{"id":16201,"date":"2026-08-05T12:30:47","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T12:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=16201"},"modified":"2026-08-05T12:30:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T12:30:47","slug":"explore-americas-other-coast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=16201","title":{"rendered":"Explore America\u2019s Other Coast"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"justify-start\">\n<nav class=\"align-left col-span-full mb-base\" data-pom-e2e-test-id=\"breadcrumbs\"\/>\n<p>With colorful shorelines and dazzling waterfalls, Michigan\u2019s Upper Peninsula makes for a world-class nature escape<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n<p>Published August 5, 2026 06:27AM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>When it comes to summer adventure, some places are a cut above. <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.org\/upper-peninsula\">Michigan\u2019s Upper Peninsula<\/a> is one of them. Here, the far north wilderness meets the wild splendor of the Great Lakes in a remarkable landscape formed by glaciers millenia ago. Along the Lake Superior coast near <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.org\/city\/munising\">Munising<\/a>, you\u2019ll find everything from inland hikes through lush woods to paddling trips beneath multi-colored cliffs. And wherever you go, the U.P. invites you to embrace your wild side at whatever pace you choose.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Spanning 42 miles between Munising and Grand Marais, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.org\/property\/pictured-rocks-national-lakeshore\">Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore<\/a> is one of the most scenic stretches of shoreline in the country, highlighted by a 15-mile stretch of colorful sandstone cliffs and rock formations that lend the park its name. The Pictured Rocks cliffs, which climb from 50 to 200 feet above Lake Superior, also boast stunning features like arches, turrets, waterfalls, and hidden coves. From mid-May through mid-October, a National Park Service-authorized <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.org\/property\/pictured-rocks-cruises\">boat cruise<\/a> lets you see it all.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2746262\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore<\/span> (Photo: Outside)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Or get a closer look on a guided kayak tour (find<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.munising.org\/activities\/guided-kayak-tours\/\"> outfitters<\/a> in Munising). Guided trips are generally recommended at Pictured Rocks, since the dramatic shoreline offers very few landing points in case of sudden weather changes. Guides will also ensure you don\u2019t miss any highlights, like waterfalls, sea caves, and shipwreck sites.<\/p>\n<p>The view from the water is fantastic, but it\u2019s not the only way to explore Pictured Rocks. Within the park, there are 100 miles of hiking trails, along with 13 backcountry campsites (<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.recreation.gov\/camping\/campgrounds\/256367\">by reservation<\/a>) for overnight backpacking trips. The 10-mile <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/piro\/planyourvisit\/hikes.htm\">Chapel Rock\/Mosquito River Loop<\/a> is a great way to experience the diverse landscape; it follows the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/noco\/index.htm\">North Country National Scenic Trail<\/a> along the sweeping shoreline before heading inland along the river.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Grand Island<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Just a half-mile offshore from Pictured Rocks lies <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.org\/property\/grand-island-national-recreation-area\">Grand Island<\/a>\u2014another outdoor playground with towering cliffs, dense forests, and pristine shoreline wilds. Part of the Hiawatha National Forest, Grand Island offers a summer\u2019s worth of hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and camping, with not a paved road in sight.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2746267\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Guided kayak tour\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2746267\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/PM_Munising-Selects-25.jpg?width=2048&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x, https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/PM_Munising-Selects-25.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 2x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/PM_Munising-Selects-25.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Guided kayak tour <\/span> (Photo: Outside)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Visitors have multiple ways to explore this largely untouched landscape. The Grand Island Interpretive Bus\u2014one of the only vehicles permitted on the island\u2014offers narrated tours as it travels to scenic views and historical sites along Grand Island\u2019s dirt roads. You can also mountain bike on the island\u2019s <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_self\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trailforks.com\/trails\/grand-island-trail\/\">21-mile perimeter trail<\/a>, which offers intermediate riders an unforgettable 4- to 6-hour trip filled with striking Lake Superior views. The trail serves just as well for backpacking, with <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.recreation.gov\/camping\/campgrounds\/10288329\">21 campsites<\/a> and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.grandislandcabins.com\/index.php\">two cabins<\/a> available for reservation.<\/p>\n<p>Much like Pictured Rocks, Grand Island saves some of its most jaw-dropping views for those who see it from the water, with layers of mutli-hued rock that tower nearly 300 feet above the lake. Full-day kayak rentals are available to explore the island\u2019s tucked-away beaches, coves, and lighthouses.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Hiawatha National Forest<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>If you want big and wild, lose yourself in <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.munising.org\/explore\/hiawatha-national-forest\/\">Hiawatha National Forest<\/a>, a million-acre refuge that offers forest, river, and lake escapes near the Pictured Rocks area and the wider U.P.