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.

Bellaire, Michigan: Kayaking, Hiking & a Petoskey Day Trip

When we needed a quick escape to recharge, we packed our bikes, hiking shoes, and kayaks and headed north to Bellaire, Michigan. Between paddling the lake, biking scenic roads, and sampling craft beer, it turned into our version of a perfect “Up North” weekend.

👉 It was exactly the kind of trip we love sharing here at Travel Well Together—easy to plan, filled with real experiences, and proof that you don’t have to go far to enjoy a meaningful getaway.

Where We Stayed: Spillaway Lodges

We chose Spillaway Lodges because it’s one of Bellaire’s newest options (opened in December 2023), and it really stood out compared to the dated rooms at Shanty Creek Resort, which is farther from downtown. Being just a block from the heart of town made it easy to walk everywhere, and the modern touches made it feel like a step above most Up North lodging.

Our cozy second-floor unit at Spillaway Lodges, complete with a private deck just steps from downtown Bellaire.

Walking into our unit, we could tell they’d thought through the little details. Coffee for the room, popcorn for the microwave, even umbrellas and camp chairs were waiting for us. The bathroom had shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in dispensers, which felt practical for a weekend stay. The only thing I wasn’t a fan of was the wall-mounted hairdryer — it got the job done but wasn’t ideal.

Each unit at Spillaway Lodges has a full kitchen — perfect for making breakfast before heading out for the day.

💡 Travel Tip: Each unit has a full kitchen, so bring a few groceries for easy breakfasts before your adventures.

Our favorite spot ended up being the deck off our unit, where we had breakfast and morning coffee with deer passing by below. After long days outside, we relaxed in the sauna and hot tubs and even tried the cold plunge. Gas fire pits on the decks and wood-burning fire pits around the property gave us cozy spots to unwind at night.

Spillaway even surprised us with extras like a decent workout room with a range of dumbbells, and kayaks available for launching right from the property. We didn’t use them this time since we had our own kayaking planned, but it’s a nice option for future stays.

Having town just steps away meant we could walk to Short’s Brewing, Mammoth Distilling, the spice shop, and even ice cream without needing the car. For kayaking, hiking, and biking we still had to drive out, but it was great not having to think about parking for meals and evenings out.

Day 1: Arrival & First Sips

After settling into Spillway Lodge, we walked just a block into town — such a different experience than needing to drive everywhere. Even on a Thursday night, downtown Bellaire felt alive, but not crowded.

At Short’s Brewing, we grabbed a table inside (the patio was full, and we were too hungry to wait) and dug right in. I ordered the white pepper sandwich — highly recommend — while my husband went with pizza, both paired perfectly with our beers. He stuck with his go-to, the Bellaire Brown, and I chose the seasonal Rocktoberfest. Both were so good we’d order them again in a heartbeat.

We ended the night back at the lodge — sauna first, then sitting by the fire pit on the deck. No fuss, just the kind of simple evening that makes you think: yep, this weekend is off to a great start.

💡 Travel Tip: Short’s Brewing fills up quickly on weekends. Going on a Thursday meant no wait for a table and a more relaxed vibe.

Day 2: Kayaking the Grass River

We started the morning at the Grass River Nature Center, where a short boardwalk trail led us to the kayak launch. It’s an easy place to put in — parking is close, and the boardwalk makes carrying gear simple. Renting kayaks right there meant no extra logistics, just grab and go.

Once we pushed off, the river opened into one of the calmest paddles we’ve had. The water was glassy, the air still, and paddling upstream before drifting back felt effortless. Lily pads framed the banks, and there were long stretches where we barely spoke — just soaking in the stillness together.

We wrapped up with a simple lunch back at our room, grateful for a morning that proved travel doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest moments — like gliding quietly on the water — leave the biggest impression.

💡 Travel Tip: Rentals at the Grass River launch make things easy, but if you have your own kayak, the boardwalk trail is wide and smooth enough to bring your own gear.

Sometimes the best part of traveling is slowing down together on the water.

Day 3: Hiking & Bellaire Nights with Friends

We kicked off the morning at Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area with friends, ready for a day outside. The trailhead was packed with cars, but once we set off on our four-mile loop, the woods felt surprisingly quiet. We only passed a few mountain bikers, though a noisy woodpecker and a handful of deer kept us company along the way.

