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.
