How to Visit Pictured Rocks in One Weekend

Upon moving to Ann Arbor and becoming an adopted Michigander, there were many destinations in Pure Michigan Zak Suhar wanted to explore. Read his story below on a weekend adventure to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Tahquamenon Falls.
1. Twelvemile Beach Campground

Twelvemile campsite is a wonderful place to camp alongside Lake Superior, not only for its wonderful location, but also because it's a first-come first-serve campsite. This is essential for Pictured Rocks since it’s a very popular area, but you’ll still have to ensure you get there early for a beachfront campsite (ours sat atop a small bluff). Nothing beats sitting in your hammock, Lake Superior waves crashing, glowing sun setting and campfire roaring in the background.
2. Bridalveil Falls

Kayaking along Pictured Rocks is something to experience, especially to see Bridalveil Falls. While you can see the falls from a hike, the 140-foot cascade is best seen from the water.
3. Lover’s Leap
At the end of a kayak or boat tour, the highlight of the lakeshore, in my opinion, is Lover’s Leap, one of the staple natural landscapes the U.P. offers. On a still day, you can get a great reflective photos of the rock formation, the wonderful colors of the lake and the sandstone cliffs of beautiful reddish and orange hues.
4. Mosquito Beach
Mosquito Beach is a wonderful place to relax after a long hike or paddle. This is a great place to stop for lunch and walk along the waterfront littered by rocks and unique formations. It’s the end of the Mosquito Beach Trail, which forks with one branch heading directly to the beach, and the other somewhat longer trail passing Mosquito Falls on the way to the beach. The trail passes along the lower falls, rapids and then the upper falls which are some of the smallest in the U.P. but still worth seeing if you have time.
5. Miners Castle Overlook
6. Miners Falls

7. Chapel Falls

8. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
About the Author: Zak is a Midwest born and raised explorer and adventure photographer. He was born a Hoosier, grew up a Cheesehead, studied in Ohio and currently resides in Ann Arbor as an adopted Michigander. Zak works in advertising but his ideal weekend involves disconnecting and getting outside.