From the parking lot to the falls, this trail is not even half a mile out and back. Definitely…read morefriendly to all skill-levels and a very easy stop at the beginning (or end) of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, whichever way you look at it. Fun / sad story: My parents came here 30+ years ago, well before I was born, and it was one of their first trips after they had moved to Michigan. Back then, you were still able to walk the entire trail all the way up to the falls and then walk BEHIND the falls, so that you got to experience the water falling on one side of you and the rock wall on the other side. Over 30 years later, erosion has sadly caused it so that you can no longer walk behind the falls, there's simply not even enough pathway left to do so. So this past weekend, when I went to Munising Falls for the first time with my parents who were coming for the second time, we were all pretty disappointed to see that we could no longer walk behind the falls. Instead, now there are just three different viewpoints you can walk up to: 1) a middle, head on, from the ground up view, 2) a medium altitude, left-side vantage point view, and 3) a highest altitude, right-side vantage point, almost looking down at the falls kind of view. The highest altitude viewpoint involves quite a bit of climb and forks out early on in the path. Viewpoints 1 & 2 go hand in hand. You arrive at the first viewpoint, take some photos, then can take the staircase up a bit to the left of the viewing platform up to viewpoint #2. My group ultimately only did 1 & 2 because we were pressed for time, but I believe viewpoint #3 would have the best view of the falls out of the 3 if you're down to make the climb. If not, viewpoint #1 gets you a great view as well and I was more than satisfied with what I got to see! Onwards to the next destination!

The Munising Falls are about 800 feet from the visitor center. The main path is paved with some…read morewooden bridge areas, but overall it's a smooth trail, definitely family friendly. It follows the stream so you can hear and admire the pretty tannin-stained water. There's a trail to the lower falls which takes you to the level of the plunge pool (and then stairs from that point to a middle vantage point), but also branches to stairs to the upper falls if you want to get another viewpoint. The upper falls trail also winds close to the sandstone cliffs, some of which have been unfortunately defaced by graffiti. Overall this can be a quick stop if you're in a hurry, or you can spend longer if you take some time to absorb your surroundings. Make sure to bring bug repellent since there's plenty of mosquitoes around!

You can look at pictures of Pictured Rocks and think, "Wow, that's beautiful," but seeing it in…read moreperson is a completely different experience. It honestly makes you wonder how nature created something like this. The cliffs and colors are absolutely mind-blowing, and learning about the geology behind the different rock colors makes it even more fascinating. There are so many ways to experience this place. You can take a boat cruise, kayak along the cliffs, hike, relax on the beach, or even ice climb in the winter. The nearby towns are fun to explore too, so it's easy to make an entire trip out of it. This is one of those places that sticks with you long after you leave.

There is truly so much to do here, we barely scratched the surface…read more Our favorite spot was the Log Slide Overlook. We had a perfect sunny day so the water looked incredible. The walk to the overlook is nice and shady since you're walking through the woods. The overlook area is very small, so be respectful of those around you and take turns viewing the beauty. We also stopped at the Pictured Rocks overlook, they have flush bathrooms, a ranger on site, and recycling!! Miners beach was also pretty neat, a popular spot even in rainy weather.

Established in 1907, the Munising Rear Range Light was placed to work in combination with the…read moreMunising Front Range Light and is southwest of the front light. The rear light is on the hillside at the south end of Hemlock Street in Munising. Both lights feature a continuous red light. The rear range light is just over 30 feet tall, and with the style of window it had, it reminded me of something from an old space movie. The site, owned by Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, is open to the public, but the tower is closed.

This park is absolutely incredible... especially the falls area! We lucked out and were the only…read moreones in the area. Easy-moderate hike in and out. Definitely wear good shoes...passed several in crocs and sandals and they were really struggling.

Quick, free hike from street parking on Cleveland St. Entering the trail you first see Memorial…read moreFall. Follow the blue diamonds until it looks like you exit to road. Trail turns to left if facing road. Follow green diamonds. Easy hike about 1.5 miles moderate climbing w lots of roots and some narrow spots. Lots of humidity! Pack water and bug spray!

Established in 1907 along with the rear light, this active light features a continuous red light…read more The Munising Front Range Lighthouse is steel and stands 58 feet tall. By lining up the this light with the rear range light, mariners may navigate within the channel. In late 2011, work began to restore the keepers building to its original 1900s appearance. The site, owned by the National Park Service, is open, but the tower itself is closed to the public.

easy to see but odd to have it so far from the water and seemed to be in someones yard with shed in…read morefront of it.

Our family of 6 had awesome ride and adventurous classroom experience! The Captain was experienced…read moreand gave us a trilling ride with high bank turns, slaloms and zigzags. The kids were hyped an hour after the ride!

This was an awesome way to see Grand Island. Part tour and part thrill ride in a jet boat. Staff…read morewas very friendly and guide was very knowledgeable.

