Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a world of its own. "Unpopulated" is a good description, considering the U.P. accounts for 29 percent of Michigan’s land, while only 3 percent of the state’s residents live there. Saying it is undiscovered would be misguided because the area is a popular travel destination. Scenic attractions such as the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are part of the U.P.’s appeal, and the Chapel Loop hike is a wonderful snapshot of the region’s beauty.
Hikers can visit two waterfalls, while the mostly flat trail goes through a variety of scenes: forest, cliff, beaches, and back to forest. Along the way. there are glimpses of Lake Superior, and then the overlook provides a seemingly endless view of the water that marks Michigan’s northern border.
Chapel Falls is a highlight of the 10.4-mile loop that begins at the Chapel/Mosquito trailhead parking lot, at the end of Chapel Road. The trail is a highlight of the first established “national lakeshore,” with two visitor centers.
Chapel Rock is among the landmarks of the Chapel Loop. Turning around at Chapel Rock is one of the options that can shorten the hike, yet provides a good sampling of the scenery.
The Grand Portal is one of the most striking vantage points of Lake Superior. Streaking mineral deposits create varied colors in the sandstone.
Chapel Beach is another possible turnaround point of a hike, providing views of arches and rock formations in the sandstone.
October is an excellent time to visit the Upper Peninsula in general and the Chapel Loop in particular, with the changing colors adding to the scenery. Pictured Rocks administrators advise that the trailhead parking lot fills up quickly on weekends.
The towns of Munising and Grand Morais frame the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and are part of the Upper Peninsula’s charm. The Mackinac Bridge connects the U.P. with the rest of the state on I-75 and Munising is 412 miles, about a six-hour drive, from Detroit.
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