After having our son and realizing he needed to be held almost constantly to stay content, I knew I needed to try out the Tushbaby Hip Carrier. This ergonomically designed hip carrier makes holding your baby easier, which is huge when your baby wants to be held all the time and is literally getting heavier each day. Now that I’ve had a chance to use the hip carrier for several months, I only wish I would have tried it out sooner and used it when our now toddler daughter was a baby. This carrier has been a game changer when it comes to not only traveling but also on neighborhood walks and while bouncing/walking our baby around to sleep. It has also come in handy with our toddler. Read my review of the Tushbaby Hip Carrier below and see why I think you’d love it too.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. That means that, at no cost to you, we may get a small commission if you purchase through these links. This helps us keep providing travel resources for you!
Nurse/Feed Anywhere with the Tushbaby
Nursing is where the Tushbaby has proven to be most helpful while traveling and on the go. It acts as a portable nursing pillow that makes nursing anywhere (standing or sitting) SO much easier. Normally when nursing on the go, my back is killing me and it feels awkward to hold the baby to nurse standing. However, with the Tushbaby, feeding him while standing is no longer such an inconvenience. Traveling, I used to bring a nursing pillow to nurse on the plane and at the accommodations of our destination but with the Tushbaby, there is no longer any need for that. Further, the Tushbaby is actually much more practical to use on the go, completely eliminating the need to bring a nursing pillow traveling.
Hold Baby More Easily On The Go
Our son loves being held and really is only content when being held most of the time. When I would try to go on double stroller walks with my 2 year old, 3 month old and dog by myself, I would often have to pick my son up and cradle hold him in my arms to comfort him, while pushing the giant double stroller and holding onto the dog’s leash. If I’m painting the picture realistically, this is rather chaotic and despite considering myself to be in pretty good physical shape, my arms, shoulders and back got tired very quickly doing this, making these walks hard to finish. However, once I got the Tushbaby Hip Carrier, it was much easier to hold my baby, push the stroller and hold the dog’s leash. I now bring the Tushbaby on all our walks, regardless if another adult is with me to help because if my son does need to be picked up, it is SO much easier to carry him with the Tushbaby.
Similarly, when we are traveling, particularly at the airport with our double stroller, our baby often wants to be picked up and cradled or outward-facing carried around instead of riding in the stroller. The Tushbaby makes carrying him, while also managing our toddler and luggage, much easier.
The Tushbaby is preferable to a more structured front carrier as it allows you to cradle hold your baby more easily, which is exactly what my son wants in many of these situations. Additionally, it is much easier to put him down quickly or hand off to my husband when he is not strapped into a carrier.
Travel and Day to Day Carrying Made Easier
I originally wanted to try this carrier out because I thought it would be great for traveling. And, as mentioned above, it has been great too! However, I’ve learned I use it more often day to day than I ever imagined. As outlined above, it has been great on walks but also has been great when walking/bouncing my baby to sleep. Sometimes our son is only soothed to sleep through walking around bouncing. When this happens, I clip on the Tushbaby and cradle carry him while walking around with ease to soothe him to sleep. The ergonomic seat and belt evenly distribute my baby’s weight and take the stress off my arms, shoulders and back when I need to do this.
Can Use with Toddler
As our son continues to grow, we will continue to be able to use it for him as you can use it from ages 0-3 and up to 45 lbs. I have also found the Tushbaby to be very handy when my 2 year old daughter wants to walk on an outing but then gets tired and wants to be held. She prefers this to a traditional carrier that straps her in as she is able to go up and down much easier. Between my two littles, one of them always seems to be being held on the Tushbaby.
Great Storage
Moreover, the Tushbaby makes it easy to carry other essentials, such as diapers in the storage beneath the seat. I have found this feature extra handy when traveling. The side pocket is also perfect to secure a cellphone and easy to access. It’s somewhat like a fanny pack that also allows you to carry your baby/toddler with ease. Further, it folds up and stores away easily.
The Tushbaby has been a game changer with traveling and everyday life with our second born. I wish I would have tried this sooner and used it when our toddler was a baby. I understand the hype around it and recommend it to any new or expecting parent. If you want to get your own, use the code ALWAYSHAVEATRIPPLANNED for 15% off your order today.
I hope this review helps you decide if the Tushbaby is right for you. I’d love to hear your feedback and questions. Please leave us a comment! -Natalie
We recently started traveling with the new Hideaway Duffel made by No Reception Club. This maximum sized carry-on bag makes organization while traveling so easy and really impressed us with its functionality. We truly think the Hideaway Duffel is a game changer traveling, especially with littles. We have taken the bag on three trips thus far (including 2 road trips and 4 flights) and do not plan to take any future trips without it. Read on for more on why we love this bag and are recommending it to anyone (kids or no kids) as the best maximum sized carry-on bag.
Next Level Organization
The Hideaway Duffel really makes organization a breeze. This bag has a built-in packing organizer (The Cubby) that allows you to keep things separated and easily visible. This packing organizer creates a portable closet within the bag and make it easy to see everything you have packed, unlike using packing cubes.
We have a new 3 month old and a 2 year old who both have a lot of little clothes we have to pack each trip. This bag has kept all of our kids’ items organized throughout our trips and has acted as a portable closet for them. We never have had to truly unpack the Hideaway Duffel while traveling as we are easily able to see all of their clothes without unpacking them. It is refreshing not having to rifle through piles of clothes or packing cubes to get to anything.
Here is an example of how we packed (pictured above) our Hideaway Duffel for a 4 night road trip (where we would not have access to laundry):
4 pairs of infant pants/onesies
10 infant sleepers
5 infant swaddles
2 muslin blankets
2 infant hats
1 infant bunting
6 burp cloths
4 toddler pajama sets
4 toddler shirts/pants
1 toddler fleece pullover
1 toddler mid jacket
1 busy board
4 board books
18 pairs of infant and toddler socks
1 silicone bib
1 pair toddler shoes
Toiletries, Elvie pump/charger and 20 infant diapers in the outside pockets (not pictured above)
Dirty and Clean Clothes Easily Kept Separate
Further, this built-in packing organizer can be collapsed down at the end of your trip . You then can place all your dirty clothes in an included laundry bag and keep them separate from any clean clothes in an odor resistant laundry compartment. The odor resistant compartment is a collapsible section at the base of the bag that is designed to take up zero space when empty and expands as you fill it with dirty clothing. No more needing to intersperse dirty clothes with clean ones!
Easy Access Pockets
Some other organizational features in the Hideaway Duffel that need to be mentioned are the easy access front pockets. There are two of these pockets, one that is insulated and one that is not. These easy access pockets are great for things you need quick access to mid flight which comes in super handy with the littles. We have stored extra milk in the insulated one and books/extra diapers in the non insulated one. Also, if you own the sidekick fanny pack diaper bag (as we do and love), it fits here perfectly. We also think these pockets would be great for adult needs such as a book or cold snack you may want mid flight.
Makes Going Through Security Easier
Beyond unparalleled organization, the side pocket on the Hideaway Duffel where the Dopp Kit (toiletries bag by No Reception Club that can be hung up) fits perfectly makes going through airport security so much easier. And let me tell you, as parents traveling with a new baby and a toddler, we need all the help we can get while going through airport security. We put all of our liquids in this bag (not just toiletries), which makes it easy to just take the Dopp kit out from this easy access side pocket to go through security. Getting our liquids out for security has never been so seamless.
