Hiking Recs in the UP

Question

Hello,

Looking for guidance from experienced UP hikers. I'm planning a trip in September (three days) and would love to hear what your favorite hikes are. I'm most interested in hikes that provide unique views. I will have a car and can hop from place to place within a reasonable driving distance. I also consider myself a fairly experienced hiker.

Would love to hear what your favorite hiking spots are. Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is an amazing destination for hiking, especially in September when the fall colors start to emerge. With only three days, it’s best to focus on a mix of iconic spots and unique trails that showcase waterfalls, cliffs, forests, and Lake Superior vistas. Since you’ll have a car, you can cover several key areas within reasonable driving distances.

Top Hiking Recommendations in the UP:

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (near Munising): Famous for its colorful sandstone cliffs along Lake Superior. Recommended hikes include the Chapel Loop, Miner’s Castle Overlook, and the Chapel Rock Trail. For longer day hikes, consider the Lakeshore Trail for stunning views of cliffs and beaches.
Munising Falls and Alger Falls Area: A cluster of waterfalls within short driving distances. Munising Falls Trail is easy and family-friendly, while Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park offers a longer loop with a rewarding waterfall view.
Isle Royale National Park: If you’re willing to take a ferry, there are unique and less crowded hikes here with rugged terrain, wildlife sightings, and lake views. For a shorter visit, focus on trails near Rock Harbor or Tobin Harbor.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Offers old-growth forests and expansive Lake Superior views. Top hikes include the Escarpment Trail for panoramic overlooks and Lake of the Clouds Trail, which is considered one of the most scenic hikes in the Midwest.
Marquette Area Trails: For a combination of forest and lake vistas, try Sugarloaf Mountain or Hogsback Ridge Trail. These hikes are moderate and provide spectacular views of Lake Superior and the surrounding area.

Tips for Hiking in the UP in September:

Weather can vary; bring layers and rain gear.
Bug activity is generally lower than summer, but a bit of repellent can help on forested trails.
Start hikes early to maximize daylight, as September days are shorter.
Some trails in remote areas may have limited cell service, so bring maps or download offline GPS tracks.
Parking lots at popular trailheads can fill quickly, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly.

Overall, focusing on Pictured Rocks, Porcupine Mountains, and selected waterfalls near Munising will give you a mix of unique views, waterfalls, and Lake Superior vistas without spending all your time driving. These areas are accessible, provide a range of trail lengths and difficulties, and offer some of the most iconic scenery the UP has to offer.

Hiking Recs in the UP

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