I initially intended to make the entire trip but way overestimate how much I could do in a day. As such I only stopped at three waterfalls, two beaches, and two rock formations. Along the way I hiked about 14 miles through some dense mixed forests and saw some crazy chipmunks, so bold they ran right over my feet on a few occasions.
Munising Falls
My first stop was Munising Falls, which starts off the shore line from the Munising end. It is a beautiful waterfall that drops to two different levels. The park service has constructed three different viewing platforms that allows anyone to get a great view at all different angles. I wanted to start here, one because it made the most logical sense, but two because I was trying more technical waterfall photos. I had to lug a 5 pound tripod and wanted to be close to my car if I didn't need it. But I did end up needing it and therefore carried around for the rest of the day.
Sand Point
My next stop was just down the road a bit from Munising Falls, but was completely different. Sand Point is a beautiful sand beach that gives a visitor a tremendous view of the lake and the nearby island, Grand Isle.
Miners Fall
My next stop was the second waterfall of the day, Miners Falls, that was quite impressive in the shear volume of water.
Miners Castle Rock
Miners Castle is one of the more recognizable formations from the lakeshore. It is limestone cliff that juts out into the lake. As you can see from the pictures, the different sediments in the rock create different colored layers, which is where Pictured Rocks got its name. You can also see how tremendously clear the water is and the vibrant blues and greens produced by the different sediments in the water.
Miners Beach
Miners Beach was my last stop at this trail head. I provided magnificent views of the cliffs and was spotted with colorful rocks and drift wood. There was a group of kayakers taking off when I got there and I was trying to see if there was any way they could through me on the back to go with them. However, their boats were all full. I will just have to go back another day.
Mosquito Falls
This was the most appropriately named waterfall ever. To get there I had to hike a rustic mile long trail through the thickest mosquito swarms I have ever seen. Just when I thought it couldn't get worse, I passed a swampy marsh, where the mosquito were at least the size of a quarter. That same area I believe I heard a call and response from two moose, but did not see any. Despite, the mosquitoes, the falls were well worth the trip.
Chapel Falls
From the same trail head as Mosquito Falls, I also hiked to Chapel Falls. This was a much easier trail, with far fewer mosquitoes (although it would have been difficult to have more). Chapel Falls is made up of two levels, one is an enormous drop that transitions into a slide and the other is a series of smaller drops.
Chapel Rock and Beach
After the falls, I continued along the same trail towards Chapel Rock and Beach. Along the way I lost some of the sun and the forest got dark and somewhat haunted looking. Chapel Rock is another impressive limestone formation that was craved out due to the years being battered by the wind and water off of Lake Superior. Once again, the beach offered views of the limestone cliffs, as well as the lake. This time, I could see a storm moving in from the west and the differences in the clouds was very apparent.
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