Pictured Rocks Coastal Hike Adventure

Expedition Itinerary: Pictured Rocks Coastal Traverse

Primary Objective: end-to-end traverse

Trip Duration: 6 days

Total Estimated Mileage: ~60 miles

Experience Level: advanced

Terrain Type: coastal locked

- Cumulative elevation gain/loss (ft): ~3500 ft

- Start and end trailhead: Grand Sable Visitor Center, MI to Munising Falls, MI

- GPS coordinates: 46.6733, -86.0200 to 46.4231, -86.6385

PERMITS & ENTRY

- Requirement: Yes

- Issuing agency/jurisdiction: National Park Service

- How to apply: Apply via NPS Pictured Rocks Backcountry Permit system

- Application window & deadline: Spring release, check NPS site for details

- Processing time & approval odds: Varies, apply early for peak dates

- Cost & payment: $15 reservation fee + $5 per person/night

- Required documents/ID: Government-issued ID

- Alternate options if permit unavailable: Consider weekdays for less demand

SHUTTLE / TRANSPORTATION

- Nearest major access point: MQT – Marquette Sawyer International Airport

- Pre-hike basecamp: Hotel in Munising for gear resupply, stove fuel purchase

- Trail access type: point-to-point

- Parking: Shuttle recommended; limited parking at trailheads

- Shuttle/local transport: Altran busing, call to schedule, reasonable rates

- Recommended direction: East to West for prevailing wind advantage

- Post-hike basecamp: Hotel in Munising for cleanup and recovery

- Backup transport: Local taxi service availability

DAY 1: Grand Sable Visitor Center to Au Sable East Campground

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 10 miles, +500 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: North Country Trail

- Terrain description: Mixed forests, sandy beaches

- Notable features or side quests: Grand Sable Dunes

- Key water sources: Au Sable Creek

- Campsite location: Au Sable East Campground

- Wildlife or safety notes: Be aware of cliffs; pack bear spray

- Trail tip: Start early to avoid midday heat

DAY 2: Au Sable East Campground to Trappers Lake Campground

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 12 miles, +600 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: North Country Trail

- Terrain description: Coastal cliffs, dense woods

- Notable features or side quests: Lighthouse Ruins

- Key water sources: Trappers Lake

- Campsite location: Trappers Lake Campground

- Wildlife or safety notes: Watch for ticks in grassy areas

- Trail tip: Use sun protection on exposed cliffs

DAY 3: Trappers Lake Campground to Beaver Creek Campground

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 10 miles, +400 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: North Country Trail

- Terrain description: Rocky outcrops, beach walking

- Notable features or side quests: Chapel Rock

- Key water sources: Filters at Beaver Creek

- Campsite location: Beaver Creek Campground

- Wildlife or safety notes: Keep food stored properly to deter bears

- Trail tip: Enjoy sunset views at Chapel Beach

DAY 4: Beaver Creek Campground to Mosquito River Campground

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 9 miles, +350 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: North Country Trail

- Terrain description: Forest trails, creek crossings

- Notable features or side quests: Mosquito Falls

- Key water sources: Mosquito River

- Campsite location: Mosquito River Campground

- Wildlife or safety notes: Insect repellent is a must

- Trail tip: Early morning start for cool temperatures

DAY 5: Mosquito River Campground to Cliffs Campground

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 10 miles, +400 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: North Country Trail

- Terrain description: Clifftop vistas, dense woods

- Notable features or side quests: Miner's Castle

- Key water sources: Miner's River

- Campsite location: Cliffs Campground

- Wildlife or safety notes: Stay on designated paths to mitigate cliff risks

- Trail tip: Capture evening light at Miner's Castle

DAY 6: Cliffs Campground to Munising Falls

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 9 miles, +250 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: North Country Trail

- Terrain description: Gradual descent to lake level

- Notable features or side quests: Munising Falls

- Key water sources: Munising Falls

- Ending location: Munising Falls, MI

- Wildlife or safety notes: Check weather for changes; cell signal may improve

- Trail tip: Celebrate with a visit to Munising's local eateries

CAMPSITE INTEL

- Camp names and elevation: Au Sable East (~600 ft), Trappers Lake (~620 ft), Beaver Creek (~630 ft), Mosquito River (~580 ft), Cliffs (~590 ft)

- Bear safety and food storage: Bear canisters or hanging required

- Best views (sunrise/sunset): Chapel Beach, Miner's Castle

- Nearest water source: Check streams and creeks at each site

WEATHER & ALTITUDE NOTES

- Typical temps: 50–75°F in August

- Sun exposure: High on cliff sections

- Acclimatization tips: Prepare for higher humidity

GEAR CHECKLIST (10 ESSENTIAL ITEMS)

- Navigation tools (map, compass)

- Water filtration system

- Sunscreen and sunglasses

- First aid kit

- Fire starter and matches

- Pocket knife

- Headlamp with extra batteries

- Shelter system (tent, tarp)

- Insulating layers

- Nutrition/snacks (high-calorie options)

Pro tips: Bring a waterproof jacket and mosquito netting

OPTIONAL UPGRADES

- Scenic side trips: Visit Chapel Rock and Chapel Beach

- Photo-worthy moments: Sunrise at Miner's Castle

- Post-hike food or reward suggestion: Treat at a Munising café

FINAL BRIEF SUMMARY

- Trail hours per day: 5-7 hours

- Wake/sleep rhythm: Early rise, sleep by dusk

- Estimated calories burned per day: ~2500 calories

- Water needed per person: ~3 liters

- Recommended pack weight range: 25-30 lbs

Prepare accordingly and respect all wilderness guidelines. Your expedition awaits, Christopher Arace.