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Written by Helen DeMarshClimbing… in Michigan? No way, you might say–it’s all flat and/or snowy. That is not entirely the case, however: at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, there is world-class ice climbing to be found.It is true that most of the state is geologically unsuitable for climbing. The entire Lower Peninsula (and parts of the eastern Upper Peninsula) is dominated by a large limestone basin centered on the ‘palm’ of the Mitten. This is topped by a heterogenous mixture of gravel, boul … read more

The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of Michigan’s natural treasures, and in early May, I got to explore its many trails and campsites over a 5-day backpacking trip. For anyone who hasn’t been, pictures don’t do it justice: I had wanted to hike Pictured Rocks for so long and spent hours poring over trail maps and guide books, but even professional photos don’t capture how amazing it is. I looked over hundred foot sheer cliffs onto floating chunks of ice in Lake Superior. I hiked the p … read more