Things To Know When Backpacking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - The Perfect Trail For Beginners

[@jonallenoutside]

Coincidentally, last week I just posted a video with footage of every single campsite at Pictured Rocks along the NCT including info on the water sources, bear boxes, privies and fire rings for each zone. Should be useful if you’re planning a trip there.

[@theranberceau8684]

Thanks for great content, we used your tips to book some great sites for this fall

[@cliftonselent4625]

I just watched that video again. We are planning our late June hike(my first time).

[@rebeccawest8973]

You are so incredibly helpful!

[@jonallenoutside]

@@rebeccawest8973 Thank you!

[@billd8167]

I used to swim almost everyday in Lake Superior as a kid. Didn't care how cold it was. I must have been a little tougher back then.....🥶

[@oldkingspook]

I just want to say thank you Dixie for being a breath of fresh air in my KZbin feed. Everywhere I turn it's full of politics and despair and it's been wearing me down. I'm so grateful to be able to come to your channel and be reminded there is still beauty in this world and decent folks still exist. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us.

[@ayela562]

I couldn’t agree more. The darker the news gets the more I need nature and the reminder that there are beautiful quiet spaces left to go and be free.

[@dnorenherman]

My 2 boys (ages 11 and 14) and I just completed this trail. It was their first backpacking trip and they did great! We did the shuttle from Munising and started at Grand Sable Visitors Center. We hiked between 5 and 9 miles per day staying at Au Sable East, Sevenmile, Coves, Mosquito Beach, and Cliffs. We had the luxury of my parents hiking in to Coves with our resupply of food. Our relaxed miles gave us a lot of time to explore and play on the beaches. We had great weather with lots of sunshine, which really made the turquoise water look beautiful. We experienced almost zero bugs. It was a trip we will remember for a lifetime. Now I just hope they want to backpack with me again!

[@denniswhitley5205]

In about 1977 my brother and I took off from our home in Lower Michigan headed for “spring break” at the Pictured Rocks. It was pretty solidly spring in late March at out home, but as we started heading north in the Upper Peninsula snow started to appear in the woods, then more snow, and finally at Munising, it was full winter snow! Being Boy Scouts, we were prepared and started hiking anyway. We had, of course, external frame packs and large, wooden snowshoes. I had hiking boots and spent the entire trail with cold and wet feet. My brother had pac boots and was warn, but suffered blisters. The snowshoeing became a bit of a slog and we strapped them on our backs and started walking on the shoreline ice rows because they were firm. We did i that until I broke through and went in Lake Superior up to my armpits. We finished up the 42 miles on the snowshoes and ended up in Grand Marias where I had the best tasting Snickers bar of my life! We saw no one the entire trip.

[@vinniedayhikerb4977]

If you decide to hike more of our great state you need to try the porcupine mountains and see lake of the clouds in the fall.

[@AcuJamey]

Love reading this comment! I'm hiking the Porkies this Fall!

[@felvkitties8]

I love the Porkies. Been a few times now haven't seen full fall colors yet but it's so pretty and easy to hike up there.

[@leifey2194]

So glad you hiked Pictured Rocks! I love seeing all of the hiking KZbinrs doing things like the PCT, but it's also really nice seeing people hike in my home state. Can't agree more about hiking Pictured Rocks in the fall; fewer bugs, similar temps as early summer, and beautiful color changes.

[@7raesloan]

Just to Note for anyone who ever travels there: The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has spotty cell phone service just about everywhere if your not near a town because it is mostly just wilderness, so it is not just the Pictured Rock trail area.

[@andymytys]

Pro tip for Pictured Rocks - bring a Sea to Summit collapsible camp bucket. You can lower it into the lake with your trekking pole, or stand on a rock and lower it in my hand, and easily pull water from Lake Superior without getting yourself wet. By attaching a cord to it, you can also lower it into rivers and creeks off of bridges, avoiding standing on fragile banks and adding to erosion. Also, the due to its size and water temperature, the Lake can make its own weather that’s starkly different from what’s forecasted. I’ve seen 1/4 inch of snow fall on the Fourth of July. Avoid sandy and blue colored clothing as both can attract more flies than other colors.