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2746276\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Mountain biking in the Valley Spur area\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2746276\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/PM_Munising-Selects-10.jpg?width=2048&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x, https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/PM_Munising-Selects-10.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 2x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/PM_Munising-Selects-10.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Mountain biking on the Munising Bay Trail Network system<\/span>\u00a0(Photo: Outside)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you want a low-key paddling experience, the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/r09\/hiawatha\/recreation\/trails\/au-train-river-canoe-trail\">Au Train River Canoe Trail<\/a> provides a peaceful outing with no rapids or portages. The leisurely float is great for wildlife viewing, and if you\u2019re looking to experience even more of the Hiawatha\u2019s rich natural tapestry, you can hike the nearby <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/wildflowers\/regions\/eastern\/AuTrainSongbirdTrail\/index.shtml\">Au Train Songbird Trail<\/a>, a two-mile forest loop where birds abound. And just outside the National Forest, you\u2019ll find the one-mile roundtrip <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.munising.org\/activities\/laughing-whitefish-falls\/\">Laughing Whitefish Falls Trail<\/a>, a peaceful hike leading to one of the region\u2019s most unique and impressive waterfalls. (And for a region with 17 cascades, that\u2019s saying something.)<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, mountain bikers can head to the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_self\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trailforks.com\/region\/valley-spur\/\">Valley Spur area<\/a> for 23-plus miles of beginner and intermediate singletrack trails. The trail system consists of two main loops\u2014the 10-mile <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_self\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trailforks.com\/trails\/just-beechy\/\">Just Beechy Loop<\/a> and the 11-mile <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_self\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trailforks.com\/trails\/hemlock-valley\/\">Hemlock Valley Loop<\/a>. There\u2019s also the shorter <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_self\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trailforks.com\/trails\/cedar-streak\/\">Cedar Streak Trail<\/a> and plenty of ways to mix and match segments on this fast, flowy system.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Munising Area<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re basecamping in Munising or nearby, you don\u2019t have to go far for more of the good stuff. In addition to the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/piro\/planyourvisit\/beaches.htm\">six stunning beaches<\/a> inside Pictured Rocks, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.munising.org\/activities\/autrain-beach\/\">Au Train Beach<\/a> west of Munising offers a relaxing escape where the Au Train River meets the lake.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2746274\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Au Train Beach\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2746274\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/PM_Munising-Selects-16.jpg?width=2048&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x, https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/PM_Munising-Selects-16.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 2x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/PM_Munising-Selects-16.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Au Train Beach<\/span> (Photo: Outside)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In Munising, you can also enjoy the kind of culinary adventure that only the U.P. can deliver. The region is home to several foods as unique as the peninsula itself, like its iconic pasties, available at places like <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muldoonspasties.com\/\">Muldoons<\/a> and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.munising.org\/dining\/miners-pasties-and-ice-cream\/\">Miners Pasties<\/a>, or freshly caught Lake Superior whitefish, found at <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/capn-rons.square.site\/\">Cap\u2019n Ron\u2019s food truck<\/a> or at cozy and creative eateries like <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/roam-inn.com\/traceys\/\">Tracey\u2019s at Roam Inn<\/a>. And you should treat every roadside thimbleberry stand as a must-stop, where you can grab some locally foraged jam to savor until next summer, giving yourself just one more reason to come back.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><i>Your trip begins at <\/i><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"http:\/\/michigan.org\"><i>michigan.org<\/i><\/a><i>.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.outsideonline.com\/adventure-travel\/destinations\/explore-michigans-magical-coast\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With colorful shorelines and dazzling waterfalls, Michigan\u2019s Upper Peninsula makes for a world-class nature escape Published August 5, 2026 06:27AM When it comes to summer adventure, some places are a cut above. Michigan\u2019s Upper Peninsula is one of them. Here, the far north wilderness meets the wild splendor of the Great Lakes in a remarkable<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16202,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16201","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-wild-living"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16201","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=16201"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16201\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/16202"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=16201"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=16201"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=16201"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}