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

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula had always been on my list, but I didn’t realize how much I’d fall in love with it until I finally went. One trip quickly turned into two, and together they gave us a full picture of just how much the UP has to offer. The first time, we based ourselves in Newberry for a quick getaway—fitting in kayaking at Pictured Rocks, hiking to Tahquamenon Falls, and a visit to Kitch-iti-kipi. Not long after, we returned for a longer road trip that included Munising, the Porcupine Mountains, and even a stop on Mackinac Island. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a full week, the UP has a way of making every mile feel worth it.

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

Where We Stayed

Across the two trips, we tried different bases. Each one worked depending on how much time we had:

• Newberry Quality Inn (short trip base) – Rustic feel, solid breakfast, and convenient for reaching Tahquamenon Falls, Kitch-iti-kipi, and day trips to Munising.

• Holiday Inn, Munising (longer trip) – Prime spot right on Lake Superior with unforgettable views, perfect if you’re focusing on Pictured Rocks.

• AmericInn Wyndham, Porcupine Mountains (longer trip) – Another lakefront stay with Superior views and a great outdoor area, ideal for exploring the Porkies.

💡 Travel Tip: Book ahead in summer. Lodging is limited, and the best spots fill quickly.

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.

Activities & Adventures

We experienced Pictured Rocks and the UP differently across our two trips, which gave us the chance to see the same places from fresh perspectives.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

• First Trip – By Kayak
  The most adventurous way to see the cliffs. Being at water level brought the colors and formations to life.

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

Paddling into hidden coves made us feel like explorers.

• Second Trip – By Boat & Trail
  On our return, we took the Pictured Rocks boat cruise—a relaxing option that’s also perfect if water conditions aren’t good for kayaking. We also hiked a stretch of the Lakeshore Trail, starting from Miner’s Castle. Going beyond the overlook gave us a better sense of the scale of the cliffs.

  • For a full-day adventure, the Chapel Loop (10 miles) is a classic day hike with waterfalls, cliffs, and beaches.

  • Mosquito Falls & Beach (4 miles RT) is another shorter option with waterfalls and shoreline views.

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

Tahquamenon Falls (Both Trips)

We visited on both trips, hiking from the lower to the upper falls. Even though it’s popular, it never lost its magic.

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

Tahquamenon’s signature amber-brown falls are unforgettable.

Kitch-iti-kipi (First Trip Only)

Michigan’s largest spring was a highlight of our first trip. The turquoise clarity was surreal, and it felt like discovering a secret spot in the middle of the forest.

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

Sharing a quiet moment at Michigan’s largest spring.

Porcupine Mountains & Lake of the Clouds (Second Trip)

This was the highlight of our 7-day road trip. We hiked the Escarpment Trail for sweeping views, but there’s also an easy walk-up option to Lake of the Clouds if you prefer. Sunset at Summit Peak and the waterfalls along the Presque Isle River added variety.

💡 Travel Tip: Pack a lunch to carry with you. There are plenty of spots along the Escarpment Trail to stop, sit, and take in views like these — it’s worth the pause.

Mackinac Island (Both Trips)

We broke up the long drive with a night on Mackinac Island both times and brought our bikes. It was the perfect way to shift gears from wilderness hikes to island charm.

Favorites & Highlights

⭐ Best hike/activity: Escarpment Trail in the Porcupines (second trip) and kayaking Pictured Rocks (first trip).

🍴 Favorite meal: Fresh fish & chips, hands down.

✨ Hidden gem: Kitch-iti-kipi’s glowing turquoise water.

🙃 Do differently: Four days felt too rushed; a full week gave us time to slow down.

We’ve been blessed to see so many incredible places, but these two trips reminded us that Michigan has world-class scenery practically in our own backyard. The UP gave us cliffs, waterfalls, turquoise springs, and sunsets over Lake Superior—all with the gift of slowing down together.

Practical Details

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

• Getting there: A full-day drive from downstate Michigan, broken up with a Mackinac stop.

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

• Recommendation: A week gives the best balance of adventure and relaxation.

• Perfect for: Active couples, families, or casual sightseers—whether you want to kayak, hike, or simply take a boat ride.