[@2fathomsdeeper]

Pyrethrin fly spray for horses works wonders on the stable flies and most other bugs up there except for ticks.

[@andymytys]

@@2fathomsdeeper thanks for mentioning that. Most hikers are familiar with Permethrin, but not the natural product it’s modeled after, Pyrethrin.

[@terryqueen3233]

I'm so glad you gave all of that information as I believe that I ask a few questions myself. As for being around people I do not like that for some reason, I like to hike and Camp by myself most of the time but now since my grandson is starting to get into it I will start hiking and camping with him. This way I can start teaching him some Bushcraft methods. As far as the dump holes are concerned I believe that I would rather dig a cat hole as you called it. I mean looking at the ones they had and having a cat hole doesn't seem too much different except that you are up off the ground but with a cat hole you don't have to smell other people's dung. As far as mosquitoes go I have no problem with mosquitoes or ticks the only time I've ever found a tick on me they were walking off of me. My beautiful and wonderful, sorry deceased wife, used to say that, it was because I was a sourpuss that's why they left me alone, jokingly of course. But I think it's because she was with me because they swarmed all over her and left me alone, that used to irritate the snot out of her. Again thank you so much for all of the information on this Trail I hope to someday get to take it maybe with my grandson I believe he would absolutely love this Trail and you also said that it is not that long and as I am getting older I can't walk that long and that far each day as it is. Older being 71 years old, but I still get out there and try I have to I'm not going to lay down and die even though my wife is gone she wouldn't want that. Before she passed she urged me to get another mate but I just can't seem to wrap my head around that idea. Anyway thanks for the video I certainly do appreciate it and I'm sure other people do also. Have a great day and stay safe and keep your powder dry! PS as far as mosquitoes go you might try a spearmint or peppermint plant they have worked on me whenever they used to swarm around me and that's all they usually did but you could give that a shot as it smells pretty good and it's non-toxic. It worked for my wife, kind of I guess she was just so sweet that they had to get a bite of her.

[@fortuneinternationalsemina3461]

Dixie, Hey this is Scott; I just wanted to let you know that you are the one single reason that i section hiked the AT two different times and traveled to Florida to experience the Florida trail. I must say that doing this since being retired from the U.S. Army and having one of my Battle Buddies on trail with me made the experience that much better and safer on both trails. Fast forward; your hike and video here in Michigan has inspired me to hike around Camiguin Island Phillipines. It is roughly 40 miles around the entire island with breath taking ocean views. I will average 8 to 10 miles per day and plan my camps in advance with locals and also some of the local bed and breakfast spots. Should be able to knock this out in roughly 5 days as planned. Following this hike around i will adventure backpack and camp on two of their 7 volcanoes to each summit. Thank you dixie..your "Brotha" Scott.

[@2fathomsdeeper]

The bears up there are usually not much of a problem. I've seen a couple while beach mining. My main spot, I only have to worry every other year. The worry years, momma has new cubs and is protective as hell. The good years, the cubs are about to get turned loose and mom will only protect them if they really get into trouble. One other problem up there is the coywolf that hangs around the beach. He has stalked people with dogs on the beach! Have only seen fresh tracks from him! He'll leave 6" wide tracks in the wet sand. Did see a moose in the swamp south of Grand Maris. Deer love licking the dust off your car if you car camp. They love eating the road dust for minerals, so I put out a few mineral licks to keep them off the road. For flies, use pyrethrin! It will stop or severely slow down those stable flies so you can smack them! Doesn't work for ticks. About the first or second week of August the blueberries are ripe. On trail snacks! Please bury your pee flowers! Just about every tree seems to have one near it! The black (iron ore) and red (garnet) sands usually have gold in them! Take a pan, small vial, and an eyedropper along. Beware the pretty rocks or you'll have a packfull in no time! From the beach between Grand Maris and Deer Park.

