Paddling Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Shingleton, Michigan

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Details

Distance

35 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Lisa Sarver

Kayaking the shoreline along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is an experience that you will not want to miss. This is arguably the most beautiful shoreline in the United States, with crystal clear water in the largest freshwater lake in the world.

Our trip was organized via Uncle Ducky's Outdoors, who owns the "Paddling Michigan" Facebook page. The guided kayak trip we chose was Paddler's Choice - about 6 hours, with a rest stop at Mosquito Beach for lunch. They use tandem kayaks and spray skirts since Lake Superior can get pretty rough - the extra paddles are also appreciated!

Our guide was knowledgeable. and kept our group of 10 together. Multiple groups go out simultaneously, so they break you into groups. There are local places to rent kayaks, or you could bring your own - but be advised - due to the nature of the lake, a 12ft Sea-Kayak is your best bet.

Uncle Ducky's offers many different paddling trips and hikes. If interested, visit the Paddling Michigan Facebook page.

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Features

Camping

Kayaking

Hiking

Beach

Family Friendly

Lake

Picnic Area

Scenic

Wildlife

Swimming Hole

Paddling Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Reviews

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Chapel Loop

The trail loop from Mosquito Beach to Chapel Rock takes hikers through woods, to the edge of cliffs, and to the bottom of beaches along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The trail head begins inland and contains a 10.4 mile loop to numerous locations and viewing areas. The cliffs tower to heights hundreds of feet high over Lake Superior. Hikers are able to test their fears by standing or ...

Mosquito Falls

When you want to pack the backpack for a short day hike in the Pictured Rocks, look no further than hiking to Mosquito Falls! Start at the Chapel Basin parking lot at the far northwest corner (if you see signs for Chapel Rock, you picked the wrong trail!), and you will be gifted with a great hike downhill at first and then a relatively flat trail down to the waterfall. The Google Maps estimat...

Chapel Basin to Beaver Creek Loop

This two day (easily extended if you want more time to explore) hike offers some of the best views in all 40 miles of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The days are split up into a 8.8 mile day and a 12.6 mile day and can be done in either direction but since I did the 8.8 mile day first I will explain the hike that way. Day 1 The hike begins at the Chapel Basin Parking Lot, which is locat...

Chapel Falls & Mosquito Beach Loop Trail

The trip begins at the parking lot or trailhead 3 miles inland from Chapel Rock. The first three miles of the trail are pretty much flat and is a very easy hike. At the two-mile mark, you will see scenic overviews of Chapel Lake and Chapel Falls providing great photo opportunities. About 1/4 mile after this overlook you can go down in the creekside that leads to the falls and get down in there ...

Mosquito Beach Loop

Start at the Chapel Basin parking lot at the far northwest corner (if you see signs for Chapel Rock, you picked the wrong trail!), and you will be gifted with a great hike downhill at first. The trail will split and you will have to choose to go the falls route or the direct route. I would suggest starting on the falls route (it is a loop out to the beach at this point), that way if you need to...

Kayak the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

The best place to start a kayak tour of the main section of cliffs along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is Miners Beach, located just outside of Munising. Miners Beach features a good size parking lot, along with a beautiful sandy beach that serves as a great launching point within sight of the 200-foot cliffs.As you paddle, you can take in the remarkably clear waters of Lake Superior an...