FUN FACTS ABOUT PICTURED ROCKS

Waterfalls bountifully dapple the Munising area, with 17 in the immediate vicinity. They present a powerful display come spring as the snowmelt pairs with the rain to create a roaring deluge. The majestic waterfalls of the Munising area create many opportunities for sightseeing adventures. Whether you want to bike, hike, kayak or simply drive to witness these cascading wonders, they’re a splashing marvel to encounter.

HERE ARE FIVE MUNISING WATERFALLS TO START YOUR EXPLORATION:

MINERS FALLS – A mile round-trip excursion on a wheelchair-accessible trail is all it requires to soak in the most powerful waterfall within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The gushing Miners River drops around 50 feet over sandstone into a scenic gorge to create this magnificent flow. Even the gently rolling path to Miners Falls o ers beautiful sights along the way in the spring as a profusion of wildflowers encompass the trail.

• WAGNER FALLS – This incredibly scenic waterfall doesn’t require too much energy to gaze upon as it’s nestled close to the M-94 and M-28 junction. Simply park the car and amble along a well-maintained quarter-mile trail to an observation deck for admiration. Tranquility flows easily here as the falls cascade 20 feet into a peaceful pool along the Anna River. Those traveling with young kids should prioritize this easily accessible waterfall.

• LAUGHING WHITEFISH – A moderate half-mile trail through a beechmaple forest spills out to one of the Upper Peninsula’s tallest waterfalls: Laughing Whitefish. Classified as a slide waterfall, it features a 100-foot drop. It’s a quintessential waterfall to see in the springtime (or following a heavy rainfall) as the water really surges during this period.

• CHAPEL FALLS – Lace up the hiking boots for Chapel Falls. A little more than two miles round-trip along Chapel Trail winds through an upland maple forest with several small hills to the 60-foot-high falls. Two observation platforms provide stunning views of the torrent upon the Chapel Basin. Those really feeling a spring in their step can continue the trail for another two miles to Chapel Rock and Lake Superior.

• SPRAY FALLS – This 70-foot plunge into Lake Superior is best witnessed from the water. Its remote location along the gorgeous Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore encourages an expedition by kayak or canoe — although come summer, boat tours are available. Those who prefer dry land can dispatch from the Chapel trailhead on the North Country Scenic Trail for a 9.6mile round trip hike to a limited viewing area of the falls.

7 Pictured Rocks

The park in 2022 started charging visitor entrance fees for the first time ever, to supplement federal funding and pay for improvements