2021 Spring Backpacking at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

June 3, 2021

Each spring, Domonick and I try to complete a “speed boost” hike of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The direction of travel varies, but we hike the length from Munising to Grand Marais over two nights. This gives us a chance to reacquaint ourselves with the trail as we prepare ourselves to guide late summer/fall backpacking trips. Spring is also an interesting time to go backpacking, because the trees have not leafed out yet, making for some unique views. A couple days before we started hiking, we dropped off one of our cars at the Grand Sable Visitor Center.

Day 1 (May 14th): Munising Falls to Cliffs – 5.1 miles

We worked a full shift at our day jobs, stopped at home to pack up, and hit the trail about 6:00pm. We hiked for a couple hours, ending at the Cliffs campsite. The campground is set back in the woods, with no water source. The backcountry map made this known, so we were prepared with enough water and enjoyed a late dinner. A few flies were milling about, but they weren’t biting, so weren’t too bothersome. We walked to a small viewpoint down the trail and enjoyed a fantastic sunset.

Day 2: Cliffs to Trappers Lake – 20 miles

We got an early start with great weather; spring was definitely in the air. The water near the Mosquito River was a brilliant blue. Sometimes it’s hard to believe Lady Superior is a lake and not an ocean!

We took a lunch break near the Mosquito River and headed onward. This is the cliff section of the park (the park is actually made up of the cliffs, beaches, and sand dunes), and was busier compared to the rest of the trail. We rested at the beach near the Coves campsite and eventually landed at our campsite at Trappers Lake.

Getting ready to hit the trail again after lunch

Lover’s Leap Arch

Someone else enjoying a day at the rocks

Day 3: Trappers Lake to Grand Sable Visitor Center – 18 miles

Domonick and I got another early start. We were pleasantly surprised to see quite a bit of trail improvements since the fall. There have been some boardwalks installed in boggy areas, and the bridge over 7-mile creek was brand new.

Getting tired, but still smiling!

There were people fishing at the outlet of the Hurricane River and a few people visiting the Au Sable Lighthouse. The trail fell into the lake on the sand dune a bit west of the Log Slide, and the park service rerouted that area, and another part of the trail that looked to be on the verge of tumbling into Lake Superior.

Trilliums were in full bloom in this section of the trail. The weather was calm and pleasant, and we were thrilled with all the foliage surrounding Grand Sable Lake.

Grand Sable Lake

The end of the trail meanders through the woods a bit, and we made it to our car around 5:00pm. A few days in the backcountry left us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, and more excited for summer than ever! We were also excited to hit up the Dune Saloon in Grand Marais to top off our hike with pizza =)

To Sum Up

We love Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore! With each visit, there is something new to see, and we are excited to take our guests to an area we have gotten to know really well. Our beginner trips feature all of the highlights of the trail, and our intermediate trip (NEW this year!) will see the whole darn thing over a more demanding itinerary. Click here for more information. If you’re looking to do some day hiking and need some ideas, please check out this page which is filled with guides for Upper Peninsula hikes.

We hope you have a safe summer filled with adventure, beauty, and nature!

Happy Trails,
Carolyn (Co-owner/Guide)

Hiawatha Hiking Company

28 Google reviews

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Jeremy Hunt

2022-01-31

Had the pleasure to join the Intermediate Backpacking Trip in Sept. 2021. Months before the trip Domonick and Carolyn met with us individually to go over the trip and preparations. They took the time to meet again with the entire group ahead of the trip to go over last minute items to ensure we are all set. From the beginning, their preparation and professionalism was top notch and it carried through the whole trip. They made sure everyone was comfortable throughout out the trip and everyone in the group had a great time. Domonick and Carolyn are extremely knowledgeable, prepared and all around great people. We had such a great experience and would love to join them again some day. If you are heading toward Pictured Rocks and want a great experience they should be the only ones you call!

Jamie Davies O'Leary

2021-10-27

This was my first backpacking tour and Carolyn and Domonick were excellent guides! They emphasized safety and planning - from months before the trip through the last day's details - and renting their equipment made things much easier as a newbie. They were responsive to my questions beforehand and helped me and my group have such an amazing time. Dinners were excellent! I also loved hearing about their travels and what they've learned being on various trails.

paul rusch

2021-10-07

Went on a 2 night backpack trip the first weekend of October. The trip was wonderful, the colors were about 90%. The only complaint was that my 66 year old body had a hard time sleeping in a tent. Dominique and Carolyn were great. They tended to our safety, training was good, kept up an appropriate pace, provided help when needed, had a good menu and stops at great views. It was great and I am very glad that I did it.

Christine Artes

2021-09-13

Did the beginner hike over Labor Day and OMG, this was amazing! From the moment you arrive you're well taken care of with food, gear, instructions and safety from the dynamic duo that is Domonick and Carolyn. They both know this area and this trail like the back of their hands! Every detail was spot on and never once did we feel unsafe. You can rent all of the necessary gear and it is top notch! All food...REAL food is provided and the water that we drank and cooked with was filtered straight outta Lake Superior!!! So cool! If you're thinking about doing a guided hike to see PR's, this really is the only company that you should book with. No one else compares!

KAREN WHITAKER

2021-09-08

The beginning backpacking trip was amazing from start to finish. Hiawatha is very organized,, they provided training advice to prepare, the food was good, and guides Carolyn and Domonick are not only extremely experienced hikers and campers, they are wonderful people. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a guided hiking experience.

Richard Clark

2021-08-26

Carolyn and Domonick were awesome! I could not have asked for a better first-time backpacking experience. All I had to do was show up with my list of everyday items, they provided the rest. Carolyn and Domonick helped with tent setup/takedown, filtered water, prepped meals and snacks, and provide moral support. The views are breathtaking. The hike is challenging but very doable. You are not rushed. The camaraderie between fellow hikers, Carolyn, and Domonick is something I will cherish forever. If you ever were apprehensive about backpacking, Hiawatha Hiking Company is the company to use and their Intro to Backpacking tour along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the tour to take.

Catherine Toms

2021-08-25

We had an absolutely wonderful experience! Carolyn and Domonick are incredibly kind, professional, and thoughtful guides. They thought of everything for our trip, and we were safe and well-fed. Every aspect of the hike was planned perfectly. They know the trails well, and led us to some of the most beautiful places in our country. Thank you Hiawatha Hiking Company!

Jeri Rodriguez

2021-08-25

I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. The hospitality provided from the minute I arrived until the minute I drove away was incredible.

Sarah Shields

2021-07-17

We had a great time on a sunset hike with Carolyn and Dominick on our last night in the UP! It was a terrific way to end our vacation. They were organized, well-prepared and very knowledgeable. They shared a lot of information about the Pictured Rocks and Lake Superior, as well as the surrounding area. Their pleasant demeanor made for easy conversation on the hike. It was not quite 3 miles and except for one short stretch at the beginning, mostly flat, so very manageable for inexperienced hikers. We stopped several times for beautiful photos, and then sat and watched the sunset together complete with hot chocolate and sweet treats they provided! We loved getting to see the cliffs from above - a perfect complement to the boat tour we took earlier. We highly recommend the sunset hike!

Maria Thomas

2021-07-02

Carolyn and Domonick are terrific, and the personalized sunset hike they organized for us was stunning. The hike was punctuated with quick stops and informative commentary about geology and area history. Every minute seemed ideal for a pause or a photo, from the first vista to last rays of sunlight, The adventure was made more precious because they agreed to guide us on the sunset walk on a day they don't normally lead hikes. They are personable and knowledgeable nature enthusiasts who clearly love the magnificent beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the surrounding area. Don't miss this opportunity.