Smoky Mountains: Hiking, Waterfalls & Mountain Views

We’ve been to the Smokies before, but this trip quickly became one of our favorites. Knowing what to expect made it easier to relax into the rhythm — busy gateway towns outside the park balanced with quiet trails once we were inside. I arrived excited and ready to explore, and by the end of the weekend, adventure felt like the perfect word for it.

👉 It was exactly the kind of trip we love sharing at Travel Well Together — easy to plan, full of real experiences, and proof that you don’t have to fly far to recharge.

Where We Stayed: The Wayback

The Wayback felt like a modern twist on a mountain lodge with retro charm. Our upgraded suite had two bathrooms and a separate bedroom and living area, which gave us plenty of space to spread out after long trail days.

Even without venturing off property, evenings felt like their own mini-getaway. The pool and hot tub became our routine, paired with a signature cocktail from the Vintage Airstream bar. Part of the Paloma Swim Club, this poolside hangout had the right mix of drinks, tunes, and people-watching. Small fire pits by the pool added a cozy finish — the perfect way to unwind after hiking.

🌟 Why We Loved The Wayback

• Spacious rooms — our suite had two bathrooms and a separate living area.

• Retro-modern style — a fun twist on a mountain lodge that still felt cozy.

• Paloma Scratch Kitchen — scratch-made contemporary Mexican dining on-site.

• Paloma Swim Club — pool, hot tub, and fire pits for evening downtime.

• Vintage Airstream bar — cocktails and poolside vibes without leaving the property.

💡 Travel Tip: Don’t miss dinner at Paloma Scratch Kitchen or a drink from the Vintage Airstream bar — together, they make The Wayback feel like more than just a place to stay.

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.

Hiking the Trails

Hen Wallow Falls

We started with Hen Wallow Falls, a moderate trail that wound through quiet forest with only a handful of other hikers along the way. The path had a few rocky stretches but was easy to manage, and the steady rhythm made it a nice warm-up for the weekend. The payoff was worth it — a misty waterfall tumbling into the trees, the perfect spot to pause and soak in the peace.

💡 Travel Tip: Hen Wallow Falls is a great pick if you want a manageable hike with a rewarding view at the end. Go early in the day for lighter crowds.

Hen Wallow Falls — worth every step of the trail

Clingmans Dome

The next day we headed to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies. Instead of taking the steep paved path up to the observation tower, we chose one of the connecting trails. It gave us more time in the forest and far fewer crowds, with shaded stretches and quiet overlooks before reaching the top. At the summit, the views didn’t disappoint — sweeping 360° mountains stretching across Tennessee and North Carolina.

💡 Travel Tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, skip the paved path and take a connecting trail instead. The extra time in the forest is worth it.

The view from Clingmans Dome — 6,600 feet up

Crossing into North Carolina at the state line

Newfound Gap & the TN–NC Border

On the drive back, we stopped at Newfound Gap, where the Tennessee–North Carolina state line runs right through the overlook. It’s an easy pull-off with big mountain views and a Roosevelt monument — plus the classic photo-op of standing in two states at once.

💡 Travel Tip: Newfound Gap is an easy add-on if you’re heading toward Clingmans Dome. Plan a few minutes here for both the views and the border marker.

Evenings & Meals

Instead of venturing into town, we stayed at The Wayback for dinner — and we were glad we did. The on-site restaurant, Paloma Scratch Kitchen, is a contemporary Mexican spot that’s part kitchen, part scene, and all scratch-made. From bold flavors to a lively dining room, it lived up to its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge.

We loved being able to enjoy creative, chef-driven dishes just steps from our room — and then end the night with cocktails by the pool and fire pits. It was the perfect mix of flavor and convenience, and it made our evenings feel every bit as memorable as the hikes.

💡 Travel Tip: Don’t skip dinner at Paloma Scratch Kitchen. It’s not just hotel dining — it’s consistently rated among the best in Pigeon Forge for a reason.

If You Go

• Stay: The Wayback (modern, cozy, close to the park, with on-site dining and poolside relaxation)

• Trails to Try: Hen Wallow Falls (moderate waterfall hike), Clingmans Dome (iconic summit with sweeping views), Newfound Gap (state-line overlook), and short side trails for quiet forest walks

• Best For: Couples who want a mix of active hiking, iconic Smoky Mountain views, and a comfortable, stylish stay