Comfortable
Not only does the Hideaway Duffel make going through airport security easier but it is also comfortable to wear. We have used several other maximum sized carry-on bags previously and have found all of them to be rather uncomfortable. After using so many uncomfortable maximum sized carry-on bags, we thought it must not be possible to create a comfortable one. Thankfully, Gemma and Daniel somehow cracked the code with the Hideaway Duffel. We love maximum sized carry on bags and use them as often as possible to avoid checking a bag/reduce the number of bags we have to check but previously have always felt punished for doing so with the uncomfortable wear of the competitor bags. Our backs no longer have to suffer with using a maximum sized carry-on backpack thanks to the Hideaway Duffel. Further, the bag has a luggage pass through we have found very useful to use to place it on a carry-on roller when we are baby wearing.
No Reception Club Delivers Again
The functionality and comfort of the Hideaway Duffel has us singing its praises. We already loved the Getaway Diaper Bag and think the Hideaway Duffel matches it in making travel with littles so much more organized and subsequently easier. To read more about why we love the Getaway Diaper Bag, see our The Best Travel Diaper Bag post. Way to go Gemma and Daniel on creating the perfect maximum sized carry-on bag.
We hope this guide helps you decide if the Hideaway Duffel is right for you. We’d love to hear your feedback and questions. Please leave us a comment!
While planning our recent trip to Acadia National Park, we are so glad we found the Getaway Cabin in Ellsworth. This cozy cabin tucked away in the woods was the perfect place to stay while exploring Acadia National Park for the week. The cabin truly felt like home to us and had everything we needed. Here is a breakdown of why we found the Getaway Cabin to be the perfect place to stay near Acadia National Park.
Perfect House in the Woods
This cabin was exactly the cozy forest escape we were looking to stay at during our trip to Acadia. With a stunning enclosed patio in the trees, you literally feel like you are in the woods while cozied up next to the fireplace. We loved spending our morning on this patio drinking coffee and tea while our babies played and we watched the leaves fall (we were visiting late Autumn). Relaxing on this patio truly was restorative.
Beautiful Outdoor Area
Beyond the stunning wood nestled patio, the very private backyard was a really nice place to relax and walk around. We enjoyed sitting in the backyard in the afternoons while our toddler played in the leaves. She also really enjoyed finding all the different cute frog, rabbit and turtle figures throughout the yard. Our daughter had to say hi to each one every time we went outside. Further, there is a fire pit in the yard with plenty of seating around it, perfect for a family bonfire and some s’mores.
Family Friendly
The Getaway Cabin is SO family friendly. This was our first ‘big’ trip as a family of 4. The cabin truly had everything we needed for our 3 month old (including a baby bath, changing table, tummy time blankets, etc.) and 2 year old (including toys, coloring supplies, fun hooded towel, bath toys, etc.). The cabin also has TWO pack n plays which was HUGE for us. We did not have to worry about packing and transporting a pack n play for either of our kids which allowed us to travel lighter.
When we arrived after a long travel day with our two littles, it was so comforting to arrive at a place where we did not have to worry about having everything the kids needed. Some other notable amenities are a washer/dryer (very helpful with two messy little ones) and a full kitchen (very nice to be able to prepare most meals ourselves).
Close to Activities yet Tucked Away from Hustle and Bustle
The cabin is nestled in the woods outside of the downtown area of Ellsworth and is about 35 minutes outside of Acadia National Park. We liked being a bit away from the hustle and bustle of the National Park as it is quieter and more relaxing. With the pretty views on the way into Mount Desert and Acadia National Park from the cabin, this drive went by fast everyday. Also, being outside of Bar Harbor made accessing different parts of the park easier as many of the roads in Acadia are one-way. Further, even though the cabin is tucked away in the woods, you are conveniently less than 5 minutes from local Ellsworth restaurants, unique shops (very cute downtown area), gas stations and supermarkets.
Fantastic Hosts
Joy and Dave truly went above and beyond. They made sure we had everything we needed during our stay. And we mean EVERYTHING. All supplies were fully stocked (laundry detergent, toilet paper, ample clean towels, etc). They also seemed to anticipate our needs more than we even did. We had forgotten our daughter’s toothbrush and toothpaste at home and when we arrived, without telling Joy or Dave, there was a new fun kids toothbrush and new kids toothpaste for us to use. Also, when we had an issue with our car, Joy was quick to find us a place (on a Sunday) to help us take care of it. And those are just a couple examples. We cannot say enough nice things about them. We’ve stayed at over 30 Airbnbs and these are by far the best hosts we have ever had.
We hope this guide helps you plan where to stay near Acadia National Park. We can’t wait to visit again. Visit the Getaway Cabin Airbnb listing to check availability and book your stay. Joy, one of the hosts, is a great resource while visiting the area and during your stay as well. She is a fantastic host, always available for questions and will go the extra mile to make sure you have everything you need.
Nestled into the northeast coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is home to majestic forests, tranquil ponds, stunning mountains and scenic coastline. Acadia is also home to over 40 species of animals (including moose, black bears and coyotes) and is the only National Park in New England. We loved our time in Acadia National Park (and the surrounding area) and would rank Acadia in our top 5 favorite National Parks. After spending a week in the park, here are our Top 5 What to Do Acadia National Park recommendations.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. That means that, at no cost to you, we may get a small commission if you purchase through these links. This helps us keep providing travel resources for you!
Acadia National Park has so many unique and picturesque hiking trails. From easy flat wooded and coastline walks to more challenging cliff exposed summit climbs (that utilize metal rungs and ladders), there really is a hiking trail to suit everyone’s hiking abilities in Acadia.
Further, many of the hiking trails in Acadia National Park intersect and there are many different ways to hike to the same spot. We loved the ‘choose your own route’ hiking options in Acadia. These allow you to optimize your time in the park and see many more trails through hiking loop routes rather than exclusive out and back trails. These build your own options also allow you to opt in or out of more technically challenging paths (ladders, metal rungs, rock scrambling, etc) while still getting to the same summit.
We spent a week hiking in Acadia National Park and hiked as many of the trails as possible. See our Top 5 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park post for more information on all our favorite hikes in the park. Here is a quick rundown of some of the trails in the park.
Best Family Hikes
Jordan Pond
Ocean Path
Jessup Trail
Best Thrill Seeker Hikes
Jordan Cliffs Trail
Precipice Trail
Beehive Trail
Best Moderate Hikes
South Bubble Trail
Beech Cliffs Loop Trail
Gorham Mountain
#2 What to do Acadia National Park: Visit Jordan Pond
We loved the Jordan Pond area. Jordan Pond itself is stunning (first picture in post) and you can see some other stunning views from hikes that start here too. You can hike the flat trail around the lake or one of the more challenging hikes for some stunning elevated views of the pond (above). Further, you can stop in the Pond House, which has been around since the 1890s, for some tasty popovers (puffy bread) and tea after your hike.
We were told by many other travelers that parking is a bit of a mess here during busy season and to arrive as early as possible to get parking. We had no issues parking at the Jordan Pond House during our visit but we were visiting after peak season.
#3: Visit Echo Lake Area
The Echo Lake area is somewhat of a hidden gem in the park as it is on the less busy side of the park but has equally pretty views. When we visited, we only saw less than 5 other cars in the parking lot. The beach here was so serene and one of our favorite hikes up Beech cliff was here too.
