05/30/2024
I hiked close to 11 miles on the North Country Trail thru Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This was a beautiful hike and a highly recommended segment.
It's important to read the information at the kiosks because they'll tell you what to expect in the area, such as water sources. For much of this segment its hard to reach a water source to filter as there's no access to the beach. Since I did a short day hike, this wasn't an issue for me here, however when I spoke to thru hikers this was an important item they said I should include. There's water at the campsites near the lighthouse, but not at Masse. There's privies available for trail users at both Masse and AuSable CG sites.
I parked at the Log Slide and went east to the Masse Homesite Campsite first, then went back and walked to just beyond the lighthouse. This was a mistake, as around mile 9 the entire end of hike was uphill. On the 5 terrain rating I'd say this was a close 5, or 5. I should have parked at the Hurricane River, putting this closer to the beginning of my hike, although it would add roughly another 1.25 miles to what I have done here.
I had cell service here. Enough to take a couple important calls and send photos. I was delighted about this development, as I often hike alone and like to send a live location for safety reasons.
From the Hurricane River parking to the lighthouse it's a hard packed road. The park service does not provide transportation to the lighthouse for those who need ADA assistance. If you have a scooter that can handle going for 2+ miles, then it can be done. The rest of the trail is not ADA friendly. The Log Slide Overlook is sand, you can get a scooter to it, but not up it to look over Superior.
There's now an entry fee at PRNL. There's info at Recreation dot gov website and app. However, the app doesn't currently have day pass purchase ability offsite without the QR code, which is disappointing. There's a QR to scan on the kiosk. I have included them in this post which should work. A pass bought at the Log Slide will cover you for entry anywhere in the park (Miners Beach, Munising Falls, etc). I suggest creating an account and adding your CC info before your trip so any purchase made on site can be done quickly. While there was cell service I tend not to rely on it to be present along the Superior shore.
I'm sure by now you're wondering about the bugs. I used a high # deet spray and citronella bracelets. Skeeters were bad during my vacation in Newberry and Grand Marais, but I didn't have a problem with them biting. I only had 2 biting flies land. Zero ticks, which was surprising because the trail does have some tall growth near the trail, mostly young trees and ferns.
Saw lots of deer tracks, and small animal tracks, saw a porcupine, and found s**t most likely from a coyote. I didn't see bear, the hikers who camped at Masse didn't either. The woods were full of chipmunks.
