Clair County, Ontonagon County, Kent, Bay, Huron County, Antrim County, Cass County.
For the main travel overview: Michigan.