#4 What to do Acadia National Park: Visit the Oceanarium
We had one rainy day when we were in Acadia, and we were actually glad we did because we probably would have not come here had we not had a rainy day. The Oceanarium was really cool! It is located about 10 minutes outside the park entrance along Highway 3 in Mount Desert on your way into the park. Here, we got to see several naturally uniquely colored lobsters including a very rare blue lobster, tangerine lobster and a half blue/half red lobster. Our daughter also got to touch starfish and sea cucumbers in a touch tank here which she thought was pretty neat. Further, there was a replica lobster boat our daughter enjoyed playing on. Definitely do this if you have littles. And even if you don’t have littles, Sam and I learned a lot about lobsters and enjoyed visiting here too.
#5 What to do Acadia National Park: Eat a Lobster Roll
These are so yummy! Lobster rolls consist of rich lobster dressed with a butter or mayonnaise based sauce inside a hot-dog style bun, served hot or cold. They are pricey but get at least one while you are here. We had a fun experience at Downeast Lobster (a bit North of the park) where we actually got to hold our Lobster before it was cooked. There are many places to try out different style rolls in the greater Acadia area. In our opinion, the Lobster rolls are much tastier than the plain lobster itself (and a lot less work to eat).
Honorable What to do Acadia National Park Mentions
Bike Carriage Roads–The carriage roads were built by John D. Rockfeller Jr. in the early 1900s as a way to travel the valleys and mountains of Acadia on motor-free byways via horse and carriage. The roads give different expansive and close-up views throughout the park. If we did not have two very little travelers in tow, we would have biked these roads.
Visit Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse–This is a very pretty and picturesque spot (picture above). We’d recommend coming here to watch the sunrise or sunset on the rocks (Note: not safe for young children though). Otherwise, there is not much to do here other than view the lighthouse.
Lobster Boat Tour–For a classic Maine activity, take the Lulu Lobster Boat. This is the only lobster boat tour in Bar Harbor.
Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain–Seeing sunrise at Cadillac Mountain is a classic Acadia activity. It is very popular as it is one of the first spots in the US to see the sunrise and you can drive here. This is a great option to get panoramic and high up coastline views without hiking. We honestly think you get better views hiking throughout the park though and would skip this one if you are able to hike. Important note, you typically need to make a reservation for this prior to visit (we did not need these as we were visiting after October 15th). Check recreation.gov for the most uptodate information on need for reservations.
Acadia National Park FAQs
Where to stay near Acadia National Park?
We LOVED our stay at the Getaway Cabin a bit outside of Acadia in Ellsworth. This cozy cabin nestled in the woods was the perfect escape and place to relax after days spent exploring the park. This cabin truly felt like home. For more on our stay, see our Where to Stay Near Acadia National Park post.
Best time to visit Acadia National Park?
If able, visit Acadia during fall colors as it’s stunning and less busy than the summer season. We visited about a week after ‘typical’ peak fall colors and loved how we had most of the trails to ourselves (other than around the very popular Beehive/Sand Beach). At this time, we did not need reservations for Cadillac Mountain sunrise either. Although fall timeframe would always be our first choice, you really cannot go wrong visiting Acadia during any season.
How does Acadia compare to other National Parks?
Acadia is the only National Park in New England. It is unique in that it has coastline, ponds, forests and mountains all within one park. This is also the only National Park where we have ever used metal rungs and ladders on our hikes. We loved our time in Acadia (and the surrounding area) and think it is a gem. We’d rank Acadia in our top 5 favorite National Parks.
We hope this guide helps you plan what to do in Acadia National Park. Anything you’d add to our guide? We’d love to hear your feedback and questions. Please leave us a comment!
Acadia National Park has so many unique and picturesque hiking trails. We are so glad we had the opportunity to hike so many of the trails here to determine our best hikes in Acadia National Park list. From easy flat wooded and coastline walks to more challenging cliff exposed summit climbs (that utilize metal rungs and ladders), there really is a hiking trail to suit everyone’s hiking abilities in Acadia.
Further, many of the hiking trails in Acadia National Park intersect and there are many different ways to hike to the same spot. We loved the ‘choose your own route’ hiking options in Acadia. These allow you to optimize your time in the park and see many more trails through hiking loop routes rather than exclusive out and back trails. These build your own options also allow you to opt in or out of more technically challenging paths (ladders, metal rungs, rock scrambling, etc) while still getting to the same summit.
We spent a week hiking in Acadia National Park and after hiking many of the trails, here is our Top 5 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park list.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. That means that, at no cost to you, we may get a small commission if you purchase through these links. This helps us keep providing travel resources for you!
#1 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park: Jordan Cliffs, South Bubble & Jordan Pond Loop
This was our favorite hike in the park and wins the spot as #1 for the Top 5 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park. The variety we saw on this loop trail made it stand out from the others. We started this hike midmorning at the Jordan Pond House with stunning lighting and stillness over Jordan Pond at the beginning of the trail at this time (see picture above).
We then headed clockwise to the Jordan Cliffs Trail (view shown in first picture in post) and hiked along the exposed cliffs overlooking the pond. The Jordan Cliffs Trail was unique in that it not only had cliff exposure but also had metal rungs and challenging rock scrambles. This route was a bit more challenging than we anticipated and we had to hike it very slowly but felt safe doing so.
You then will turn and hike on the Bubbles Divide Trail to hike up to the South Bubble. The views to the north (see picture below) and over Jordan Pond are really stunning, some of our favorites from the trip. Then you head back to the Jordan Pond House on the flat Jordan Pond Path.
Logistics: 4.8 Miles, 1200 feet of elevation gain, loop
Hike Spring Trail from Jordan Pond House → Jordan Cliffs Trail → Bubbles Divide Trail → South Bubble Trail → Jordan Pond Path to Jordan Pond House
Tip: Hike Jordan Cliffs, South Bubble and Jordan Pond Loop Clockwise
The Jordan Cliffs Trail has some particularly challenging rock scrambles and metal rungs to hike. These are much easier to conquer clockwise (up) than counterclockwise (down). We were advised by park rangers and other hikers to not attempt the route counterclockwise (down) and are glad we listened.
This trail was harder than we anticipated but we were able to safely hike it slowly. However, if you are new to hiking, hesitant with baby wearing or afraid of heights, we would not recommend the Jordan Cliffs Trail to you. Instead, you may prefer to hike the easier flat and not technically challenging Jordan Pond Trail to the Bubbles Divide Trail. You will not get the stunning cliff views of the Jordan Cliffs Trail but will still get some really nice elevated views of Jordan Pond from the South Bubble. This hike reminded us of hiking around Devil’s Lake with slightly more cliff exposure.
Tip: Eat Popovers at Jordan Pond House After Hiking
The perfect treat after your hike! Popovers are a large fluffy bread that are in the shape of a large muffin but very airy and not sweet. Our best comparison is a creme puff without the creme. They are served with butter and jam. Afternoon tea and popovers were the perfect treat after a long hike on a chilly fall day. The Jordan Pond Househas been serving popovers and tea since the 1890s.
#2 Best Hikes in Acadia: Beech Cliff Ladder, Beech Cliff Loop & Canada Cliff
This hike nearly ties with the first as our favorite hike in Acadia. It is a great bang for your buck hike as you get stunning lake and coastline views (that are especially colorful in fall) relatively quickly. This hike has a little bit of everything when it comes to reaching the summit–exposed cliff walks, ladders, metal rungs and rock scrambles. However, that being said, we did not find this hike technically challenging.