So we found ourselves with a kid free week, and UP Michigan was on our list to revisit…read more We lucked out booking this - we missed the storms, there was a little rain, and Faith O. Kayaked backwards the entire trip, keeping the group moving and calling out the geology and history (and she got jokes). You get on a boat, and they take you out - and you get in the kayak on the rack on the boat and they guide you out. Super easy. PFDs and sea skirts are provided and required! We stayed dry. Also - tandem kayaks! Less nimble than recreational kayaks, but also more stable. Assuming your partner doesn't lean over the edge. It's a nice trip! (When the wildfires aren't obstructing the views/air)

Beautiful day to kayaking. This trip was ok...the water was very choppy so we didn't get to kayak…read morepicture rocks and was diverted to a different location. The guides are great. The boat to ge there and boat captain was nice. Just being diverted was a bummer because it just didn't have the Beautiful rock formation that picture rocks has.

If staying in the Upper P .. Munising is a great place to stay a couple days. .. has alot of stuff…read morein or nearby to check out. Very close to castle rock, boat tour .. we did the riptide and loved it .. water falls, some free street art.. some restaurants .. free nature sancturary. huge sand cranes were walking beside the road .. they are huge. I guess they mate for life. check out muldoon for the local fav ... Pasties .. it's like a pot pie. very filling and the dessert ones are yum.

Living in munising for over 20 years I have a lot to say, however I will keep it as simple and…read moreshort as I can. So we will make it a game for all of you to sum up my review. :) we are at 5 stars and we will take away a star whenever something is neglected. 5 Star?- Munising is Gorgeous, it is one of the most pretty places on earth, however City Members and over priced Business make this a very demanding place not just for locals. You can have a pretty face, however what is the point if your ugly on the inside. for that reason it loses a star 4 star? The people overall are okay as far as people go, however the cost of food makes it hard for people to live in munising, people who pass by will be spending way more money also, however munising does not grant any special local discounts making it very hard to enjoy life in this town. Overall this town is too focused on money, rather then proper expansion and comfort with locals and business, example we have over 8+ coffee business in a town of 4000. 3 star? Now I do not hate this town, there is so many amazing things to see, however there is no entertainment what so ever, no theater, the bowling center is always on its own, no arcade, no real goat carts, not even a lazer tag anymore, looking at trees and lakes are wonderful however family and loved ones might want a step back and enjoy that indoor activity once in awhile. No indoor pool, no YMCA, they do have a gym however, sorry about your window, they are nice enough thou :) 2 Star? Wow we already are at 2 stars, they could of been better, however there is no Uber, Door dash, the bus system is okay, schools are great, however with the lack of support from the city many locals are forced to just endure, many places are closed for winter, making it very boring and hard to enjoy life in munising, even the bus has hard time finding workers for children to be picked up after school. Sometimes even needing the public transports help. There is no support for food delivery which would help older people and the sick and disabled. So that is a huge loss. 1 Star? I do not think it is a 1 star , honestly even due to the bad drug out break, it has got a bit better, however the locals are not the only one to blame , it is the city and the lack of attention to the above things I mentioned, I truly think if they just took the time to expand business , add entertainment, discount locals, add food delivery for Locals, organize business, (8+ coffee shops be crazy XD) they would start seeing a change for the better , however with how things stand this city is not a nice place to live, and is very expensive to visit . (Why do I still live in it then? because my family is here and I go where they go) Enjoy your stay and always beware the cash grab places... Enjoy the sites !

Miners Falls is a great hike for all ages and abilities in Painted Rocks National Seashore. The…read moretrail is well maintained and easy to follow. Along the way, you will be treated to beautiful forests and peaceful surroundings. When you get to the end of the trail the best viewpoint of the falls is down the set of stairs to your left. It is well worth the climb back up. The falls is 39 feet high and it has a pretty good water flow. The total distance on this hike is 1.2 miles. The parking is large and there are pit toilets at the trailhead. Signage is also good at the trailhead. We enjoyed our hike out to the falls, in all we took about 50 minutes on this hike, stopping along the way for pictures of cool trees and also taking a bunch of pictures of the falls.

Miners Falls is another great, relatively easy hike that can be done by all skill levels and I…read morewould highly recommend it as well during your Pictured Rocks trip, either before or after you make a stop at Miners Castle as well. Clocking it at 1.2 miles, it takes about half an hour to complete out and back. Miners Falls is way bigger and grander than Munising Falls, so it's definitely impressive and worth the hike out. You aren't able to get as close to it as you do to Munising Falls, you view it from 2 different viewing platforms across a wide river, but it's still impressive just the same. The hike is more intensive. It's mostly shallow, sometimes steeper in areas decline through forest on the way there, but that just means that you know the way back is going to be a constant uphill, which is a bit killer. Total elevation gain here is about 150 feet. Great part about this hike is that the trail is so WIDE, tons of space to walk and be distant from other people, not that this trail was even all that heavily trafficked by any means. When you get to the falls, the first viewpoint you get to really doesn't give you a good view. For both viewpoints, you are already looking down at the falls, and the first viewpoint, which is much higher up, is blocked by trees and at too high of an angle for you to appreciate much of anything. So it's imperative that you head to viewpoint #2, which is down one final series of steep stairs. From this viewing platform, you get a great, impressive view of the falls, get a moment to take pictures, catch your breath, before you embark on the not-so-long-but-sort-of-feels-long-because-it's-all-uphill journey back up to the parking lot. I was definitely breathing hard by the time I got to the parking lot, but it was a great, short hike to do! It really didn't hurt either that there was gorgeous fall foliage all along the road leading into the Miners Falls parking lot and spots of color along the entire hike as well. Can't be anything but happy when looking at fall rolling in! :)