Article Menu
Introduction

Northeast and
Mid-Atlantic
Fire Island, NY
Cape Cod, MA
Assateague Island, MD & VA

Southeast
Cape Lookout, NC
Cape Hatteras, NC
Cumberland Island, GA
Cape Canaveral, FL

Great Lakes
Pictured Rocks, MI
Apostle Islands, WI
Sleeping Bear Dunes,MI
Indiana Dunes, IN

Pacific Coast
Point Reyes, CA

Gulf of Mexico
Gulf Islands, FL & MS
Padre Island, TX

Related Resources
GORP Paddling
GORP Recreation/
Shore Areas
GORPtravel - Paddling

online favorites
ACTIVITIES
Paddling Our Wild Shores
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Michigan
By Alan Kesselheim

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
These dramatic rocks make great hideouts

Michigan is home to some of Superior's most stupendous shoreline and has a park that is prepared to help paddlers. Sandstone cliffs characterize the western end, and long miles of quiet beach are the rule on the eastern end. Camping is by permit, and a number of sites are close to the shore. Hiking trails follow the coast and strike off inland for side excursions.

Put in near the headquarters on the west end, at Grand Marais on the east, or at Hurricane River, near the Au Sable Light Station. Either canoe or kayak is appropriate, but Superior can be rough, so be prepared for wind and waves. Several sections of shoreline are sheer cliff, with no available landings for miles. You can paddle the entire park shoreline (45 miles) in three to six days, depending on your travel style.

* More on Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Move on to *Apostle Islands

Return to *Top


Article © Alan Kesselheim.


Book an Active Vacation
star Paddling Adventures
Terrific trip ideas for all manner of paddle sports: sea kayaking, rafting, canoeing . . .

Top Activity Destinations
bulletMid-Atlantic
bulletSouthwest
bulletFar West
bulletAlaska


Related Paddling Trips

Road Trip Guides

National Park Guides

Hiking Guides

Today's Gear Guy

Gear Guides
[from Outside magazine]