[@jacobstein1677]

Funny, I think I hiked with you guys a bit on the last day! I was by myself and I’m a bit younger. I remember seeing some deer up close with you guys, so awesome to see your videos and your channel!

[@RovingReader]

My friend and I are starting tomorrow but only doing 22 because it’s my first time. Thanks so much for being so inspiring and comforting!

[@davidloucks1495]

Glad to see you took your time on the trail! So many people I’ve seen hike Pictured Rocks like they’re thru hiking the CDT. Sure, it can be hiked in a day and a half, or one day if you’re a 40 mile a day maniac, but what a waste! The views are amazing! There are side trails, waterfalls to see, several rivers that enter the lake you can walk and play in, and Lake Superior has the best water! Check out Porcupine Mountain State Forest, also in Michigan on Lake Superior. Some great hikes there too

[@daveandcherylbrown4560]

Hi Dixie, Someday we'd love to see you hike the Porcupine Mtns. & also the SHT. Love your videography & your joy being outdoors!❤️

[@melchurch3019]

Glad you enjoyed the Pictured Rocks hike. My wife and I are from Michigan and hiked it back in 1990. Black Flies and Stable Flies can be bad but you hit a good time to be there. So many wonderful views and like you said an easy beginner trip. Thanks for all your informative and fun videos.

[@bilahn1198]

You would love the Superior Hiiking Trail section of the North Country Trail In Minnesota. Everyone who does it loves it. It seems to be about a 2 week hike. August and September have the best weather with the fewest bugs.

[@saber1able]

Yes, it is a beautiful trail but at 310 miles long a person would have to average just over 22 miles per day to complete it in 2 weeks. Of course, there are those who could manage this pace, but I suspect that most cannot. Also, it seems like you would miss a lot of what the trail has to offer moving at that speed.

[@bilahn1198]

@@saber1able 2 weeks is possible if you start or stop above Two Harbors which many people do. From Two Harbors through Duluth to Jay Cooke State Park there are few if any spots to camp.

[@ChelleBee166]

I agree, I wish she would talk about the Superior Hiking Trail and possibly do it!

[@bjf10]

This hike has been on my list, the timing regarding bugs is definitely a big thing for me!

[@LynnStAubin-od5qe]

I’ve hiked it twice in August. No bugs then. Beautiful whenever you go.

[@clairec.2383]

My mom and I plan to do it next year!!!! We live in Michigan and love the UP. We were obsessed with your AT thru hike journey and have wanted to backpack since. We didn't even know about this trail until your video! Thanks for inspiring us to get out there an do the dang thing!!! ❤

[@slothhiker]

Did two hikes in Pictured Rocks, one from the west side in June and one from the East side in July. Black Flies were crazy in July and some campsites you could not camp in because they were so bad. Also one the top of the dunes area there is poison ivy everywhere so watch out and lake water around 45 degrees. As for hiking in June lake water in 35-45 degrees the ice doesn’t leave lake until mid may but swimming is do able, just swim were the warm stream water enters the lake, just stay close to shore, because the wave’s push the warmer water closer to the beach. One other thing is there is a boat tour out of Munising, that gos a long the shore and give you a different look of the trail, which is very pretty

[@samciatto677]

I hike Pictured Rocks once or twice a year, I highly recommend Isle Royale, mid September, the moose are in the rut. It’s an absolutely incredible place to hike!

[@basbh1782]

Isle Royale is awesome Porcupine Mts are awesome

[@majosm3]

The nearby(ish) Porcupine Mountains are also a nice place for a first backpacking trip. I did a 3-day, ~30 mile loop there last fall as my first trip and had a great time. The fall colors were beautiful, and there weren't any bugs (I was there the last week of September).