Tip: Hike Beech Cliff Trail and Canada Cliffs Loop Counterclockwise
We highly recommend hiking this trail counterclockwise so that you climb up the ladders rather than down them. Here you first hike up the Beech Cliff Trail to the Beech Cliff Summit. This is the only part of the hike that involves any metal rungs or ladders. Then, after reaching the top of the Beech Cliff Trail, be sure to turn to the right and continue onto the short Beech Cliff Loop offshoot (easy to miss). The views on the Beech Cliff Loop are truly the highlight of this trail. After walking on the stunning Beech Cliff Loop, you will head along the exposed cliffs before making your descent slowly back through the woods on the Canada Cliffs Trail.
Logistics: 2.2 Miles, 500 feet elevation gain, loop
Hike Beech Cliff Ladder Trail from Echo Lake Beach Entrance→ Beech Cliff Loop (be sure to add this as the views here are the highlight of the hike) → Canada Cliff Trail
Tip: If looking to escape crowds, hike Beech Cliff and visit Echo Lake
We saw less than 5 cars in the parking lot here (Echo Lake) on our weekday fall hike. We encountered less people here than on any of our other hikes. This area of the park was so peaceful and serene. Echo lake is so pretty too! However, it may be more busy during warm summer months with people swimming at the beach.
#3 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park: Beehive/Bowl/Gorham
The Beehive is probably the most well-known and popular trail in Acadia. It has many steep cliff exposures and ladders, making it a unique challenge. Also, it is only 1.5 miles round trip if hiked alone. It further offers impressive views of the coastline and foliage, especially in the fall, at the summit.
Note: Two Ways to Reach the Beehive Summit
You start this trail (as a loop like we did or as a stand alone hike) at the Sand Beach parking lot. There are two ways to hike to the Beehive Summit. One on a shorter more technically challenging path and one on a longer but less technically demanding path. Since we were both baby/toddler wearing, we opted for the longer, less technically challenging route. This route is nicknamed the ‘back door to Beehive’ which is very fitting. On this route, you pass by a pretty lake, the Bowl. You do retrace your steps coming back on the Bowl Trail before meeting up with Gorham Mountain Trail (or getting back to the parking lot if hiking as stand alone trail)
Gorham Mountain and Ocean Path to Finish Loop
Gorham Mountain (above view) also offers very pretty views over the coast as well as panoramic views further into the park at the summit. We only saw two other people at the summit of Gorham whereas we saw dozens at the summit of the Beehive, so this was a nice retreat from the people. After hiking to the Gorham Summit, you head back down to meet up with the Ocean Path. Once on the Ocean Path, you get pretty ocean views (parallel park loop road) before arriving back at the Sand Beach parking lot. Be sure to spend some time at Sand Beach as it is one of the few areas in the park where you can walk directly along the ocean. We visited two different times during our trip.
Note: The Beehive Part of this Hike is Busy and Slippery When Wet!
We rank this hike lower than most other hikers. The Beehive is very busy, maybe too busy, and we found it less peaceful than other trails. We also hiked this route after recent rain and even without hiking the more technically challenging Beehive route, we had to be very careful with our footing as it was still quite slippery. We would not recommend hiking Beehive itself after any sort of rain given how slippery the easier and safer option was after recent rain.
Note: This map shows hiking up the more technically challenging Beehive Trail to the Beehive Summit rather than up the Bowl as we did (and recommend if you are baby wearing).
Logistics:
Combination of Beehive, Gorham and part of Ocean Path—3.5 Miles, 750 feet of elevation gain hike, loop (hiking via the Bowl adds about a mile onto the route)
Beehive alone—1.5 Miles, 500 feet of elevation gain, loop
Gorham Mountain alone—1.8 miles, 500 feet of elevation gain, loop
From the parking lot at Sand Beach, hike the Bowl Trail to summit Beehive → then back on Bowl Trail→ Gorham Mountain Trail → Gorham Mountain Summit → get to Gorham parking lot/Ocean Path by taking the Cadillac Cliffs Trail (more exposed) or Gorham Mountain Trail → meet up with the Ocean path (parallels Park Loop Road, cross street from Gorham Mountain parking lot) to get back to the Sand Beach parking lot.
#4 Best Hikes in Acadia: Dorr Mountain via Ladder Trail & Cannon Brook Trail
Looking for a stair-master workout? Well this climb is for you! The hike to the top of Dorr Mountain is about a mile and very steep. However, we really liked this route as you got a lot of variety in scenery and it was so serene (we only saw one other person and one coyote).
You hike the steep ladder trail to the summit of Dorr Mountain first. This has 3 ladders to climb but we found them to be easy without any cliff exposure and with stable placement. The trail is mostly steep rock steps. Note, there is one narrow rock passage to walk through that may be an issue if you have a really wide backpack carrier (ours fit). Once at Dorr Mountain Summit, you take the Dorr Ridge South Trail down the mountain while enjoying stunning coastline views that are very pretty in fall. You will then meet up with the Canon Brook Trail that is mainly flat and easy. The fall colors on the Canon Brook Trail were very stunning. We saw a coyote from a distance on this trail too.
Logistics: 3.4 Miles, 1200 feet of elevation gain, loop
Hike Ladder Trail→ summit of Dorr Mountain→ take Dorr Ridge South Trail to enjoy coastline views → then Canon Brook Trail (it is flat, easy and beautiful in the fall) → brings you back to beginning of Ladder Trail
#5 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park: Ocean Path
The Ocean Path is an easy and beautiful coastline hike, landing it a spot in our Top 5 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park list. We found the second half of this hike (after the Gorham Mountain parking lot on Park Loop Road) to be really serene and beautiful. It was also more of a trail and is tucked a bit away from the road in comparison to the first half. The first half of the hike has very pretty views too but is also directly next to Park Loop Road and very busy with hikers as it is easily accessible for large tour buses. This is a great hike for anyone not looking for a steep or technical climb but stunning views nonetheless.
Logistics: 4 Miles, 375 feet of elevation gain, Out & Back
We actually hiked the Ocean Path as two seperate hikes as we combined the first half of the trail with hiking to Beehive/Gorham Mountain (outlined above as #3) and then hiked the second half of the hike another day as a separate hike (parked at Gorham Mountain parking lot).
Note: You can see the highlights of this trail driving/stopping on Park Loop Road but we found it to be nicer/more serene to hike it. You are taking a slower pace walking and can truly take in the scenery.
We hope this 5 best hikes in Acadia National Park guide helps you plan your hiking in Acadia. Anything you’d add to our guide? We’d love to hear your feedback and questions. Please leave us a comment!
We recently tried out 3 different jackets from the outdoor apparel company KÜHL. We were highly impressed with the versatility, quality and style of each of the jackets we tried from this company. Although we had previously not heard of KÜHL, a privately owned and independent outdoor apparel company, we are glad we found them as their gear seems perfect for our many outdoor adventures. We have already brought these KÜHL jackets on some of our outdoor adventures and were pleased with their performance so we plan to bring them on many more. Below are our gear reviews of each of the KÜHL jackets we own.
KÜHL Women’s Stunner Insulated Jacket Review
The KÜHL Women’s Stunner Insulated Jacket is Natalie’s new favorite coat. This cozy yet lightweight coat with a flattering fit did not disappoint. Natalie recently wore it on several different hikes when we visited the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She found it functional yet fashionable, a combination that can be hard pressed to find. It is the perfect multi-season fall/spring coat (50s-60s degrees Fahrenheit). It also could be worn in some cooler temperatures with a fleece underneath. The wind/water repellent shell works great too as we did several hikes in the rain and Natalie never got wet. The stitching on the jacket as well as the color and flannel lining really make it look sharp.
