Pictured Rocks & Michigan’s UP: Kayaking, Hiking & Waterfalls

We’d always wanted to explore Michigan’s Upper Peninsula — the rugged cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and peaceful springs promised scenery that feels a world away from everyday life. Over two trips, we discovered that the UP delivers on every front: from kayaking along sandstone cliffs to hiking forest trails and ending with cozy lakeside stays. This post is for anyone who loves nature, variety, and easy-to-follow adventure ideas.

Trip Snapshot

• When: Summer (June / July)

• Length: 4-day quick getaway (first trip) OR 7-day full road trip (second trip)

• Vibe: Outdoorsy, adventurous, scenic — from relaxing springs to active hikes

• Good for: Couples, families, friends who enjoy a mix of water, hiking, and laid-back travel

• Highlights: Kayaking Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls, turquoise spring at Kitch-iti-kipi, Porcupine Mountains viewpoints, Mackinac Island bike ride

Taking it all in at Pictured Rocks—hard to believe this is Michigan.

Where We Stayed

Short-trip base: Quality Inn in Newberry — rustic feel, decent breakfast, and convenient for reaching Tahquamenon Falls, Kitch-iti-kipi, and Munising day trips.

Longer trip base options:

• Holiday Inn, Munising — right on Lake Superior with unforgettable views, ideal for Pictured Rocks access.

• AmericInn (near the Porcupine Mountains) — lakeside stay with a calm outdoor area, perfect for winding down after hikes.

Travel tip: Summer lodging fills quickly. Book ahead, especially if you want lake-front or convenient base locations.Food & Drink

Eating in the UP feels like part of the adventure. Hours can be limited and menus simple, but the food is fresh and satisfying. These were our favorites, each conveniently tied to where we stayed or played:

• Porkies Outpost (White Pine/Ontonagon area) – Great pizza and pub food just outside the Porcupine Mountains, only a short drive from our AmericInn stay.

• Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub (Paradise, MI) – Located inside the Upper Falls State Park, this was the perfect post-hike stop for hearty meals and craft beer.

• The INN Gastropub & Smokehouse (Paradise, MI) – Comfort food with a smokehouse twist, close to the Falls and a good option when we based in Newberry.

• Bear Trap Inn (Shingleton area, near Munising) – Handy if your Pictured Rocks hike runs long and you want a later dinner.

• Foggy’s Steakhouse & Lounge (Christmas, MI) – Near Munising, known for its open-flame grill and hearty steakhouse meals.

Fresh fish & chips were a recurring highlight. We also packed trail lunches so we could maximize time exploring instead of sitting in restaurants.

💡 Travel Tip: Bigger spots like Tahquamenon Falls Brewery, Bear Trap Inn, and Foggy’s stay open until 8–10 PM. Smaller roadside cafés may close earlier—worth checking before planning a late dinner.

What We Did

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

• Kayaking (First Trip): Paddling along sandstone cliffs felt like seeing a hidden world — caves, arches, and vivid cliffs up close.

Kayaking was the most unforgettable way to see the cliffs up close.

Paddling into hidden coves made us feel like explorers.

• Boat Cruise & Trails (Second Trip): On our return, we did the boat cruise and hiked part of the Lakeshore Trail (starting at Miner’s Castle). For a full-day adventure, the Chapel Loop (10 miles) is a standout. A shorter alternative: Mosquito Falls & Beach (4 miles RT) — waterfalls + lakeshore views.

  The cliffs shift color with the light — sometimes golden, sometimes deep amber. It’s nature’s own art show.

The colors of the cliffs change with the light—it’s like nature’s own mural.

Tahquamenon Falls

We visited twice (on both trips), hiking from the lower falls to the upper falls. Yes it’s popular — but the scale, power, and amber-brown water make it unforgettable every time.

Taking in the power of the falls—barefoot and grateful.

Tahquamenon’s signature amber-brown falls are unforgettable.

Kitch-iti-kipi (First Trip)

Michigan’s largest spring — the water’s turquoise clarity feels almost unreal. It’s a quiet, easy spot that feels like discovering a secret.

The surreal clarity of Kitch-iti-kipi makes it feel otherworldly.

Sharing a quiet moment at Michigan’s largest spring.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park & Lake of the Clouds (Second Trip)

We hiked the Escarpment Trail for sweeping views, then walked easily to Lake of the Clouds for a sunset over the water. Waterfalls along the Presque Isle River added variety and a chance to slow down.

Pro tip: Pack a lunch — there are great spots along the trail for a picnic with a view.

Mackinac Island (Both Trips)

We capped the long drives with a night on Mackinac Island and rented bikes to explore. It was the perfect way to shift from wild hikes to island charm and wind down before heading home.Favorites & Highlights

⭐ Favorites / Highlights

• ⭐ Best adventure: Kayaking Pictured Rocks (first trip) and the Escarpment Trail in the Porcupines (second trip)

• 🐟 Favorite meal: Fresh fish & chips — so worth it after a long day of exploring

• 💎 Hidden gem: Kitch-iti-kipi — peaceful, clear, and a little magical

• 📅 What we’d do differently: Four days was too rushed — the full 7-day trip felt just right, with time to explore and recharge.