[@robmajor6962]

I hiked the pic rocks trail last July using a hammock. Sunsets were spectacular. I found it to be a moderate hike overall, but I did find the stretch between mosquito beach and miners castle to be quite a trudge through the sand. The bugs were bearable and the ranger laughed at me when I asked if I needed bear spray. It is a wonderful part of the country and accessible to all levels of hikers in my opinion. Dixie, can’t wait to hear about your experience at Chapel Beach/Rock…

[@nicholask7347]

Used to spend pretty much every weekend at PRNL when attending NMU. Never hiked the trails, but I have finned the shoreline. Longest distance in one trip was Grand Marias to 12 Mile Beach campground.

[@scottroder5516]

Fall Colors along Lake Superior/ are gorgeous and the bugs are dead. The middle of October! The water you can used to.

[@grumpygord]

Glad that you finally got to our state. I have hiked the trail several times and even volunteered for spring trail opening 3 or 4 times so that means walking the trail with bow saw and lopper. I think that every trail report that I have seen has included a picture of that car. It has been photographed thousands of times. If you ever got there in black fly season you would soon believe in head nets. Those little buggers are just out and out mean. Actually you should try hiking some of the North Country Trail. For most of it you don't need permits or reservations and you can camp most any place except for some private property etc. I have hiked most of the trail through Michigan and have even used the bus to get to the trailhead.

[@r00k1n355]

Lake Superior is cold even by Northerner standards! But you're right, we do tend to get acclimated... But it goes both ways! I went to college in The South and eventually got acclimated to the heat and had to reacclimate to the cold after moving home. I still tolerate heat and cold better than folks who have only lived in one climate, so that's cool.

[@uptrail7169]

I live in the U.P. and we have been here 3 times this year. It's easy hiking and the views are amazing.

[@kristymoore7052]

Super informative thanks. Sounds like also somewhere one could go when one is older and can’t handle some of the ruggedness anymore.

[@carriebarrett3770]

You are correct. The U.P. in the fall is incredible ☺

[@thomascrew8268]

Thanks for posting this...you really did justice to an area I have been visiting and hiking long before it became a National Park. Glad you missed the flies. The NCT doesn't get enough attention so I hope you will do more sections. IMO the best time to go to Upper Michigan is after Labor Day when the people thin out and the bugs are for sure gone. The fall colors are usually near peak around Oct 1st.

[@given0fox968]

Another great video Dixie, and glad you liked our state. Also good to hear the bugs weren’t too bad. Thanks, and take care 👍👊🇺🇸🤘

[@johnlanham6537]

Thanks for the update Dixie. We hiked the trail in late June and it was an awesome trail. I was a little bummed watching your first video but the trail did not disappoint. This review is much more positive and encouraging. This trail is a gem for the region. We were hopeful to see the Northern Lights but no luck. Next trip. Bugs were not an issue for us. Thanks for the positive comments and information. Keep doing what you do.

[@renaehammel8340]

I love swimming in Lake Superior. They tease it is the Scandinavian heritage to do so.

[@bobkuhn861]

😊💖🐶🐶 There's a campground in Grand Marais. My vacation spot every year. October!

[@shawndyer8140]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and information.

[@eda715]

I’ve backpacked it a couple of times. Maybe the best views east of the Mississippi. I’ll be taking my daughter on her first backpacking trip this year to Pictured Rocks. Summer is horrible there for the bugs especially the biting flies and bug spray doesn’t do much if anything anyway.

[@HooksandHammocks]

So glad we got to meet you there!! Such a beautiful place to see!