KÜHL Women’s SPYFIRE Hoody Review
Natalie really likes the KÜHL Women’s SPYFIRE Hoody too. She likes it so much that she is replacing her Patagonia Micro Puff with this jacket. The quality and warmth of this seems superb to the Patagonia Micro Puff. This is the perfect light yet warm winter coat (with 800-fill-power, responsibly sourced down). It provides warmth without all the bulk making it fashionable too. Natalie also appreciates the blue color that easily pairs with most of her other hiking/outdoor apparel.
KÜHL Men’s AKTIVATOR Hoody Review
Sam tried out the KÜHL Men’s AKTIVATOR Hoody. This lightweight jacket is perfect for active winter activities with even just a simple t-shirt underneath. This coat has three different weights of insulation, giving it supreme temperature regulation. Moreover, it has AERO knit technology to prevent overheating and keeps you warm (yet not too warm) in many temperatures. The water and wind resistance give it the versatility to maintain as your only coat needed for various cooler weather/climates.
We hope this guide helps you plan your future outdoor jacket purchases from KÜHL. Let us know if you have any further questions on these jackets.
Hiking Chapel Basin Loop along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of our favorite hikes we have ever completed. This hike gives you amazing views of the Pictured Rocks along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The North Country Trail (part of the Chapel Basin Loop), between Chapel Beach and Mosquito Beach, is the only place you can see these unique multicolored Pictured Rock cliffs from land. This hike will also take you past two waterfalls (Chapel Falls and Mostiquo Falls), to a unique rock formation (Chapel Rock) and to two beaches (Mostiquo Beach and Chapel Beach). With so much pretty and varied scenery on this hike, the Chapel Basin Loop Trail will not disappoint anyone up to hiking it. Here is our complete guide on hiking the Chapel Basin Loop.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. That means that, at no cost to you, we may get a small commission if you purchase through these links. This helps us keep providing travel resources for you!
FYI This post is written based off two different hikes both completed in early September
How long is the Chapel Basin Loop Hike? How much elevation gain on the Chapel Basin Loop Hike?
This trail is approximately 10 miles with 750 feet of elevation gain and is a loop trail. However, that being said, we have hiked this trail twice and have recorded a longer distance both times. With walking down to the beaches (Mosquito and Chapel beach), we have recorded this hike to be a little over 12 miles both times. We recommend budgeting enough time (and mentally preparing yourself) to hike 12 miles before starting.
Which way should I hike the Chapel Basin Loop?
You have the option to start this loop hike towards Mosquito Falls/Beach (clockwise) or Chapel Falls/Beach (counter-clockwise). See map above for a visual. We have hiked both ways and recommend starting toward Mosquito Falls/Beach. The Mosquito part of the trail involves more elevation and is more uneven/rocky than the start/end of the Chapel Falls part of the loop. It is best to do this Mosquito part of the trail when your legs are fresh and save the relatively flat/smooth Chapel Falls part of the loop for when you are more fatigued at the end of your hike.
What are the Chapel Basin Loop Logistics?
This hike starts at the Chapel Falls Trailhead in Shingleton, Michigan (easy to find by typing into Google Maps).
Start Towards Hiking Mosquito Falls/Beach
Starting towards Mosquito Falls at the trailhead, you will hike about a mile on a rocky/root covered path before arriving at these pretty flowing falls. Mosquito Falls is the less impressive of the two waterfalls you will see on this trail but nonetheless pretty.
After hiking to Mosquito Falls on the Chapel Basin Loop, you will make your way towards Mosquito beach. This will take you about another 1.5 miles. This path is rocky and root covered as well. When you reach the Mosquito area, be sure to look for signage pointing you down to the beach. It is easy to pass it by as it is not easily visible from the main path and you do have to walk down to it. Mosquito Beach is extremely scenic, peaceful and not crowded, especially early in the morning (when we had it to ourselves).
Hike Along the Pictured Rocks
After stopping at Mosquito Beach on the Chapel Basin Loop hike, you will now hike about 4.5 miles parallel to the Lake Superior Shore along the famous Pictured Rocks. This is the best part of the hike! Soak in the views of all the rock formations including Indian Head and Grand Portal Point (our favorite). The views along this part of the path are why we love this hike so much.
Hike Through the Chapel Beach/Falls Area
After you hike along the Pictured Rocks on the Lake Superior Shoreline, you will arrive at Chapel Beach. This is a nice sandy beach. It is more crowded than Mosquito Beach but is a nice place to stop and take a break. You then can hike parallel to Chapel Beach before you reach Chapel Rock. Chapel Rock is a super unique rock formation with a large tree growing on top of it jutting out of the shoreline.
After seeing Chapel Rock, you will turn right and start your hike back towards the parking lot. On the way, you will pass Chapel Falls (after about 1.9 miles). This waterfall is the bigger of the two on this loop. Be careful to not get off the trail here as it can be a bit confusing which path is correct – there are several sections that look like trails to take. You will need to cross a bridge after you see the initial Chapel Falls viewing platform to continue on the trail back towards the parking lot (approximately 1.2 miles away). The trail after this point is relatively flat and smooth before you reach the parking lot.
How long will it take to complete the Chapel Basin Loop Trail?
Budget 5-6 hours when hiking Chapel Basin Loop at Pictured Rocks. You may be able to hike it much faster but it took us between 5 and 6 hours (including breaks) when hiking the first time with only our newborn daughter and then the second time with our newborn son as well as our 2 year old daughter (both carried). For tips on hiking with an infant, see our How to Hike with a Baby post.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Chapel Basin Loop. There is a large fine for bringing them as well so best to leave fido at home. Many of the shorter hikes in the area, covered in our Complete What to do Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Guide, are dog friendly though so be sure to check those out if you will have your dog in tow.
Yes, it is highly trafficked. Arrive early as the trail is less busy earlier in the day. The Chapel Falls/Basin side of the loop tends to be busier because many people only hike out to Chapel Falls and/or Chapel Rock/Beach.
Also, hiking it on a predicted or questionably rainy day helps negate some of the crowds too (just be prepared with the right gear). Here are links to the rain gear we use and love:
We hiked the trail the second time on a questionably rainy and overcast day. We loved how we had the trail mostly to ourselves and luckily we never actually got rained on.
Anything else I need to know about hiking the Chapel Basin Loop?
The road to access the trailhead is in rough conditions and 4WD is preferred to access it. However, you likely could navigate with 2WD if you go slow and carefully. We were easily able to drive the road with an AWD small SUV.
We hope this guide helps you plan hiking the Chapel Basin Loop. See our Complete What to do Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Guide for more information on this area. Anything you’d add to our guide? We’d love to hear your feedback and questions. Please leave us a comment!
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, located in the upper peninsula (UP) of Michigan, is one of the most picturesque areas of the Midwest. The coastline here is absolutely breathtaking, lined with unique colorful cliffs made from ancient sandstone formations. You can hike, kayak or take a boat cruise along the scenic Lake Superior Coastline to soak in all the views. Further, the surrounding area has many stunning waterfalls and other unique scenery to explore. Our guide on ‘What to do in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’ goes over seeing it all.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. That means that, at no cost to you, we may get a small commission if you purchase through these links. This helps us keep providing travel resources for you!
