North Country Trail through Pictured Rocks
About forty-two miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail traverse Pictured Rocks between Munising and Grand Marais past beaches, sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, dunes, forest, and backcountry camps.
Artwork inspired by Gwen Frostic
The route repeatedly climbs from beach or creek level to high bluff, and its beauty concentrates exposure: eroding edges, cold water, wind, mud, roots, black flies, limited cell service, and long gaps between legal exits. It is a serious linear hike despite modest elevations.
Secure backcountry reservations and transportation before fixing daily mileage. Keep camp locations and cliff viewpoints distinct, carry water treatment, and never use a beach as an escape route without confirming it continues around headlands at current lake conditions.
- Traverse
- About 42 miles
- Camping
- Designated backcountry sites
- Conditions
- Roots, sand, cliffs, lake weather
Quick guide
- Begin with
- Choose a route from Chapel basin cliffs
- Look closely at
- Reassess at Mosquito Beach
Plan a cliff-country backpack around exits and water
- Choose campsites first
- Required backcountry reservations determine feasible daily mileage before scenery or ambition enters the plan
- Keep back from edges
- Sandstone cliffs can undercut or crumble beyond visible cracks
- Filter every source
- Lake Superior and inland water still require treatment
- Arrange the finish
- Shuttle timing and long trailhead drives belong in the itinerary
Good to know
A North Country Trail blaze does not guarantee camping anywhere nearby; within the lakeshore, overnight use is tied to reserved backcountry sites and park rules.
Notice these
- Chapel basin cliffs
- Mosquito Beach
- Au Sable Light area