[@marylousherman5471]

Thanks for the 2nd review of the Pictured Rocks Trail... I just finished it yesterday, had beautiful August weather and as usual, L. Superior lays down nicely and is swimmable in August. I used a lot of your tips from previous videos to organize and do this trip and everything worked out well. Thank you! If you like quiet time on lovely sandy beaches the Eastern half of this trail is all about it.... the western half has great views from above the Pictured Rocks, but you will also hear a lot more motor drone from the tour boats that run continually through the day right up to 8pm between Chapel Rock and Mosquito Falls. There is NO water source at the Miner's Castle Visitors Center as it is closed and the plumbing is out of order (for at least 2 seasons now... Park Service needs to fix this!). A nice couple from Duluth offered to fill my water bottle from their camper supply at the parking lot... so anyone referring to the hikers map should take note to get water at Mosquito River if you are heading towards Munising (west) on this trail. Overall, it really was a great hike... I just turned 71 and it was enjoyable, challenging in spots, but completely do-able.

[@TexasRoast]

I'm working so I can't watch this right now, but whatever you have to say it has my thumbs up before I even watch it, lol.

[@NewbieNikki]

I do the same thing 😂 Even when I'm not interested in a certain video I always give a like to all the all videos of the people I subscribe to. I know the likes help and I want to be supportive!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Awww, thank you!

[@kst357]

Mosquito & Black Fly season in the Great North Woods typically starts in mid to late June. A pyrethrin treated bandana, treating your shoes and lower pant legs & also your hat will ward off any ticks, spiders, & gnats that have already gone through their spring hatch. The gnats up there don't bite but they're very annoying. For those who don't mind carrying the extra weight, Thermacell has packable rechargeable units that work great for keeping them away at camp.

[@d14551]

I've dipped a toe into Lake Superior in August and it was freezing!

[@gefginn3699]

Great post ⭐️ 🏃‍♂️ stay strong, free, happy and healthy my friend. 🌞 🤩

[@abrodsky]

Dixie! if you don't like mosquitos or bugs something at my work we use is Permethrin, basically it's an insecticide you spray on your clothes and it truly keeps the ticks and bugs off of you it works really well!

[@Telthar]

really have to plan way ahead for Michigan. I'm struggling to get any reservations for camp sites that just opened for reservations a week ago. They're already booked for the year (weekends). Our system is very broken and most slots are grabbed by non-Michiganders before Michigan folk have a shot at them. It is becoming a crisis in state where locals can't even use the campsites in their own state unless they are online in like a 20minute window when reservations open. Thank god I hate summer camping, I don't like hiking in temps over 60F anyways. For the bug spray... the one type of pest that can get really bad isn't deterred in the slightest by repellent. Absolutely know what particular bug season you'll be entering!

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Was there in the first week of October in 2020, and the fall color was stunning. And, by then, frost has killed the ravenous flies and mosquitoes. Highly recommend early October in the U.P.

[@brookberry9959]

Bug nets in the Boundary Waters are a must! Along with the backpacking thermocell.

[@dsa5394]

Mid to late August is great. The Thimble berries are in season and very tasty. The bugs aren't too bad that time of year.

[@amandaphillips6812]

Thank you for mentioning the sunrise!!! Best part of waking up ❤

[@montyollie]

We wound up bailing out at Beaver Creek as my friend got injured. Sure enough, we hiked a mile or two to the parking lot and hitched a ride back to the car. DEFINITELY will finish the trail another time though!! LOVED it so so so much.

[@tehsupertoilet]

Me, my friend and my sister and her kid went a week after you did ausable to sandpoint due to not having the extra day to do the full hike, but that was only a couple miles less than the full, i think it was just over 39 miles. the bugs were not that bad first 3 days, there were mosquitoes and some flies at the camp site but we had cool weather and wind until the last day, which was insane. it weas a record high for the area that day, i think it got up to the 90's, when we were at the miners castle visitors center for lunch my legs had at least 50 flies on them (i was wearing pants the whole time ofc) and during the hike flies mosquitoes and gnats were plentiful. we only found 2 ticks, one was on my pants and the other on my niece, but both were not attached. we also had simmilar cell service as you, through AT&T. awesome place to do a back country hike, would love to do it again with my other friends that didnt go. also, pasties need to migrate to the rest of the US, they are awesome.

