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The national lakeshore offers over a 100 miles of hiking trails AND the summertime holds perfect weather for splashing and sunbathing
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P I C T U R E D R O C K S N AT I O N A L L A K E S H O R E
Are you hoping for a pristine beach in the middle of the Midwest ? Head to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for some of the most beautiful waterfront scenery around . The national lakeshore offers over a 100 miles of hiking trails and the summertime holds perfect weather for splashing and sunbathing . The lakeshore is open year round , 24 hours a day – weather permitting . During the winter seasons , the park may post alerts or even fully shut down due to snow and ice , but the visitor ’ s center and the website will let you know in advance , so when planning your visit , be sure to check for information through these outlets .
There are plenty of options for drive-in campgrounds if you ’ re traveling by RV , and there are also several choices for nearby motels and lodging . The shoreline spans just over 40 miles of sand , cliffs , and natural wonders , and the beaches stretch out to over 12 miles of soft sand and calm waters to enjoy .
Pets are permitted in designated areas , and you may even be able to hike the forest with them , as long as you have them on a leash . Be sure to venture to one or all of the waterfalls , such as the Tahquamenon Falls or the Laughing Whitefish Falls . These beautiful structures are the result of the water running over the limey sandstone , and each formation will be more unique than the last .
End your trip with a picture-perfect view of the lighthouses and maritime sites , like the Au Sable Point or the Sand Point . The rich blue water from the lake provides a jawdropping background for the tall , white lighthouses that peak out from the cliffs .
14 | Summer 2017 | Travel Midwest