Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Sites
Anna C.
Reviewed Sep. 24, 2016

Cliffs backcountry site

Some of the major pros that come with the Cliffs site are FIRE & shielding from the wind, which are quite the amenities when visiting the shoreline in early spring or fall (and even summer). It gets cold in pictured rocks and being away from the gusts of wind coming off the lake and being able to warm up via fire is ideal. When parking to hike to the site, don't skip the built in platform/pavilion, as it offers the popular & iconic view of pictured rocks. The actual hike in is fairly easy, although it does become muddy and floods easily so be aware of recent rainfall. The hike is along the shoreline cliffs and offers plenty of breaks in the trees to stop and gaze out at Lake Superior. The site is one of the few in the park that does not offer beach access (as you are situated in the trees on a cliff) but again, this is the price you pay to stay warm. Pro tip: hike back up the trail from the site just before sunset and grab a spot in one of the breaks in the trees to watch the sun slip below the lake's seemingly infinite horizon.