Best Thru Hike for Beginners: Pictured Rocks Trail on the NCT, MI

What inspired me about the Pictured Rocks trail is the amazing views, its short drive from many Midwest locations, manageable distance for a thru hike, and overall easy terrain. It's also easy to plan, making it a great choice for beginners. The trail spans roughly 41 miles from Munising Falls to Grand Sable Visitor Center, showcasing the entire beauty of Michigan's national park. The trail is clearly marked, with a relatively short distance for a thru hike and manageable elevation changes—nothing like the Appalachian Trail. Plus, the stunning views are a constant reward along the way.

We completed the trail in 4 days and 3 nights. The first day is filled with small waterfalls and water sources along the shore. Days 3 and 4 took us along the Au Sable dunes. While not quite as large as the Sleeping Bear Dunes, they feature some sharp sand drop-offs and are a sight to behold. The second and third days feature incredible views of the rock formations, which are sights you can only see by hiking the trails. The coolest moments were watching kayaking trips weave in and out of the rock formations from the trail. It's truly a unique experience.

 

Considering it was mid-July, we thought traveling with only a blanket between the two of us would be sufficient. Great tip—it was not, and we were very cold. We only 'survived' thanks to bringing an emergency blanket (you know, the aluminum foil type ones). Those emergency blankets were lifesavers, even if they were loud enough to wake you from a dead sleep. Don’t underestimate cold nights by the lake. Other than that, your standard equipment will do. Definitely bring bug spray, as the bugs were bad at times. I would also recommend trekking poles for the sandy and rocky sections.

Booking campsites sooner rather than later is crucial. We went for the 4th of July and needed to book them 4 months in advance. Make sure to have your permits—we were checked multiple times, even once by a boat that arrived on shore at one of the backcountry campgrounds. You can book your campsites on the NPS Permits page.

 

 

It's recommended to park your car at the end of the trail and book a shuttle to the start. The shuttle must be booked ahead of time, as they will not just show up. You can arrange your shuttle with Altran Bus. This service is essential for planning your hike, ensuring you have transportation from Grand Sable Visitor Center back to Munising Falls.

 

The biggest tips are to book the campsites sooner rather than later, ensure you have your permits, and use a gear list to pack everything you need. The trip can be done in 3 to 7 days, depending on your hiking experience. There are plenty of designated campgrounds along the trail, allowing you to break the trip up as you please. Due to the shuttle at all major trailheads, you could even arrange for a resupply if you really want the full thru hike experience.

 

 

 

The biggest challenge was bringing only one light blanket for me and my wife. We overcame this by using an emergency blanket and cuddling up tight (we didn’t sleep much the first night—it was cold). Be prepared and don't underestimate the cold. Use a gear list to ensure you have everything you need, bring bug spray, and keep a great attitude.

This trail is truly one of the best first thru hikes for beginners. It's short, stunning, and relatively easy to navigate. Happy hiking!

 

Pictured Rocks Abandoned Car