The route was perfect for our group — enough rolling hills to keep it interesting without feeling tough. We mostly paired off, me with my friend and my husband with his, conversation flowing as easily as the trail.

By midday we were ready to relax, so we grabbed a table outdoors at Dockside. Torch Lake was at its best — blue, busy, and buzzing with boaters soaking up the sun. The mahi tacos were good, but the real star was the view.

We ended the day at Mammoth Distilling, trading trail shoes for cocktails and plenty of laughs. Nothing fancy, just good drinks, good friends, and the kind of evening that reminds you why Bellaire is such an easy town to love.

💡 Travel Tip: Bellaire isn’t just about beer. If you’re more of a cocktail fan, stop by Mammoth Distilling for a relaxed evening and a locally inspired drink menu.

Hiking the shaded trails at Glacial Hills with friends — quiet woods, rolling hills, and easy conversation.

Cocktails and a tasting flight at Mammoth Distilling — the perfect way to wrap up the day.

Day 4: Biking, Brews & a Firelit Night

For our last full day, we packed up the bikes and headed to Petoskey with friends for a ride along the Little Traverse Wheelway, the paved trail that hugs Little Traverse Bay. We parked at Bayfront Park near the marina, which gave us a chance to enjoy the waterfront before starting out. From there, it was about 11 miles one way to Harbor Springs — busier than some of our past rides, but still easy to navigate. We rode in pairs, single file, and as a group, with plenty of lake views that made us slow down and take it all in.

Harbor Springs is a charming little town with boutique shops, water views, and its own marina. We didn’t stay long — tempting as the cafés and restaurants were, we had our sights set on food and drinks back in Petoskey — but it’s worth a stroll if you have more time.

Scenic ride along the Little Traverse Wheelway to Harbor Springs

Before heading back, we made a stop at Tom’s Mom’s Cookies, a local favorite that never disappoints. I went for chocolate pecan, my husband for chocolate chip — both as good as ever. It’s a fun, casual spot with a walk-up counter, small outdoor tables, and just the right touch of charm for a sweet break.

A sweet stop at Tom’s Mom’s Cookies in Harbor Springs

On the return ride, we landed at Petoskey Brewing, just outside downtown. The patio had a good crowd but no wait, and the food hit the spot after the miles. My husband ordered the prime rib sandwich, I had the chipotle chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries, and both were excellent. He stuck with his classic brown ale, while I went for Oktoberfest — no surprise, we’d recommend both.

That evening back at Spillway Lodge, we ended our trip around the fire pit with conversation under the stars. With a drink in hand and the glow of the fire, it was the kind of low-key night that wrapped everything up perfectly. After three days of kayaking, hiking, and biking — our little “Up North triathlon” — this last evening was the best way to wind down.

💡 Travel Tip: The Little Traverse Wheelway runs about 26 miles from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs, but you don’t have to do it all. The Petoskey-to-Harbor Springs stretch (about 11 miles each way) is a scenic and approachable ride with lake views throughout — plus a cookie stop and brewery reward before looping back.

Evenings by the fire pit at Spillaway Lodges — the perfect way to close out our stay in Bellaire

Day 5: Heading Home with One Last Stop

On the drive home, we made one final detour through Elk Rapids to visit the Walk of Sculptures Park. Quirkier than we expected, it turned out to be a surprisingly peaceful spot with wooded trails and sculptures tucked along both the paths and the beach. The lakeshore setting impressed us most — quiet, shallow water stretching out, with rocky patches that made us wish we had brought water shoes. We both agreed it would have been the perfect place to pack a lunch and linger with chairs by the shore.

Elk Rapids’ Walk of Art Sculpture Park, tucked along the shoreline

One of the many unique sculptures along the wooded trails

We didn’t stay long this time, but it was the kind of stop that made the trip feel complete. By the time we pulled out of Elk Rapids, we felt refreshed and grateful — another reminder of how northern Michigan rewards even the simplest detours.

This Bellaire getaway blended all the things we love most: kayaking, hiking, biking, evenings by the fire, local breweries, and even a few unexpected discoveries. Spillway Lodge made it easy to enjoy Bellaire’s small-town charm while still being close to bigger hubs like Petoskey and Traverse City. If you’re looking for a base that feels local but well-connected, Bellaire is worth adding to your Up North list.

