Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Discover the wild beauty of Lake Superior.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore hugs the southern shore of Lake Superior. It is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and is known for its dramatic multicolored cliffs. The name “Pictured Rocks” actually comes from the streaks of mineral stains on the weathered-sculpted cliffsides. Don't miss out on Miners Castle and Chapel Rock. Hikers love exploring Twelvemile Beach's trail through the white birch forest. Remnants of shipwrecks dot the shoreline around Au Sable Point’s 19th-century lighthouse. Red and orange colorations indicate iron, blue and green indicate copper, black and brown indicate manganese, and white colorations mean limonite is present. These are the most common colors at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

The Pictured Rocks are between 50 and 200 feet high, stretching for about 15 miles along the shore. In addition to the Pictured Rocks, the lakeshore features 12 miles of beaches, nearly five miles of sand dunes, several waterfalls, and lighthouses. This is an outdoor lover's paradise because there are remote lakes, streams, and forests all around. This park is open year-round and is a four-season recreation destination. Winter activities include ice climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. During the warmer months, you can go hiking, canoeing, kayaking, sightseeing, birding, and camping to your heart's content. Enjoy one of the most scenic places in the United States at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.