Pictured Rock National Lakeshore

“I'm heading off to PRNL on Thursday and was wondering if anyone out there knew the trail there very well?

I'm wondering about bears, the quality of the designated back wood camping areas, and expected mph. The guy who planned the trip and I dissagree with how fast we expect to go.”

“I've been there 6 times.

There have been many reports of bears but I've never had any problems. There are bear poles at the campsites so I never worried much.

The campsites are generally in very nice areas. Expect them to look a little trampled after a summer of use.

I haven't a clue as to your hiking speed, but I personally would rate the trail as easy to moderate.”

“Easy to Moderate is what I was thinking (guessing 2-3 mph).

The thing I was wondering about the campsites is the availability of trees inside of the 15' area. I have a jungle hammock that I'm planning on using so trees are helpful. And since you have been there before how big are the markers for the camping areas, meaning are they poles (4x4s), how high?”

“I don't remember specifically but I don't think they would be enough to hang your hammock from. All the sites I remember had enough trees tho. Have fun! I was in Munising Sat and the trees are looking good.”

“I can hardly wait to see the trees turning. This will be my first time so far north (I live in St Louis). I have high hopes for the trip, from what I've read the climate and terrain are similar to that of the Oregon coast, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite places.

Thanks for the info on the trees. I exchanged a couple of emails with one of the rangers who wasn't terribly helpful. They were primarily an office person not a trail ranger I guess. I'm still planning on bringing my bivy sack just in case but hope not to use it. I just got this hammock, its the Clark Jungle Hammock maybe you have heard of it. I've been reading everything I can find on it and now that I've had the chance to set it up am really looking forward to spending a night in it.

(aside) I replied to you on one of the other threads about posting pics, if your not so good with HTML let me know and I can help you set something up.”

“JBane, bring warm clothes. Northwoods of WI and UP weather is predicted to be in the 40s for highs with rain/snow possible this weekend. So nippy and damp is likely. The colors here in northern Wisconsin just below the U.P. are about peak, so it should be splendid along the Superior shore. Hope the weather forecast is wrong, but it is in the 50s and drizzling now and seems they are right on target so far.

I'll try to remember to update the forecast after the evening news tonight. BTW, what route are you using to come north? I'm an ex-Yooper in Rhinelander and the drive from here up to Marquette, then across to Munising, is exceedingly lovely this time of year.”

“Pekka,
You sure lost me on the route. We are comming up through Green Bay (like I said I'm in St Louis) on I 43 then we are taking 41 through Escanaba picking up 94 into Munising.”

“Went to PRNL this year for the first time. We had a great experience, except for the mosquitos.

As I recall, the backcountry camping had lots of trees. However, I don't know which sites your using.

I am jealous - would love to see that area during fall season!

ENJOY”

“If i remember right there are trees all round the sites, but the sites themselves are open dirt packed places. One sugestion -take the side trips to the backwoods lake and waterfalls-too good to miss. This is a easy trail I can only remember one place where you have to climb up to one of the campsites.”

“Yep, its about that time of year that the snow starts flying! I graduated from Michigan Tech, and the U.P. is beautiful this time of year. The "unofficial Michigan Tech Colorogist" lists the colors at 78.4% on Monday in the Keewenaw Penninsula. Colors should be great in Munising.

I'm headed to Pictured Rocks next summer. I'm sure I'll be drawing on everyone's experiences as my trip gets closer!

Have a great time, JBane!”

“It's an easy hike with lots of side-trip possibilities, looking for shipwreck remnants, beachcombing for agates & other treasures and gazing at, ta da, the pictured rocks......so you may want to adjust the hiking to see the sights. If you're hiking the whole trail, there's lots to see. Gorgeous fall colors now.

I agree, the bear poles work fine. Probably more pesky racoons than anything else altho I've had a close encounter with a porcupine and a skunk (close, not smelly!) at backcountry campsites there. And a yes to being prepared for winter weather this time of year.”

“They're predicting sleet/snow for Friday. Colors are GREAT! I'm just down the road and I can't join you. I feel like crying. I think I'll go eat worms. ;o)

Have a great time. I'm hoping they're wrong in the weather predictions but it is cold and raining right now. Can't wait to hear your trip report!”

“JBane, your route sounds pretty direct, and you'll get to see some Green Bay and Bay de Noc shoreline. The drive from Escanaba to Munising promises to be colorful.

Look at the sleet this way -- no black flies or skeeters! Hope that you have a great time.”

“I'd take sleet over blackflies anyday! JBane, make sure you post a report! Have fun”

“Will do and I should have pics too.

I completely agree with taking the sleet over the flies. My friends and I are converted cavers and have only been back packing a year or so now but we sure do prefer the cooler weather.
I've been a caver for about 10 years and you kind of get used to the 57 degrees for your hiking/climbing around.
Thanks again everyone for your valuable info.”