Waterfalls, river, and lighthouse history
At Miners Falls, an easy 1.2-mile roundtrip trail crosses forest to Miners River and a waterfall that drops 50 feet over sandstone. Another 64 steps lead down to a lower platform. Miners Castle to Miners Beach is a 2.0-mile roundtrip North Country Scenic Trail segment, descending to the beach and crossing Miners River; a pickup at the beach parking lot can shorten the walk. Pets are allowed at the two destinations, but not on that trail between them. NPS
The 3.0-mile roundtrip walk to Au Sable Light Station starts at Hurricane River Campground and follows an old access road along shoreline where exposed shipwreck remains appear. Families lived and worked at the light station from 1874 to 1958, and guided tours are provided in summer. Leashed pets are allowed on the road and grounds; bicycles are not allowed on the road. NPS
Woodland routes at the east and west
Sable Creek Trail is a 2.0-mile roundtrip walk between Grand Sable Visitor Center and Sable Falls. It moves through mature maple forest, follows Sable Creek, crosses an old farm field, and meets Grand Sable Dunes Trail at 0.8 miles. Pets are not allowed. NPS
At Twelvemile Beach Campground, White Birch Trail is 2.0 miles one way and interprets upland natural history. Non-campers start from the day-use area, walk through the campground to Site 6, and finish on the campground road, one-quarter mile east of the trailhead. Leashed pets are permitted. NPS
Chapel Basin choices
Chapel Basin and Mosquito Area hikes begin at the Chapel/Mosquito trailhead at the end of Chapel Road. The primitive access road has deep potholes and washouts, and parking is limited, so arriving early is practical. No pets are allowed on trails or beaches in this area. NPS
Shorter options include the 2.0-mile roundtrip Mosquito Falls route, where the river drops over three rock shelves, and the 2.5-mile roundtrip Chapel Falls hike along an old roadbed through upland maple forest. The 3.9-mile straight out-and-back to Mosquito Beach is usually muddy and rough; a loop past Mosquito Falls makes it 4.5 miles. NPS
Cliffs, loops, and surface conditions
The 6.2-mile roundtrip route to Chapel Rock and Chapel Beach passes Chapel Falls; hikers may return the same way or loop along Chapel Lake’s north and west side. The Chapel Loop, including Mosquito Falls, is a 10.5-mile full loop from the parking lot. It links Chapel Falls, Chapel Rock, Chapel Beach, Pictured Rocks cliffs, Mosquito River, and Mosquito Beach. Stay careful at the cliff edge and keep off Chapel Rock. NPS
The Beaver Basin Wilderness Loop is a 5.5 mile loop through several forest types, around Beaver Lake’s north side, along Beaver Creek, and back near Lake Superior on part of the North Country Scenic Trail. Longer routes commonly include dirt paths, slopes, rock steps, sand, mud, roots, or uneven ground. Summer and fall are the most popular hiking seasons; long winter snowshoe hikes are also possible. NPS
Sources & further reading
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