FYI This post is written based off two different trips both taken in early September
What to do Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Hike Chapel Basin Loop
Our first recommendation on what to do in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is to hike the Chapel Basin Loop. Although there are many options and different combinations of routes to hike on the trails in this area, we recommend hiking the Chapel Basin Loop (see map below). This hike gives you amazing views of the Pictured Rocks. The North Country Trail, between Chapel Beach and Mosquito Beach, is the only place you can see these unique multicolored cliffs from land. This hike will also take you past two waterfalls (Chapel Falls and Mostiquo Falls), to a unique rock formation (Chapel Rock) and to two beaches (Mostiquo Beach and Chapel Beach). If you are only going to do one hike in Pictured Rocks, do this one!
Beware that this hike is over 10 miles though so take into consideration your fitness level before completing it. Although there are out-and-back options on the trail, the shortest path to lakeshore is to complete it as a loop. For more detailed information on this hike see our Hiking Chapel Basin Loop Pictured Rocks Guide.
We have completed this hike twice. Once with our newborn daughter in tow and another with our newborn son as well as toddler daughter along. For tips on hiking with an infant, see our How to Hike with a Baby post.
What to do Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Sea Kayaking or Boat Cruise
Our next recommendation on what to do in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is to experience the Pictured Rocks from either a kayak or boat cruise. We particularly recommend doing this if you are not hiking Chapel Basin Loop as these are the only other ways to see the Pictured Rocks in person. See more information on Pictured Rocks Boat Cruises and Paddle Pictured Rocks with these links.
What to do Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Visit Miners Castle, Beach & Falls
From the upper viewpoint at Miners Castle, you can see the unique Miners Castle rock formation against the beautiful Lake Superior turquoise water. This viewpoint is only a very short walk from the parking lot along a paved path. You can hike to a lower viewpoint with some required elevation gain on the return trip but the view is not as good from close-up to Miners Castle. As parents visiting with a young toddler, we really appreciated the little windows they had at all of the viewpoints for our daughter to look out and see the viewpoints safely. The trails here were also very toddler friendly and paved, allowing our toddler to hike alongside us.
You can also hike down further to Miners Beach and on part of the North Country Trail along the Lake Superior Lakeshore. The North Country Trail is the longest trail in the National Trails System stretching 4,800 miles, across 8 states! It is pretty cool if you can say you hiked on part of it.
Be sure to stop and hike to Miners Falls while out this way (trailhead 2 miles before Miners castle parking lot, on the same road). This trail is 1.2 miles with 154 feet of elevation gain and is an out & back trail through the woods. We really liked this trail and found it to be very serene. Our newly 2-year-old daughter was able to easily hike it with us on her own two feet until we got to the viewing platform/stairs where we were glad we had our backpack carrier along. Dogs are allowed here on a leash.
What to do Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Visit More Waterfalls in the Area
The area around Munising has many beautiful waterfalls. Beyond Miners Fall, below are some other waterfalls to see. Ranked from our favorite to least favorite waterfall.
Laughing Whitefish Falls
1.0 Mile, 121 feet of elevation gain, out & back
Largest waterfall in the immediate area
Dogs are allowed here on a leash.
Munising Falls
0.4 Miles, mostly flat but optional stairs to climb, out & back
Paved path
Dogs are allowed here on a leash
Wagner Falls
0.2 Miles, out & back
Dogs are allowed here on a leash
AuTrain Falls
0.2 Miles, out & back
Dogs are allowed here on a leash
What to do Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Hike Beaver Basin Wilderness Trails
This area of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is much less trafficked than the Chapel/Mostiquo area. There are several different hiking options in this area, all offering a little bit different scenery. You can combine these trails anyway you please.
Hike through the COVES section
We hiked through the forest, past Little Beaver Lake and then west on the North Country Trail until the COVES group campsites. The section of the North Country Trail we hiked on here was really pretty and felt untouched. Throughout the COVES section, you can climb down into some of the different coves along the lake for even better lakeshore views.
The forest trail, leading out to the lakeshore, is really unique as well with lots of interesting rock formations. Alternatively, or as an add on, you could also hike around Beaver Lake and east on the North Country Trail.
Note, you cannot see the Pictured Rocks from this hike, you can only see those on the North Country Trail in the Chapel/Mosquito area. You can hike to Spray Falls from this trail though and could continue on the North Country Trail to the Pictured Rocks section (although this would make for a very long hike – a great potential route for backpackers).
What to do Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Day Trip to Tahquamenon State Park
Tahquamenon State Park, located along the Tahquamenon River, is rated as one of the best state parks in Michigan. This is because this park is home to the very large and impressive Upper Tahquamenon Falls.
Day Trip to Tahquamenon State Park: Upper Tahquamenon Falls
This 50 foot waterfall, with its grandeur, will not disappoint and can be viewed from several viewing platforms. It also can be viewed from a paved path but the best views are at the viewing platforms. The walk to each of these platforms is about 1/3 mile on a paved path as well as wooden stairs. To get up close with the falls, go to the upper viewing platform. For more encompassing views, go to the lower viewing platform. We recommend going to both. Each is about 100 stairs to climb up and down but completely worth the effort.
Day Trip to Tahquamenon State Park: Lower Tahquamenon Falls
The Lower Falls is a series of smaller waterfalls but equally beautiful. Here, you can walk down the path and onto the wooden viewing platform, about 0.5 miles, to see all the cascades in this area. You can also hike through the forest around the falls as we did. Another option here is renting a rowboat to ride out to a small island among the falls. On this island, you get contrasting views of the falls and can go for a short 0.5 mile hike through the forest on the island itself.
Day Trip to Tahquamenon State Park: Tahquamenon River Trail
You can also hike between the Lower Falls and Upper Falls along the Tahquamenon River trail. This trail is 4.8 miles one-way or 9.6 miles roundtrip. We hiked a mile out and back of this trail, starting at the lower viewing platform from the Upper Falls. The trail was beautiful! When we visited, the weather was questionable and we did not want to be stuck in the rain on a 9+ mile hike with our 5 week old daughter so we opted not to do the whole trail but that would be a pretty way to see more of the park.
During peak season (not when we were visiting on a weekday in early September), there is a shuttle (Jordan’s Shuttle Service) that runs between the Lower Falls and Upper Falls. This shuttle will take you back to where you started your hike for a fee, at either the Upper Falls or Lower Falls, so you would only have to hike the trail one way.
If you hike between the falls, you may have the trail all to yourself. When we hiked part of the trail, we saw no other people on it (granted it was on a weekday, not during peak season and questionable weather). Most people drive between the two falls (about a 10 minute drive).
Other Tips on Tahquamenon State Park
Between hiking and exploring at the Upper Falls and Lower Falls areas, we ate at the Tahquamenon Brewery. This restaurant is very conveniently located in the Upper Falls parking lot. We’d highly recommend you break up your visit this way. The food and brews were on-point here.
Note: Tahquamenon Falls is about 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from Munising.
What to do Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Paddle the Lazy Au Train River
A family friendly adventure floating down the lazy, mostly sand bottom, Au Train River. Paddle Au Train is a family run, 3rd generation UP business. Paddling this lazy river is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in the peaceful Au Train area.
What to do Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Take a Ferry to Grand Island
Grand Island is located in Lake Superior, about a half mile off the mainland city Munising, Michigan.
Grand Island is a great place to spend part of a day or all day exploring. Here, you can hike, bike (20 miles around the island), kayak/canoe or take a bus tour. For more information on Grand Island rentals click here. For even more of an adventure, you can camp overnight here too.
