Chapel Loop

This route beings by crossing the wooded Mosquito River basin on the way to Mosquito Beach. Visitors should keep an eye out for the Mosquito Falls Trail, which will lead past a scenic waterfall and eventually deposit hikers at Mosquito Beach. From Mosquito Beach to Chapel Beach, the majority of the route follows the North Country Trail along the cliff edges of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore overlooking Lake Superior. These sandstone cliffs are streaked with colors from mineral deposits. With the right lighting and moisture, the cliff edges show the vivid colors responsible for the name "Pictured Rocks." Numerous vistas can be found along the cliff edge overlooking the cliffs, the arches, and the rockfalls. From Chapel Beach, cross the creek to head up to Chapel Rock before following the creek back towards Chapel Falls and Chapel Lake (or continue along the lakeshore to Spray Falls about 1.6 mile farther (each way).Once you're ready to head back to the trailhead, keep an eye out for the Chapel Rock Trail, which will lead back to the start of the loop.

Pictured Rocks is the first National Lakeshore established. The rocks show many colors as the minerals streak across the face. The rocks are great from below too, book a kayak trip with a local outfitter for an up close view of the formations.