Introduction
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula stretches 42 miles along the southern shore of Lake Superior — the largest freshwater lake on Earth by surface area. The park's namesake feature is the 200-foot painted sandstone cliffs that tower over the lake, streaked with mineral deposits in shades of copper green, iron red, and manganese black. The North Country Trail traverses the entire park from Munising to Grand Marais, making it one of the finest backpacking routes in the Midwest.
Route Overview: West to East
Munising to Miners Beach (8 miles): The most dramatic section. The trail follows the cliff tops directly above Miners Castle, Miners Arch, and Chapel Rock. Spur trails descend to the beach below. Chapel Falls (60 feet) is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Michigan.
Miners Beach to Twelvemile Beach (15 miles): The trail moves inland past Beaver Basin and Sevenmile Creek. Less dramatic than the cliff section but quieter and forested. Good wildlife watching for black bears, loons, and bald eagles.
Twelvemile Beach to Grand Marais (19 miles): The trail returns to the Lake Superior shoreline along miles of white sand beach backed by dunes and pine forest. The Au Sable Light Station (accessible from the trail) is a beautifully restored 1874 lighthouse.
Permits & Camping
Overnight camping in Pictured Rocks requires a backcountry permit. Permits are issued through recreation.gov and are quota-based by campsite. The most popular sites (Miners Beach, Chapel Beach, Twelvemile Beach) fill months in advance for July and August. Reservations open 6 months before the start date. Walk-up cancellations are available at the Munising visitor center.
Lake Superior Conditions
Lake Superior is cold, deep, and unpredictable. Water temperatures rarely exceed 55°F even in summer — anyone who falls in faces hypothermia risk within minutes. Never wade or swim at the cliff base. Wave action can be sudden and violent. Stay well back from cliff edges, which are undercut and can collapse without warning.
Gear & Logistics
The trail is a point-to-point requiring a shuttle or two-car setup. Many hikers leave a car in Grand Marais and start from Munising, or arrange a shuttle service available locally. Water is plentiful from streams (filter required). Bears are common — hang food or use a bear canister. The trail is well-marked with blue blazes.