See a map of Grand island here and ferry schedule/cost here.
What to do Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Day Trip to Grand Marais
Grand Marais is home to a very pretty section of coastline along Lake Superior and a cute little town. Here, we hiked to a lighthouse, a waterfall and sand dunes. We also stopped at a former log slide and got coffee from a trendy local shop.
Day Trip to Grand Marais: Au Sable Lighthouse
Our first stop in Grand Marais was a hike to the Au Sable Light Station along the Lake Superior coastline. This lighthouse was built in the 1870s to help ships navigate after many shipwrecks had occurred in the area. We visited on a very windy day with extremely large crushing waves on Lake Superior and it was very obvious to us why this lighthouse was needed. This hike is 3 miles round trip and is very flat, wide and easy. Dogs are allowed here on a leash.
Day Trip to Grand Marais: Log Slide Overlook
Next, we headed to the Log Slide Overlook. This overlook is a very steep sand dune that was used to slide logs onto ships in Lake Superior many years ago. This steep log slide offers pretty views along the Lake Superior shoreline. You can hike down the log slide but we would not recommend that as it is exceedingly steep and people often need to be rescued while attempting to do this. The overlook is just a short walk from the parking lot but be prepared to walk in the sand briefly. Dogs are not allowed here.
Day Trip to Grand Marais: Sable Falls
After the Log Slide Overlook, we hiked at Sable Falls. The short (0.33 mile) hike to this pretty waterfall is well worth the effort. You hike mostly down a wooden staircase. After the falls, you can continue down to the beach. It is less than 0.25 miles further down to the beach but note the beaches on the other hikes we did on this trip are, in our opinion, much prettier. There is also a trail (0.5 miles one-way) to some sand dunes that we opted to hike on as well. Dogs are allowed to hike on a leash here with you.
Other Grand Marais Tips
While in Grand Marais, be sure to check out the trendy The Dream Bean Machine for some coffee, tea, smoothies or baked goods. This Volkswagon van turned locally owned small coffee shop is super unique and cute.
Although we did not have time for it, another place to consider checking out is Lake Superior Brewing. Note, dining options are very limited in Grand Marais and many have limited hours. Especially after peak season, be sure to check the hours prior to planning to eat anywhere here.
Note: Grand Marais from Munising is about 1 hour drive
What to do Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Visit Kitch-Iti-Kipi Spring
Kitch-Iti-Kipi Spring is a large natural freshwater spring, located in Palm Books State Park. The very clear and turquoise water is unlike any we have seen before. At the spring, there is a self-operated pull raft, with the middle cut out for better water views, that takes you across the spring and allows you to get a close-up look at the spring. It is neat to see the spring bubbling up and the fish that live in the spring scurrying about. We would recommend trying to visit the Kitch-iti-kipi Spring on a weekday to avoid crowds. It is a popular attraction as there is little to no effort required to see it. It is only a short walk from the parking lot on a paved path.
Note: Kitch-Iti-Spring is about 50 minutes drive Southeast from Munising.
What to do Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Take a Shipwreck Tour
Take a glass bottom boat tour to see the unique shipwrecks beneath Lake Superior as well as sandstone cliffs and caves along the shore. Get more information on these tours here. Open Memorial Day weekend through the end of September.
What to do Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Dine in Downtown Munising
There are plenty of different types of restaurants to dine at in Downtown Munising. If you only stop at one place, we recommend stopping at Muldoon’s Pasties to pick up a pastie (pronounced PAST-TEE) traditional UP delicacy (individual pie filled classically with meat and vegetables). Another favorite spot of ours was Pictured Rocks Pizza.
Where to Stay near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
After looking for the perfect place to stay as a family near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, we were so happy when we found the Northwoods Resort in Au Train, about 10 minutes west of Munising. This resort is close enough to all of the activities in the area yet tucked away from the hustle and bustle. It is truly the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. This resort has been family owned and operated for 3 generations. It is family friendly and most of the accommodations are dog friendly. And with charming cottages and large lake houses, there is something to fit everyone’s accommodations needs. Located right on Au Train lake, it’s the perfect place to relax and drink your morning coffee/tea. For more on staying at this place, please see our Where to Stay Near Pictured Rocks post.
FAQs about Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
When to Visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?
Visit in the summer, ideally June-September. The weather is best during this time and the most tour options/ businesses are open during this time as well. Outside of that window, tours offered are very limited due to cooler weather as well as less visitors.
Where to Stay near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?
Is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Dog Friendly?
No. Most of the trails along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore do not allow dogs. However, many of the shorter inland waterfall trails in the area do allow dogs. Please see the waterfall, Miners Waterfall and Grand Marais sections above.
We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Anything you’d add to our guide? We’d love to hear your feedback and questions. Please leave us a comment!
While planning our most recent visit to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, we are so happy we found the Northwoods Resort. Located right on Au Train lake (about 10 minutes west of Munising) with peaceful lakeshore views, this resort offered us the cozy northwoods lake cabin family vacation we were craving. It provided us with easy access to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore yet was tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Munising. This family friendly resort was truly the perfect place for us to stay at and relax while visiting Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with our family. Here’s a run down of why we found the Northwoods Resort to be the perfect spot to stay while visiting Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore!
Located near Munising and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Our top reason we loved staying at the Northwoods Resort is that the resort is close enough to all of the activities in the area yet tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Munising. With being only a 10 minute drive from Munising, you have easy access to anything you may want to do there while being afforded the peace and quiet offered by staying a little west in quaint Au Train. It is truly the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the area. Please see our What to do Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for more information on activities in the area.
Small Business and Family Friendly
We always love supporting small and family run businesses. This resort has been family owned and operated for 3 generations. The owners, Erin and Jake, do a great job making sure you have everything during your stay. Being a family run business, all of the accommodations are family friendly. Most of the accommodations are dog friendly as well, making the resort a great place to visit with your whole family.
Where to Stay Near Pictured Rocks:Great Outdoor Space
Located right on Au Train lake, the properties at this resort are the perfect place to relax and drink your morning coffee/tea. Some of the accommodations are right along the lakefront while others are just across the street. At the cabin we stayed at, we had a private lakefront backyard with a pier, deck and fire pit. Our favorite part of this was being able to wake up with lake views. Our 2 year old daughter loved watching the ducks swimming in the lake from the big living room windows too.
Something for Everyone’s Budget and Needs
With charming cottages and large lake houses, there is something to fit everyone’s accommodations needs and budget here. We stayed at Wielands cabin right on the Au Train lakeshore. This property is perfect for a bigger/extended family – 3 bedrooms with a loft and sleeps 8. There are also smaller, less expensive cabins you can stay at as well. See the Northwoods Resort website for more information and specifics on each cabin.
Activities Onsite
The Northwoods Resort also owns and operates Paddle Au Train which is located just steps aways from most of the resort properties. Here, you can rent a kayak/canoe and paddle the Au Train river. Paddling this lazy river is a great way to enjoy the outdoors not far from your accommodations. Likewise, less than 2 miles down the street, there is the Northwoods Outpost that has delicious pizza and ice cream. It was so nice to have a dining option so close by.
Onsite Staff
Unlike other online rental platforms, at the Northwoods Resort onsite office, there is always someone there from 9am-5pm daily to answer any questions or address any concerns. The staff is also very responsive via phone call or text as well. Being locally owned and operated, there is always someone nearby to help if any issues do arise, giving you peace of mind in case you do need something during your stay.
