nardeepj
Visited Pictured Rocks the first time in 2008 and have gone there 3 times since then. There are several ways to enjoy this beautiful place. Taking a boat cruise, specially at Sunset hour is a popular option, and its a great tour. Second is hiking the tour where you are on top of the rocks and can see the clear (and cold)waters of Lake Superior. For the hike, there is a bus service, run by Altran, that provide drop off and pick up service from different points on the trail. There are restaurants in downtown that provide sandwiches/lunch packs for hikers which are pretty convenient.
luckyduck_307
We couldn't get enough of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We did many different hikes, including the hike through the huge sand dunes (they're incredible!) and down to the beach. You can actually watch natural erosion happening at an alarming rate... fascinating nature lesson!I really can't say enough great things about this area. The shoreline is just incredible regardless of which beach you are on. The actual Pictured Rocks themselves, as well as the visitor centre, are the main attraction. You have to see this place!
659denisek
If you live in Michigan it should be on your list of places to see. Our state has many beautiful areas but this is absolutely stunning. The coast line from a boat and all the water falls you can walk to. Michigan is a beautiful state!
Dossodessie
I visited the Pictured Rocks for three days both in 2012 and 2014 during Memorial Day weekend and stayed both nights at the Holiday Inn in Munising. The first visit I did the afternoon cruise and several of the hikes (recommend the ten mile Chapel Rock loop and the one from the Log Slide to the lighthouse) and the second time round there was still ice on the lake so no cruise but kayaking. What an experience to kayak on the lake with the ice around you. We took the 6.5h kayak tour which was very worth it as you bring your own lunch and picnic on the beach.Most of the look outs and beaches are also accessible by car in case you do not want to hike too much.Pictured Rocks, although not around the corner is a unique experience.
EJM87
I first visited Pictured Rocks during a brief day visit in 2013, and returned for 4 days of backpacking in 2014, and I can't wait to go back. I absolutely LOVE this area. I have lived my whole life in the Great Lakes area (on Lake Superior and Lake Ontario) and driven extensively throughout the area. This is one of my absolute favorite areas to visit. We backpacked from Chapel Rock to the Little Beaver Lake area and the views were absolutely stunning. We also spent time backpacking in the Grand Sable Dunes which were also amazing. Along the lakeshore, you get amazing cliffs, breathtaking views, amazing beaches, cave formations, beautiful old trees, and waterfalls. The Chapel Beach camp site was our favorite and next time we plan to spend 2 nights there since we enjoyed it so much. We were a bit worried about not being able to have fires (which we were used to), but with a cooking stove it was fine. We used the Pictured Rocks Shuttle Service so we didn't have to backpack, and it wasn't cheap, but they provided great service and were available for the dates/times we needed. If you are not into backpacking, there are also lots of ways you can enjoy the lakeshore. Munising Falls, Miner's Castle/Miner's Beach, the Log Slide, and 12 Mile Beach are also accessible by car or by just a short hike (less than a mile) and are all totally worth it. You can also do a boat cruise. there are also plenty of short day hikes available (around Miner's Falls, Au Sable Point, Little Beaver Lake, etc) and for a longer day hike (with amazing views of rock formations and 2 beautiful beaches) you can also do a loop between Chapel Beach and the Mosquito Beach through the Chapel/Mosquito trailhead. And if you've never been but are just driving through the area and have an hour or less, check out Miner's Castle or the Log Slide. Both are great and don't take much time (although I'm sure you'll want to go back to explore further).
tobyg176
I backpacked the Lakeshore this past Sept. and truly loved it. If you do decide to backpack or want to take a long hike and not retrace your steps you can use Altran for your shuttle. It's like 20 bucks and the driver was really nice.
Mollie826
We stayed overbite in Munising to take the boat tour and were awestruck by all the natural beauty of the rocks and the lake! A hidden gem! Glad we got boat tats in advance and didn't have to stand in line!
962HansB
This summer we stopped to see Pictured Rocks NLS. We came in late and booked for the evening cruise all in all it was the best we could have done. With the sun lower and lower against the rocks the colours became better and better. However it took more than 1 hour to sail to the rocks it was worth it. The way back we fell a sleep luckily the captain did not.Costs ± $ 35 pp.
josephw946
Winter access is limited by unplowed roads from Munising for the most part. However you can still drive out to Sand Point from Munising and enjoy a spectacular view of the east end including Miners castle in the distance. From that vantage point you can look across the channel to Grand Island and get an early view of the ice cave formations.
GeorgiaLily
We camped for a week and I can not wait to go back. Awesome trails, Lake Superior, just an amazing place! We camped September 28th - Oct 3rd 2014. The first day was 70, sunny, and Lake Superior was as smooth as glass. At 4am a storm blew in... temps dropped to 43 with 20 mph winds and Lake Superior was just starting her anger ;) This is nature... pack for anything... bring a camera... and high five the UP!
brittanyaih
The Lakeshore area is beautiful not only for its rock formations and shoreline, but also for the lovely waterfalls and hiking trails. We found the autumn foliage colors particularly beautiful and the crowds were much less in October. All of this and it is free admission! The rocks are best seen by boat with Pictured Rocks Cruises, and are best viewed during the sunset cruise. Hiking trails and waterfalls should also not be missed. Many of the falls are accessible within a short hiking distance (.25-.5 mi). Do note that is you bring your dogs with you that certain areas are not open to pets. Luckily, the park office (physical location as well as online) hosts a helpful document of where dogs are permitted. If you are wanting to go hiking, most trails do not permit dogs, so you'll want to plan ahead for that. The campgrounds do permit pets as long as they are not backcountry camping sites. The park facilities are as described, so be sure to check ahead on where picnic areas and bathrooms are located. Additionally, the area is an active bear area, so be sure to dispose of your food properly.
MarylandQuilter
Not very sunny on way out to picture rocks, but on the way back the sun broke through and we got some lovely pictures
Ravage7779
Very very pretty lakeshore. Lots of minerals leaching out of the rock makes for some spectacular colors. Then you have waterfalls running over the edge. A must see if in munising.
AmyNStiers
The National Park facilities spread north from Munising and are just fantastic! Trails are well marked, and there are many!
57Shadow
We spent a few days in the Pictured Rocks area. Grand Marais on the east end is a nice little stop for lunch and resupply. West end is Munising, which is an excellent home base for visiting the area.The long hike along and above Lake Superior in Pictured Rocks is well worth the day expended. Nonstop views! Don't miss the opportunity to take the scenic boat tour from Munising to see the rocks from lakeside. An excellent side trip on another day would be Grand Island.