Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 -
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 --
$1900
★★
Located along the rugged shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula,
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
is one of the most stunning and isolated ecosystems in the country. This protected shoreline is known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, quiet beaches, hidden waterfalls, forested dunes, inland lakes, and miles of pristine wilderness.
Our journey follows the renowned Lakeshore Trail, a 42+ mile section of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Often considered the crown jewel of the entire 4,800-mile trail, this stretch between Grand Marais and Munising offers continuous views of turquoise waters, layered sandstone bluffs, and forested ridgelines overlooking the lake.
Pictured Rocks is home to a remarkably diverse ecosystem, including nearly 300 species of native vertebrates. While we’ll most commonly encounter chipmunks, squirrels, and white-tailed deer, sightings of bald eagles, mink, or even black bears and gray wolves are possible. The area's biodiversity, combined with its peaceful solitude, makes every step a rich experience in nature immersion.
Our 7-day backpacking trek begins in Grand Marais, MI. Each day we’ll hike westward through deep forest and along towering cliffs, ending our journey in Munising. You'll be carrying your own pack, sleeping in backcountry campsites, and traveling unsupported across the full length of the trail — covering approximately 6–8 miles per day.
Topographical Map of Proposed Route
See Topo map
Weather
Weather is always an important consideration when hiking, especially in a dynamic and isolated region like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Fortunately, early fall is one of the best times to explore the area. Historical climate data shows that average daytime highs in September are around 65°F (18°C), with nighttime lows around 49°F (9°C).
Thanks to the vast presence of Lake Superior, weather along the shoreline can shift quickly and often differs from forecasts just a few miles inland. Calm, sunny conditions can change to wind and rain with little notice, so flexibility and preparation are essential.
You’ll want to be ready for cool mornings, warm afternoons, and cold nights. Bring warm clothing layers that can be adjusted throughout the day, and make sure your sleeping system is suited for potentially cold overnight temperatures—a warm sleeping bag and insulated sleeping pad are essential. Also, carry water containers totaling at least 4 liters to stay hydrated during longer trail sections without water access.
With thoughtful preparation, fall weather at Pictured Rocks can offer some of the most comfortable and scenic hiking conditions of the entire year.
Probable Trip Leaders
Beau Devlin
Any Other Guide(s) TBD
Cost
$1900
per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. With single room accommodations are available for purchase. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Marquette, MI (MQT), and any gratuities for guides. You may also be charged for any parking charges for leaving your car at the hotel all week if you drive.
Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, storage fees, 6 days of trail meals, airport transfers, ground transportation to/from/within the National Park, park permits, park entrance fees and awesome guides.
Tipping: In order to keep our prices competitive with (and hopefully favorable to)
other outfitters, we shamefully can’t pay our guides as much as we think they deserve.
Like most other guiding services, we rely on the generosity of our participants to make
up this shortfall by tipping the guides. Gratuity can comprise a significant and important
part of a guide’s compensation. The industry recommended gratuity amount is 10-20% of the
trip cost. Gratuities are always optional and based on level of satisfaction but generally
account for 30-60% of their income through gratuities. Fitpacking supports tipping to the
greatest extent possible while remaining tactful and professional. Guides are not permitted
to solicit tips in any way other than doing an exceptional job supporting and providing
exceptional customer service to our participants. If your guides have served you well,
please support them with gratuities so they can continue living their extravagant lifestyles
of eating powdered meals, sleeping in the dirt and pooping in smelly outhouses and small
holes they've dug.
Important Notes about this trip
This trip is designed for hikers who are prepared for moderate to challenging days on trail with varying terrain, changing weather, and the realities of remote backcountry travel. While the experience is physically demanding, the reward is equally significant: peaceful forest mornings, dramatic Cliffside views, and the deep satisfaction of completing one of the Midwest’s most iconic thru-hikes.
Though some sections of the trail are rugged, the daily mileage is intentionally paced to be manageable, because of the limited amount of daylight this time of year. Elevation changes are generally moderate, making the trip physically engaging but accessible to most active hikers.
Trail conditions can vary depending on how recently maintenance crews have cleared the path. Expect to encounter rocks, roots, mud, and other natural obstacles along the way. While there are few steep ascents or descents, the terrain still requires good balance, proper footwear, and the ability to adapt to changing surfaces.
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