💡 Travel Tip: If you have extra time, add Elk Rapids to your itinerary. The Walk of Sculptures Park offers a quirky mix of art and shoreline views. Pack water shoes for the rocky shallows — and even better, bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake.

Hocking Hills, Ohio: Hiking, Caves & Waterfalls

Arrival & Stay

I’ve made it to Hocking Hills twice now — once on a girls’ weekend and once with my husband for a short getaway.

On the girls’ trip, we stayed in a rustic Airbnb cabin that felt like something out of a Michigan “up north” cottage — cozy, woodsy, and perfect for late-night hot tub chats after long days on the trails.

When I returned with my husband, we stayed at one of the few hotels near Hocking Hills. It wasn’t fancy, but it was clean, included free breakfast, and sat right by a local brewery and BBQ spot. Nothing that stole the show, but it was practical and convenient for hitting the trails.

Either way, lodging here was just a basecamp — the trails were always the real star.

Hiking the Trails

We covered a lot of ground across two trips, from the popular highlights to some less-traveled paths. Here’s how they stacked up:

Rock House Gorge Trail

Inside Rock House — the only true cave in the park, with its towering sandstone walls and ‘windows’.

This one was the standout for my friends. Rock House is the park’s only true cave, with massive sandstone walls and natural “windows.” The hike does require navigating plenty of stairs down into the gorge, but once inside, the payoff is worth it. At the end, the bridge was out, so we had to climb a muddy incline — a bit of a challenge for some in the group.

Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail

Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail — the views are worth the climb.

A tougher hike compared to the gorge trail option here, but still manageable. The rim offers sweeping views and rocky ledges, and hiking sticks came in handy for our group. If you’re short on time, the gorge trail is easier and still beautiful.

Ash Cave

Ash Cave’s waterfall makes even a short hike feel rewarding.

Ash Cave is a favorite for good reason — a short, flat walk leads to a massive recess cave and a thin waterfall dropping from the rim. You can add the rim trail for a little more challenge, but the highlight is the waterfall itself.

💡 Travel Tip: Go early if you can — Ash Cave gets very busy by mid-day.

Old Man’s Cave

Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave — one of the park’s most photographed spots.

Packed with stone bridges, waterfalls, and winding trails, Old Man’s Cave is the park’s most popular stop. The hike is short but steeper in spots, so take your time. We accidentally continued onto the 3-mile connector trail to Cedar Falls, which made for a longer trek than planned. If you’d rather skip that, you can always drive over to Cedar Falls instead.

💡 Travel Tip: This is one of the busiest spots in the park — go early or later in the day to avoid the peak crowds.

Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls — one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Hocking Hills.

One of the most dramatic waterfalls in the park — framed by sandstone cliffs and surrounded by hemlocks. An easy walk down makes this a quick but rewarding stop.

Saltpetre Cave Nature Preserve

Just steps from our cabin, this preserve has four caves and a rugged trail that’s less traveled. A free online permit is required, though we never saw anyone checking. Our group rated it a favorite thanks to the massive rock formations.

Where to Eat & Drink

Wine flight at Hocking Hills Winery — charcuterie and live music made it a group favorite.

• Hocking Hills Winery – Charcuterie boards, a wide variety of wines, and live music on weekends. A group favorite.

• Le Petit Chevalier Winery – Pretty setting, but the wines weren’t our favorite

• Ale House 1890 (Lancaster) – A solid meal if you’re venturing outside the park.

• The Lodge at Hocking Hills – Make reservations if you want to dine here; walk-ins fill up quickly.

Travel Tips for Hocking Hills

💡 Pack hiking sticks. They can be especially helpful at Conkle’s Hollow and the steeper stair sections.
💡 Go early for the popular spots. Ash Cave and Old Man’s Cave get very crowded mid-day.
💡 Check trail conditions. Bridges and stairs can be closed, which may mean muddy or steep detours.
💡 Plan Cedar Falls. Decide if you want the 3-mile connector hike from Old Man’s Cave or to drive straight there.
💡 Make reservations for meals. The lodge fills up fast, and local restaurants can be limited at peak times.

Final Thoughts

In Hocking Hills, your lodging is just a basecamp — the real star is the trail system. With everything from easy waterfall walks to more rugged rim trails, there’s something here for every level of hiker. Add in a winery stop or two, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect Ohio getaway.