[@adamupton6216]

July up there is hell because of the bugs. Lake Superior is not a lake to swim in unless you're a polar bear. Section hiking NCT is a better idea if you ask me. Never thru hiked but NCT here in lower Michigan has a lot of road sections. Also I believe they upped the price on everything for the 2023 season.

[@moegardner1]

Come on up and try the Lake Superior coastal trails, there is a 60k one on the east coast and one on the north as well, each 6 or 4 days. Quite a bit rockier than what I saw on your Lake Michigan vids though.

[@campbub]

Ha! I swim in Lake Superior every time I’m there… It’s not for everyone 🥶 It’s good to reduce inflammation.. clean cold water As for bugs the wind plays a big factor. I have been at picture rocks where the black flys were unbearable !! Rule of thumb.. carry bug spray, it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it ✌🏼

[@ulibredulli]

"I am jusr not interested in being that cold for that long" you spoke from my soul 😅

[@pauldaverman9235]

Bugs are definitely a gamble in June. I was up there just a week prior to you (hiked Fox River Pathway starting at Pictured Rocks) and experienced the worst mosquitoes ever. I don’t like bug spray or headsets either, but they were life savers for that hike. But I’ve been there other times in June with no bug issues whatsoever. Glad you were able to experience one of our gems here in Michigan!

[@katrinalinde-m.1313]

I was so happy to see you do this trail. This was my first backpack trail. I did the Chapel Loop as a way to try out my gear and loop back to my car. I would highly recommend and I'm making plans to do the thru hike after moving to the UP.

[@BobtheTraveler-WD8NVN]

I am going to that park this summer... Great Video and info !!

[@jamiemcginty3745]

My first hiking adventure! Love Michigan and for someone who has never truly hiked. It was perfect!!

[@annaski1288]

My husband and I went about 10 years ago (we had just started dating at this point) for a one-nighter and camped at Trappers Lake in mid or late August. We definitely took the opportunity to take a swim in Lake Superior, but I remember being bombarded by biting flies. Fun memories, haha!

[@michelleclarke6908]

We swam in the lake later in the summer and it wasn't too bad.

[@kat852]

Would you ever like to do the 26 mile Eagle rock loop in Arkansas?

[@veroniquecharlie6408]

Hi from Canada. We do swim when cold lol I swim till end of September start of October and it feels great. Our Thanks Giving is my end point. :)

[@lmahn2307]

We hiked this trail in Mid August and the bugs were not bad at all.

[@ChrisSunHwa]

Not hiking-related, but I love how your braid looks here.

[@deborahbusch2159]

Just love following your adventures! And I’m camping for four days this October in Pictured Rocks. Can’t wait!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Thank you so much! Hope you have fun!

[@charleytodd5792]

Yes, going in the fall can be spectacular. Interesting history and surprising variety to see. Mosquito Creek is the only campsite I wouldn’t recommend.

[@KaoticoEizex]

Pictured Rocks was my first multi day backpacking trip and my lesson learned was mosquito nets and permetrin, the rain was washing the insect repellent and mosquitos and black flies were wild. I ended my hike running to the car from a cloud of hungry mosquitoes.

[@bunnosaurusaussie]

50° water Is acceptable for swimming and you are crazy lucky you missed the black fly season! Glad you enjoyed the light show michigan has to offer at sunset and sunrise! Welcome to northern Michigan!!!!

[@simplelivinghappyhome1623]

Born and raised Minnesotan here- we have a very skewed view of what cold is....-40*F in the winter will do that to you. When others folks are complaining about it being cold at 14*F, we are out in Tshirts and light jackets. Its all about your prespective 😄

[@bionicdan1959]

GREAT review of this Amazing trail. This is sooooo useful. I hiked basically the same trip last summer and I reserved my camping spots almost 6 months in advance. As popular as this trail is, that wasn’t too far in advance. I have two video of my trip on my KZbin site.

