Chapel Falls Trail Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
A stunning 10-mile loop hike in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, featuring waterfalls, beaches, and dramatic Lake Superior cliffs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and parking rush
Chapel Falls Trail Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Best Time
Beat the crowds and parking rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 10-mile loop hike in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, featuring waterfalls, beaches, and dramatic Lake Superior cliffs.
"The Chapel Loop delivers beautiful falls, dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and legendary rock formations, all along Lake Superior."
Pack for a Marathon
This 10-mile hike requires ample water & snacks. No water taps on trail! :water_pistol:
Bug Spray is Non-Negotiable
Summer brings swarms of mosquitoes. Cover up and use strong repellent! :bug:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chapel Falls
Along the Chapel Loop Trail
A beautiful cascade tucked away, offering a refreshing surprise early in the hike.
Chapel Beach
Along the Chapel Loop Trail
A stunning, secluded beach with crystal-clear Lake Superior waters, perfect for a swim or a break.
Mosquito Falls
Along the Chapel Loop Trail
Another picturesque waterfall that's a highlight of the loop, often visited before Chapel Falls.
+1
Grand Portal Point
Along the Chapel Loop Trail
Offers dramatic cliffside views overlooking Lake Superior and unique rock formations.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Long Day
Bug Spray is Essential
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for a Marathon
This 10-mile hike requires ample water & snacks. No water taps on trail! :water_pistol:
Bug Spray is Non-Negotiable
Summer brings swarms of mosquitoes. Cover up and use strong repellent! :bug:
Consider the Shortcut
If short on time, skipping Mosquito Falls saves hours. :shortcut:
Footwear Matters
Trail can be muddy and rugged. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for a Marathon
This 10-mile hike requires ample water & snacks. No water taps on trail! :water_pistol:
Bug Spray is Non-Negotiable
Summer brings swarms of mosquitoes. Cover up and use strong repellent! :bug:
Consider the Shortcut
If short on time, skipping Mosquito Falls saves hours. :shortcut:
Footwear Matters
Trail can be muddy and rugged. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Limited Cell Service
Expect little to no cell signal. Download offline maps. :iphone:
Go Clockwise for Falls First
Starting clockwise leads you to Mosquito Falls earlier in the hike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers consistently praise the Chapel Loop for its breathtaking scenery, including waterfalls, beaches, and dramatic cliffs overlooking Lake Superior. The trail is described as challenging due to its length but rewarding, offering a sense of accomplishment. Some find the bugs to be a significant issue during summer months, and parking can be extremely limited.
"Wow is all I can say. I highly recommend the whole hike ,the loop, to see everything. At a slow pace it took about 6 hours. Pack enough food and water , you will not find any water taps. Pack flashlights just in case the hike runs late. No real cell service , occasional a signal hits bit of no use.
With that said , best trail I have been on in years. Breathtaking views , beautiful beaches, and friendly hikers."
Patrick Kinney
"Took the 10-mile loop, and we thought it'd take 5-6 hrs, it ended up being a much longer day than expected, stretched into more like 8 hrs. We took a longer break at the beach and stopped for plenty of photos at the viewpoints, but even so, it’s a long hike. The trail itself is easy, just very lengthy. I love loops and waterfalls, but if you’re short on time, I support skipping the Mosquito Falls loop and taking the shortcut instead. Still, the scenery was beautiful, the hike tested our resilience, and finishing left us feeling so accomplished. Definitely recommend this hike at Pictured Rocks!"
Haeyoon
"Did the full 10-mile Chapel Loop with my 9-year-old son — his first long hike ever. Took us about 8–9 hours with plenty of breaks, snacks, and water. The views were absolutely worth it — cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, and Lake Superior all in one trail. Some parts were muddy and rugged but manageable. It’s a challenging hike, but doable if you pace yourself. Unforgettable experience and a huge confidence boost for both of us. Highly recommend!"
Oscar Leal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chapel Loop Trailhead is located off H-58 in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arrive early or consider visiting on a weekday. +1
Yes, there is a designated parking area, but it is known to fill up very early. On busy days, cars may be parked along the road for a mile or more. +1
Yes, Munising is the closest town to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. From Munising, you'll drive east on H-58 to reach the Chapel Loop Trailhead.
The trail is generally well-marked, but it's always a good idea to have a map. Many hikers recommend downloading an offline map on their phone as cell service is unreliable.
Currently, there are no official shuttle services directly to the Chapel Loop Trailhead. It's best to drive your own vehicle or arrange private transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore does not require an entrance fee for day use. However, if you plan to camp, you will need to obtain a backcountry permit.
The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, the Chapel Loop Trail is best experienced during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
No tickets are required for day hiking. If you plan to camp, it's advisable to book your backcountry permit in advance, especially during peak season.
As there is no entrance fee for day use, there are no specific discounts or passes for hiking. However, an America the Beautiful Pass covers camping fees if applicable.
While the park is open in winter, the Chapel Loop Trail can be challenging due to snow and ice. Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing may be possible, but check conditions beforehand.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The full 10-mile Chapel Loop typically takes 6-9 hours to complete, depending on your pace, breaks, and how often you stop for photos. +2
The trail is considered moderately difficult due to its length. While there isn't significant elevation gain, the 10 miles can be challenging. +1
You'll experience a diverse landscape including forests, waterfalls (Chapel Falls, Mosquito Falls), beaches, and stunning overlooks of Lake Superior.
There are restrooms at the trailhead and at Chapel Beach. These are typically vault toilets. +1
Yes, it can be suitable for children, but it's a long hike. Families have successfully completed it with younger children by pacing themselves and taking frequent breaks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food services or restaurants directly on the Chapel Loop Trail. You must pack all your food and drinks.
Pack plenty of water (at least 2-3 liters per person) and high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and sandwiches.
The nearest dining options are in Munising, which offers various restaurants and cafes.
Yes, Chapel Beach is a great spot for a picnic. Remember to pack out everything you pack in to keep the area clean.
The main restriction is to pack out all trash. There are no specific food restrictions, but be mindful of wildlife and do not feed animals.
📸 📸 Photography
Chapel Falls, Chapel Beach, Grand Portal Point, and Mosquito Falls are all highly photogenic. The overlooks of Lake Superior also offer stunning shots.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best light for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows.
No special permit is required for personal photography. However, commercial photography or videography may require a permit.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Drones are generally prohibited in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the latest park regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, and make it a fun, collaborative effort. The sense of accomplishment for kids completing such a long hike can be immense. Be prepared for potential mud and uneven terrain, so ensure children wear appropriate footwear.
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
+1 The pristine Chapel Beach provides stunning opportunities for landscape shots, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens for capturing intricate details. Be aware that cell service is virtually nonexistent, so download offline maps and consider bringing a portable charger for your devices.
Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of this incredible area.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Chapel Loop Experience
+1Along the way, you'll traverse through shaded forests, offering a respite from the sun, before emerging onto breathtaking overlooks of Lake Superior. The trail can be muddy and rugged in sections, especially after rain, so sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended.
Planning is key for this hike. Given the lack of cell service and amenities, packing ample water (at least 2-3 liters per person) and high-energy snacks is crucial.
Waterfalls and Beaches of the Chapel Loop
Not far from it, Mosquito Falls provides another lovely waterfall experience, often visited before reaching the main attractions. +1Chapel Beach is a true gem, a serene stretch of sand along the vast expanse of Lake Superior. It's an ideal spot to take a break, enjoy a picnic, and even take a dip in the cool, clear waters if you're brave enough.
The combination of these water features with the dramatic cliffside views makes the Chapel Loop a truly unforgettable hiking destination. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit