Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is mighty impressive in summer. But the park that sprawls along Lake Superior’s southern shore dazzles in the winter.
I’ve been to this famous national lakeshore in both seasons. The North Country National Scenic Trail unspools through the lakeshore, and I began my section-hike of this trail in Pictured Rocks. Here’s why it’s so amazing.
The Beauty of Pictured Rocks
The name “Pictured Rocks” comes from the bluffs lining Lake Superior, which are striped due to mineral stains. The rocks are colored red, orange, blue, green, brown and black due to minerals such as iron, copper and manganese. These amazing, rocky bluffs rise 50 to 200 feet above Lake Superior for some 15 miles. In addition to gaping at the beautiful bluffs during your visit, the national lakeshore features beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls and lighthouses.
And, best of all, this gem is open year-round. So no matter what your outdoor preference, you’ll find it here: ice-climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, canoeing, birding, etc.
Setting Up Base Camp
The article here is about a trip I took with my husband, Ed. We snowshoed and skied at Pictured Rocks. It was incredibly beautiful. If you’re thinking of going, consider snugging in at the Holiday Inn Express in Munising, on the park’s western end. It’s newer, clean, has a great breakfast and, for snowmobilers, sits right on the 300-plus mile Munising Snowmobile Trail.
Now just head out and explore!
My recommended gear for a winter visit: Northern Lites snowshoes. I just switched to these and love them because they’re so light and not clunky.
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