I drove up from Mackinaw City to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for a day trip to hike Chapel Rock, Mosquito River (not a coincidence), & the North County trail loop. It was one of the longest trails I’ve done at 9.6 miles. It is nice to prove yourself up to a challenge every once and awhile. Now I know I can handle more haha.
You will take dirt roads to get back to the parking lot which does have a porta potty situation (only one more on the trail by the beach). Make sure you follow the signs or you will veer off like I did.
I recommend starting the trail earlier rather than later to maybe beat the crowds if you come during a specific season. I also recommend doing the trail counter clockwise to start with the Mosquito River portion so towards the end you have the peace of the woods portion. It was incredible! I also recommend longer clothes ,bug spray, or a mosquito head net. Better to be over-prepared.
The trail itself took me under four hours with very little breaks but you could easily stretch this into a whole day but I already drove two hours there and had to do it back. I say this because you have a river, bridges, beach, so many overlooks, woods, flowers, and well nature.
That’s all the photos I will be posting. I suggest you check it out if you are ever in the area 🙂
I hope you enjoy! – Abigail