Practical Details

• When we went: Summer (June / July) — warm days, cool nights — perfect for kayaking and hiking

• Distance / Travel: It’s a full-day drive from downstate Michigan, though we broke up the drive with a stop at Mackinac Island

• Trip lengths: First trip = 4 days based in Newberry. Second trip = 7 days spanning Munising, the Porcupines, and Mackinac Island

• Trip type: A mix of water, hiking, sightseeing — ideal for active yet flexible travel

• Good for: Couples, families, or friends who enjoy both adventure and downtime

We’ve been lucky to see so many incredible places — but these two trips reminded us that world-class scenery isn’t always far away. The UP delivered cliffs, waterfalls, turquoise springs, and sunsets over Lake Superior — all with the simple joy of traveling together at our own pace.

If you’re looking for nature, variety, and a little adventure without leaving Michigan behind, this is one road trip you don’t want to miss.

Smoky Mountains Weekend Getaway: Scenic Drives, Waterfalls & Mountain Views

Our Smoky Mountains weekend gave us exactly what we needed: fresh air, quiet trails, mountain overlooks, waterfalls, and long scenic drives that felt good for the soul. This trip is ideal if you want activity without anything too strenuous — and you prefer variety in your days. Between viewpoints, short hikes, and peaceful forest time, the Smokies are easy to enjoy at your own pace..

Trip Snapshot

• When: Mid Summer

• Length: 2–3 nights

• Vibe: Peaceful, scenic, a mix of drives + quick hikes

• Good for: Couples, families, and anyone who wants nature without long or technical hikes

• Highlights: Clingmans Dome, Newfound Gap, Hen Wallow Falls, Lower Gap trails, scenic roads, mountain views

• Best pace: Slow mornings, scenic midday drives, and light hiking blocks

Where We Stayed

We stayed at The Wayback in Pigeon Forge, a retro-inspired boutique hotel that ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the trip. It’s not close to the trailheads, but the playful design, cozy rooms, and fun atmosphere made evenings feel relaxed and different from the typical hotel experience.

Even with a bit of a drive into the park each morning, we didn’t mind — The Wayback’s mood and downtime vibe made it a great place to return to at the end of the day. If you want to be closer to the park entrances you’ll find options in Gatlinburg, but staying here added a unique touch to the trip.

Separate living space made our suite feel more like a cozy mountain apartment than just a hotel room.

Retro style with mountain lodge comfort — our upgraded room at The Wayback gave us space to spread out after trail days.

What We Did

Hen Wallow Falls

This was our longest hike of the weekend. The trail is moderate with some narrow, rocky sections, but the waterfall at the end is peaceful and worth the effort. The mix of forest paths and small streams made the hike especially enjoyable.

Note: Shoes with good traction help — the rocks near the falls can be slick.

Lower Gap Trail

A quieter option and great if you want calm time in the woods. The terrain is manageable, and the forest is beautiful in a simple, steady way. It’s a nice balance to the more popular spots.

Hen Wallow Falls — worth every step of the trail

Clingmans Dome

A short but steep paved walk to one of the best views in the Smokies. On a clear day, you can see layers of blue ridgelines stretching across Tennessee and North Carolina. It’s the perfect way to begin a Smokies trip.

The view from Clingmans Dome — 6,600 feet up

Crossing into North Carolina at the state line

Newfound Gap + Scenic Drive

From Clingmans, we followed the Newfound Gap Road for more panoramic views. The pull-offs are easy, frequent, and offer postcard-worthy overlooks without needing to hike at all. A slow drive here is a must.

Evenings & Meals

We kept things simple in the evenings and stayed at The Wayback for dinner — and honestly, it was the right call. The on-site restaurant, Paloma Scratch Kitchen, is a contemporary Mexican spot with bold flavors, a lively atmosphere, and everything made from scratch. It’s consistently listed as one of the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge, and it lived up to the hype.

The best part was the convenience. We could enjoy creative, chef-driven dishes just steps from our room, then end the night with cocktails by the pool and fire pits. It made our evenings feel relaxed and memorable without needing to drive into town after long hiking days.

Travel Tip: Make time for dinner at Paloma Scratch Kitchen. This isn’t just “hotel dining” — it’s one of the standout spots in the area.

Favorites & Highlights

• Best overlook: Clingmans Dome — iconic views that go on forever

• Most relaxing moment: The Newfound Gap scenic drive

• Best hike: Hen Wallow Falls — moderate effort, great payoff

• Quietest trail: Lower Gap — calm, shaded, and peaceful

• Easiest views: Roadside overlooks throughout the park

Tips / What to Know Before You Go

• Parking fills up quickly at Clingmans Dome — go early

• Wear shoes with traction, especially near waterfalls

• Weather changes fast at higher elevations — bring layers

• Fog is common and can roll in quickly

• Cell service is limited in most areas

• A scenic drive is worth building into your itinerary

What We’d Do Differently Next Time

We’d pack a simple picnic to enjoy at one of the overlooks. There were several spots that would have been perfect for a slow lunch with mountain views.

Practical Details

• When we went: Mid Summer

• Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Best for: Nature-focused weekends with manageable hikes

• Crowds: Busy mid-day; quieter earlier or later

• Gear: Layers, hiking shoes, water, small backpack

• Parking: A parking tag is required for most stops within the national park. You can buy a daily, weekly, or annual tag online or at kiosks near the entrances.

The Smokies offer an easy mix of beauty, simplicity, and calm — the kind of place where you can do a lot without ever feeling rushed. With scenic drives, waterfalls, and quiet trails, the weekend left us refreshed and grateful for uncomplicated time in nature. It’s a getaway we’d gladly repeat.