[@andymytys]

Individual sites at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore hold up to six people, with the caveat that you can’t have more than two shelters (combination of tents, hammocks, etc.)

[@danie2300]

Well! Thank you very much Jessica, because you made this video I was able to hike for my vacation this year, My knee was able to hike this trail. It was beautiful. Since I was not able to get a campground the last night on the west side and got out aot little beaver (hiked 4 days) we observed the shore (chapel rock-Miners cove) from a boat ride. Thanks again a love your approach to sharing your knowledge. Danielle, MT-Tremblant, Qu, ÇA

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

I’m so glad to hear you found a way to make it work for you! So many people give up too easily and just say they can’t. Glad you had fun ♥️

[@callileahrizzuto2290]

Hey Dixie! thanks for doing this talk about Pictured Rocks NS. I think many people are kind of unaware that there are 15 National Seashore/Lakeshores... Since I am an experienced Kayaker/Canoeist, I definitely included them all in my 2023 : A Trail Odyssey project. (It was suppose to be 2022, but COVID.....so pushed off yet again to 2023) Good to know that the Planner is useful... WAIT! YOU don't have an National Park Annual PASS??? Whaaaattt... *tsk, tsk* It covers Entrance and usually the Parking...

[@r00k1n355]

Oh! You should totally do the Manistee River Loop on the NCT!

[@cyrillajane]

I do recommend fall. It's cold, but stunning!

[@jamicrawford6729]

If you hiked from Au Sable back to Munsing, which shuttle selection did you choose? Pickup West to East or vice versa? Thanks

[@tinacolecampbell]

Very informative. Thanks for sharing! ♥️

[@rvboondocker2559]

Hey Jessica, I know you did this a while ago but said you don’t want to be cold, but seasonally have you ever considered the whole 4700 miles of the trail, the north country trail? I am thinking about starting section hikes now, even though I am a spring chicken in my 60s.

[@michaelwoodward9388]

Hey Dixie! I loved this video…I was hiking some trails at Cunningham Falls state park in Maryland this past weekend and I kept thinking about Pictured Rocks in the fall and what an epic adventure that would be! Thanks for the inspiration to push forward and try new things…

[@fluffbigrollingmarshmallow]

After your video of this trail, I wrote it in my little 'future hike ideas' notebook. But now, seeing the footage of you passing a sign entering the park, I see pets aren't allowed. Not sure if I missed that particular footage in your hike video, or if I was just 'watching' and not looking closely at signs, or maybe that footage wasn't even in the hike video. But have to scratch it out now, as I hike with my Schipperke. Bummer. Oh, and since I paused the video and typed this when I saw that sign, I see at the end of the video you addressed the dog issue. Doh!

[@paddledafam9873]

Hey Dixie, have you done any trail work? I’ve watched many of your videos, good stuff. I live in Wisconsin and plan to volunteer on the NCT to help cut down on our section of trail from road walks. Check out our water falls along the NCT, Copper Falls to Foster Falls was amazing and Trail Angles gave us a ride from Copper Falls to Foster Falls for our hike. I’ll return to help improve the trails I love so much.

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

Hey Dixie Glad you had positive experience at PR! You hit the ‘bug season’ just right! BTW…Autumn is simply breathtaking! Great info and video! TY!

[@seadoo413]

If I only have 3 days/2 nights to hike this, which sections would you recommend? Which are the best/prettiest/most picturesque??

[@seanmelvin5115]

hey all, would love input regarding lake superior or the smokie mountain area. if you had to pick one to live that you felt had more mystery, adventure, beauty. for the smokies area say Chattanooga or Knoxville and for lake superior say duluth or Marquette or even travers city on lake Michigan. any thoughts, ideas, experiences are greatly apricated

[@Minnow1970]

Lots of great camping and hiking in Michigan!

