Pictured Rocks Coastal Traverse Adventure

Expedition Itinerary: Coastal Traverse at Pictured Rocks

Primary Objective: end-to-end traverse

Trip Duration: 3 days

Total Estimated Mileage: ~34 miles

Experience Level: advanced

Terrain Type: coastal

- Cumulative elevation gain/loss (ft): ~1,200 ft

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

- GPS coordinates: 46.6753, -86.0586 to 46.4279, -86.6116

- Permits: Obtain from National Park Service, required for camping

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DAY 1: Grand Sable Visitor Center, MI to Hurricane River Campground

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: ~11 miles, +400 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: North Country Trail

- Terrain description: Coastal forest and dunes

- Notable features or side quests: Sable Falls, Grand Sable Dunes

- Key water sources: Hurricane River

- Campsite location: Hurricane River Campground

- Wildlife or safety notes: Watch for bears and protect food

- Trail tip: Start early to enjoy stops at waterfalls

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DAY 2: Hurricane River Campground to Chapel Beach Campground

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: ~12 miles, +400 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: North Country Trail

- Terrain description: Clifftop vistas and rocky beaches

- Notable features or side quests: Au Sable Light Station

- Key water sources: Chapel Creek

- Campsite location: Chapel Beach Campground

- Wildlife or safety notes: Be cautious near cliff edges

- Trail tip: Pack a picnic for Chapel Rock view

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DAY 3: Chapel Beach Campground to Munising Falls Visitor Center

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: ~11 miles, +400 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: North Country Trail

- Terrain description: Dense forests with occasional beach access

- Notable features or side quests: Miners Castle, Mosquito Falls

- Key water sources: Miner’s River

- Campsite location: Ends at Munising Falls Visitor Center

- Wildlife or safety notes: Be aware of changing weather

- Trail tip: Visit Munising Falls for a cooling end to your hike

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CAMPSITE INTEL

- Camp names and elevation: Hurricane River (640 ft), Chapel Beach (580 ft)

- Fire restrictions: Use designated rings

- Bear safety and food storage: Bear-proof containers required

- Best views (sunrise/sunset): Chapel Rock and Grand Sable Dunes

- Noise level or solitude factor: Moderate; popular areas may have crowds

- Nearest water source: Creeks near campsites

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WEATHER & ALTITUDE NOTES

- Typical temps: 50-75°F in August

- Sun exposure: Moderate; some shaded sections

- Acclimatization tips: Not necessary; low altitude

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GEAR CHECKLIST (10 ESSENTIAL ITEMS)

List tailored to terrain and season

Include 1–2 pro tips (e.g. smart gear swaps):

- 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: Use quick-dry clothing and waterproof boots for comfort

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OPTIONAL UPGRADES

- Scenic side trips: Detour to Spray Falls

- Photo-worthy moments: Sunset at Miner’s Castle

- Post-hike food or reward suggestion: Ice cream at Falling Rock Cafe, Munising

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FINAL BRIEF SUMMARY

- Trail hours per day: 6-8 hours

- Wake/sleep rhythm: Start at sunrise, sleep after sunset

- Estimated calories burned per day: ~2,500 calories

- Water needed per person: 3 liters

- Recommended pack weight range: 25-35 lbs

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Prepare accordingly and respect all wilderness guidelines.

Your expedition awaits, Christopher Arace.

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EI_DATA: {"title":"Coastal Traverse at Pictured Rocks","slug":"coastal-traverse-pictured-rocks","start_trailhead":"Grand Sable Visitor Center, MI","end_trailhead":"Munising Falls Visitor Center, MI","location_hint":"Michigan","primary_trails":["North Country Trail"],"route_pois":["Sable Falls","Au Sable Light Station","Chapel Rock","Miners Castle","Munising Falls"]}