We hope this guide helps you plan your stay near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We can’t wait to visit again. Visit the Northwoods Resort website or call (906) 892-8114 to check availability and book your stay. Erin, one of the owners, is a great resource while visiting the area and during your stay as well. She is a fantastic host, allowing you your space yet is available for any questions!
Devil’s Lake is one of the most popular and scenic Wisconsin state parks. The picturesque bluffs and rocks that line this lake make Devil’s Lake a great place for many activities. Whether you want to go for a picturesque hike, have a beach day or rock climb, Devil’s Lake has a lot to offer. Located in central southern Wisconsin, about 45 miles northwest from Madison, Devil’s Lake State Park is an easy day trip or overnight camping trip from not only Madison but Milwaukee, La Crosse and Wausau as well. After visiting this park many times, here is our guide to visiting Devil’s Lake State Park.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. That means that, at no cost to you, we may get a small commission if you purchase through these links. This helps us keep providing travel resources for you!
Devils Lake State Park Guide: Hike Around the Lake
If visiting Devil’s Lake State Park, make sure to go for at least one hike. We recommend that if you’re only doing one hike, that you hike around the entire lake, connecting the East Bluff and West Bluff trails. This loop hike is approximately 5 miles long with 1000 feet of elevation gain (highlighted in yellow on map below).
We recommend parking at the south shore parking lot at Devil’s Lake and then hiking counterclockwise starting on the East Bluff Trail. The beginning of the East Bluff trail from the south shore is the most difficult/technically challenging area of the hike. There are many steep and exposed rock ‘steps’ in this section whereas other up/down sections of this hike are a bit less steep and without such big rock drop offs. It is best to do this part of the hike going up as well with fresh legs. On this section of the East Bluff trail you will also go past the interesting balanced rock formation. We have hiked this loop around Devil’s Lake many times in different directions and think this is the best route to hike it. It will likely take you 2-3 hours to hike depending on your pace and how many breaks you take.
Looking to hike Devil’s Lake State Park with your baby? See our How to Hike with a Baby guide.
Other Recommended Devil’s Lake State Park Hikes
East Bluff Woods Trail
1.3 miles one way, flat but about 500 feet of elevation gain involved to reach the trail
Hike in the woods parallel to the East Bluff Trail. You will not get any bluff views on this trail. However, you will have this wooded trail mainly to yourself as this trail is much less busy than East Bluff Trail. You can make a loop out of the East Bluff Trail and the East Bluff Wooded Trail, starting and ending at the south shore parking lot or the north shore parking lot. We like this trail because there are very few people on it and it’s very peaceful. If you are visiting on a busy weekend, this might be a nice escape from the people. Additionally, if you are staying for more than one day, this loop serves as a great way to break up the elevation by doing the East and West Bluff trails on separate days.
Tumbled Rocks Trail
1 mile one way, flat
Hike along the lakeshore where you parallel yet remain below the West Bluff Trail. This is an easy flat hike and is a great option for anyone who does not want to hike very much elevation. This trail is almost completely in the sun though, so try to do it very early or make sure that you have good sun protection. You can also hike this trail in a loop with the West Bluff Trail or combine it with hiking around the lake on the East Bluff Trail or East Bluff Woods Trail.
Devil’s Doorway
2 miles, loop, 500 feet of elevation gain
This hike will take you past the impressive Devil’s Doorway rock formation. You can easily add reaching this spot onto hiking the Devil’s Lake loop too (see map, just off the East Bluff Trail). This hike requires some scrambling though and we would NOT recommend hiking it if baby wearing (which of late has been the only way we are hiking) or if you are afraid of heights/a rock scramble. This is a unique spot but can get very crowded on weekends. Last time we hiked this (without kids), it was so crowded it felt unsafe with little room to move. Try to hike this trail on a weekday or early in the day if possible.
Grottos Trail
0.7 miles, one way, 100 feet of elevation gain
This trail takes you through the woods and along some pretty rock formations. This is a bonus hike if you are looking for an easy walk through the woods. The other trails are more unique and we would recommend those over this one any day.
Devils Lake not only offers great hiking but also has several nice sandy beaches. You can spend some time at either the south shore beach or the north shore beach. The north shore beach is a bit busier and with a bit more infrastructure (larger concessions and more beach rentals). The south shore does not have as much infrastructure but is also a bit less busy. On the west side of the south shore beach, there is a beach area for dogs as well. Otherwise, dogs are not allowed in the main beach areas. Therefore, if you are bringing your dog, be sure to stick to the south shore on the west side where it is clearly marked that it is the pet beach. A boardwalk parallels this area as well, making it easy to differentiate from the rest of the beach.
We prefer the south shore beach over the north shore beach as we usually have our dog with us but both are very pretty and family friendly. If you are hiking around the whole lake, you will see both of these beaches. If you hike in the lake loop path in the direction we recommend, you will end up at the Devil’s Lake south shore beach, making it a natural relaxation spot after your hike. However, you can drive to either beach, making it easy to check out both.
Visiting Devil’s Lake State Park Guide: Go Camping
Pitch a tent or bring your camper to spend some more time at this park camping. There are plenty of camping spots. If you want to visit over particular dates, be sure to make your reservations early (can be made as early as 11 months in advance) to get the dates you want as this park is a very popular camping destination. Use this link to reserve a campsite.
Another option for overnight accommodations would be to stay in the Wisconsin Dells as that area is less than 30 minutes from the park and with many accommodations options.
Devil’s Lake State Park Guide: Go Rock Climbing
With all the pretty rock formations throughout Devils Lake State Park, there are plenty of places where you can go rock climbing. Natalie has gone rock climbing at Devil’s Lake with a friend who has a lot of experience rock climbing and all the gear. If you are new to rock climbing, or do not have any of the gear, you can hire someone to take you rock climbing. On our most recent trip, we saw several people rock climbing with guides they hired.
As previously mentioned above, Devils Lake is dog friendly. There is a dog beach and dogs are allowed on the trails on a leash. They are also allowed at the campgrounds on a leash.
It is important to note though that some small dogs might not be able to climb up the rocks on parts of the trail very easily, particularly on the southside leading from the south shore parking lot up to the West Bluff Trail. Our 30 lb cavapoo is able to get up most of these rocks but some parts are a bit steep. We only had to carry him up one rock this last visit. If you have a smaller dog than that, you may have to carry them more. Be mindful of this, as it may be hard to keep your balance if you are carrying a dog. If this situation worries you, it might be best to leave your dog at home or avoid this trail.
Devils Lake State Park Guide: Bring Food
There is a concession stand at both the south and north entrance of the park but both have very limited options. We recommend you pack a picnic to enjoy at either the south or north shore beach where you have numerous picnic areas/tables to choose from. There are also some restaurants in the surrounding area but options are very limited as well.
Devils Lake State Park Guide: Use Wisconsin State Parks Pass
There is an entrance fee to every Wisconsin State Park ($8 per day). If you plan on visiting three or more state parks or one state park more than three times in the same calendar year, be sure to buy a Wisconsin State parks pass ahead of time. This pass is $28 (for WI resident, $35 non resident) and here is a link to buy the pass. We recommend buying this in advance. Depending on what time of day you arrive at any of the state parks, the entrance office may not be staffed and you will be left having to buy a day pass ($8, bring cash).
We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Devils Lake. Anything you’d add to our guide? We’d love to hear your feedback and questions. Please leave us a comment!