[@John_Ridley]

I lived north of there (Houghton area) for 10 years. Bugs are seasonal and also there are good and bad years. Sometimes you can't walk in the woods at all, some years in the same month you won't get bothered. We have an event there every July for 30+ years now, and while there are average numbers of bugs most years, ONE year we had some kind of fly that was unbelievable. They looked like house flies but were super aggressive and would actually bite right through denim, drawing blood. Never saw them before or since. You just never really know. Cell phone service is HIGHLY dependent on provider. Back when I had Sprint, there was zero coverage at all in the entire UP. There are places in the UP where Verizon works great and AT&T not at all, then drive 5 miles and it's the reverse. There isn't any carrier that is the best everywhere. I'm going up there in a few weeks with T-Mobile, don't know what I'll find when I get there.

[@Roadkill750]

I was just there mid May for the first time with my son. It's been on my bucket list for a long time and so thankful for finally getting out there. It was amazing weather, no rain, full sun. While watching the car scene I was talking to you on the screen saying "show the hood, show the hood" lol I just scratched my nick name in the hood "Roadkill750" and would of been fun to see that.

[@albertstone2816]

I love your videos. I hate it that you are giving away my secret spot. Seriously though. My wife and I hiked Pictured Rocks this past October and it was beautiful. But, Munising rolls up for the season on October 14th so plan accordingly. It will be difficult to find a shuttle. Most shops, restaurants and hotels are closed until spring.

[@BlueBrainMountainStream]

Very informative! I have this hike on my bucket list.

[@eric55406]

No polar bear genes up north. I was born in Florida but live in Minnesota. Yes, we do get acclimated somewhat to the temperatures here. Lake Superior is NOT a swimming lake unless you have a wetsuit or a drysuit. I would get in for 10 seconds to rinse off and refresh but that's it. Do not do that if you're already cold or at risk of hypothermia, and do not swim deep because the cold can make your muscles cramp and increase your risk of drowning.

[@craigbenz4835]

". . . not interested in being that cold for that long." I got a belly laugh out of that one.

[@nickbristol3457]

Hi Jessica, I really enjoyed watching this video and more info on hiking the Pictured Rocks Trail. I talked with you for a bit on your last evening while down on Miners Beach after doing some photography there. It was nice meeting you and I have enjoyed your videos as well. Thanks!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Oh my gosh, yes!! It was so nice meeting you, too. Been wondering how your photos turned out since then!

[@nickbristol3457]

@@HomemadeWanderlust Jessica, I had a couple of photos that looked pretty nice but not quite what I was looking for. The small waterfall didn't have hardly any water flowing so just didn't look very good. I had wanted to shoot the falls and shoreline in the full light from the moon but it just didn't workout. Next time I guess. I will enjoy watching your wonderful videos! Take care, Nick

[@marystinson2998]

Could I get a list of the gear you were talking about that you would switch out to now that you mention on this video. I’ve learned so much from you. I’m a new backpacker in a old body but so inspired by you and I want to give it a go.

[@AdamDempsey]

Seems you were just a little early for when the Skeeters and Black Flies get real bad. I did a 4 day Bikepacking tour with a large group west of Marquette over Father’s Day weekend and they were pretty bad. I treat most of my clothes with Sawyer’s Permethrin and swear by it. Didn’t have any mosquitoes land on my clothes and no ticks.

[@woodencanoes9362]

Researching hikes today. Have you ever considered hiking the length of the Grand Canyon? Less than a score of people have done so. Would be a monumental undertaking, but a very notable one.

[@woodencanoes9362]

After more research, it looks way too dangerous!

[@carriehagstrom9777]

This was really helpful! Thanks for sharing!

[@shellymb]

Awesome information for planning a trip… I think I could do this. Too bad no pets

[@davidfriedman7533]

Hey Dixie! Great video and so appreciate you doing it on pictured rocks. I learned about this spot some what recently and man it’s absolutely gorgeous. Can’t wait to get out there. One question I did have for you is how you managed your footwear game due to all the sand you encountered. What did you plan on? Would you keep it the same for next time? Thanks!