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.

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

We wanted a quick “Up North” escape that mixed water, woods, and small-town charm — and Bellaire delivered. Between kayaking quiet rivers, biking scenic lake trails, hiking shaded forest paths, and ending evenings with good food and relaxed outdoor spaces, this trip reminded us how much you can fit into a long weekend without ever feeling rushed.

Trip Snapshot

• When: Late spring / summer

• Length: 3–4 nights

• Vibe: Outdoorsy, relaxed, a balance of adventure and downtime

• Good for: Couples, friends, or families who enjoy kayaking, hiking, biking, and lake views

• Highlights: Grass River kayaking, Glacial Hills hike, Torch Lake shoreline, Petoskey bike ride, downtown Bellaire restaurants

• Best Pace: Active days with slow, cozy evenings

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Spillway Lodges, a newer lodging option just steps from downtown Bellaire. The modern finishes and quiet setting made it easy to unwind after long outdoor days. Our unit had a private deck, a well-stocked kitchen, and access to hot tubs, a sauna, and fire pits — all of which we used.

The walkability to town was a bonus. We could head to dinner, grab ice cream, or wander around without getting back in the car.

Tip: Summer weekends fill quickly. Book early if you want a deck unit.

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

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

What We Did

A mix of water, woods, and small-town exploring made each day feel full but not overplanned. Here’s how we spent our time.

Kayaking the Grass River

Grass River Nature Area is quiet, easy to access, and great for a relaxed paddle. The boardwalk launch made getting in the water simple, and the calm river felt peaceful with lily pads and quiet shoreline. You can bring your own kayak or rent on site. It’s ideal for a slow glide and an easy morning outdoors.

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

Hiking at Glacial Hills Natural Area

We did the 4-mile loop trail with friends. The terrain was rolling rather than steep, making it a good workout without being strenuous. The woods were calm, and we saw deer multiple times. It’s the kind of trail that leaves you refreshed rather than worn out.

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

Torch Lake Views + Lakeside Lunch

We drove out for shoreline views and lunch at Dockside. The water is clear and bright — even from the restaurant deck. It’s a nice way to break up the day and soak in some lake time without needing a full beach day.

Evening Drinks at Mammoth Distilling

Mammoth has a relaxed atmosphere and makes for an easy stop before dinner or after. It’s walkable from Spillway and great for a quiet cocktail or a quick tasting flight.

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

Bike Ride: Little Traverse Wheelway (Petoskey → Harbor Springs)

On one of the full days, we drove to Petoskey to bike the Little Traverse Wheelway. We started at Bayfront Park and rode the smooth, scenic trail into Harbor Springs. It’s about 11 miles one way, with lake views and small stretches through town.

A stop at Tom’s Mom’s Cookies is a must.
We wrapped the ride with a stop at Petoskey Brewing before heading back to Bellaire..

Scenic ride along the Little Traverse Wheelway to Harbor Springs

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

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

Bonus Stop: Elk Rapids Sculpture Walk

On the way home, the sculpture walk in Elk Rapids is an easy detour. It’s a lakeside path with quirky art pieces and quiet views — a quick stop that’s worth a few extra minutes before heading south.

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

One of the many unique sculptures along the wooded trails

Favorites & Highlights

• Best adventure: Kayaking the Grass River

• Favorite hike: Glacial Hills loop — quiet and perfect for a group

• Best ride: Little Traverse Wheelway — smooth trail + good stops

• Go-to meal: Short’s Brewing — reliable food and great beer

• Coziest moment: Morning coffee on the deck at Spillway Lodge

Tips / What to Know Before You Go

• Book lodging early — Bellaire stays busy in summer.

• The Grass River launch is beginner-friendly and calm.

• For biking, plan at least 2–3 hours if riding to Harbor Springs.

• Short’s Brewing and Mammoth Distilling get busy; consider going before peak dinner times.

• Pack layers — evenings cool down fast.

• If visiting Elk Rapids, water shoes help with rocky shoreline spots.

What We’d Do Differently Next Time

We’d add one more full day so we could spend more time along Torch Lake’s shoreline and possibly paddle there if the weather allowed.

Bellaire gave us the perfect mix of active days and peaceful evenings — the kind of weekend that feels both fun and restorative. If you’re craving fresh air, water views, good food, and a little northern Michigan charm, this is a trip that fits easily into a long weekend and leaves you wanting one more day.