Chapel Falls Pictured Rocks: Visiting Guide 2024
Chapel Falls Pictured Rocks is a popular waterfall to visit in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The waterfall is in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which is a protected natural area. It is a gorgeous waterfall, that is surrounded by lush green forest in the summer and colorful fall leaves in autumn.
Chapel Falls is definitely worth visiting on your next trip to the Upper Peninsula. However, there are a few things to know about visiting the waterfall, and this guide covers everything you need to know to have an incredible experience at Chapel Falls.
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What are Chapel Falls Pictured Rocks?
Chapel Falls Pictured Rocks is a beautiful waterfall in Michigan. This is one of the more remote waterfalls in the Pictured Rocks area and requires a short hike to get there. Chapel Falls is an impressive 60 feet high, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the area.
Best Time to Visit Chapel Falls Pictured Rocks
The best time to visit Chapel Falls Pictured Rocks is in autumn. During October, the fall leaves turn various shades of red, yellow, and orange creating a stunning fall atmosphere. Chapel Falls is surrounded by trees, so the fall foliage makes for a gorgeous time to visit the waterfall.
Summer is another great time of year to visit Chapel Falls. Between June and August, the weather is typically between 50°-76° F, which is perfect for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. The forest area is filled with lush green trees, which gives it a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.
Where are Chapel Falls Pictured Rocks?
Chapel Falls is a waterfall in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The falls are located in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, about 15 miles east of the town of Munising. The waterfall is just a short hike off from Chapel Road.
How to Get to Chapel Falls Pictured Rocks
To get to Chapel Falls Pictured Rocks, you’ll take Alger County Road H-58 to Chapel Road, which is a dirt road. From there, head 5 miles north to the end of Chapel Road. There is a small parking area near the end of the road, but it can fill up quickly.
After parking your car, you’ll take a short hike to the waterfall. The trailhead starts at the end of the road and it is about a 1.2-mile walk from there to Chapel Falls. At Chapel Falls, there are two viewing platforms to see the falls, which allows you to see the falls from different angles.
If you continue on the trail past Chapel Falls, you can also reach Chapel Beach in about 2.2 miles. Additionally, you can choose to complete the whole Chapel Loop Trail, which passes by several sites in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore but is a moderately difficult hike.
Chapel Falls Pictured Rocks Visiting Tips
When visiting Chapel Falls Pictured Rocks, there are some important things to consider. Below are some top tips to help you to have a great experience visiting the waterfall.
Top Tip 1: Get There Early
Chapel Falls and the Chapel Falls Loop Trail are quite popular and can get crowded. This is especially true during the summer months when many people visit the Upper Peninsula for a vacation. By going early, you’ll have a better chance of a quiet and peaceful visit to the waterfall.
In addition to helping you avoid crowds, getting to Chapel Falls early will help you find parking much easier. For the best experience at Chapel Falls, it is good to get there between sunrise to 9 am if you are going during the busy summer months.
If you do get there later in the day, know that parking may be limited. In this case, you will see cars parking along the road that leads up to the trailhead.
Top Tip 2: Bring Plenty of Water
Whenever you are hiking, it’s important to bring plenty of water to avoid dehydration. There also isn’t any running water between the trailhead of Chapel Loop and Chapel Falls, so you’ll need to come prepared with plenty of drinking water to keep you hydrated.
If you plan to hike past Chapel Falls and continue on the Chapel Loop Trail then you may be hiking for a few hours. In this case, you may also want to bring a snack like a protein bar for extra energy.
It’s good to note that there is a seasonal vault bathroom available at the trailhead, but there is no running water available in this bathroom.
Top Tip 3: Pets Aren’t Allowed at Chapel Falls
Unfortunately, if you have pets you can’t bring them on any of the trails in the Chapel Loop area, including Chapel Falls. This is a rule set by the Michigan DNR to protect people and animals on the trails.
However, if you are looking for a pet-friendly trail in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore then you can check out the trail to Miners Falls or the trail to Sable Falls. Both these trails allow for dogs on leashes.
Top Tip 4: The Road Approaching the Trail Can be Rough
As a first-time visitor, it’s good to know that Chapel Road can be difficult to drive on. This is the road that leads up to the trailhead of Chapel Falls. Chapel Road is a dirt road and gets a little bumpy. Potholes are also common on this road, so you’ll want to drive slowly.
In the winter this dirt road is not plowed or maintained, so it is best to avoid driving on it when there is snow.
Top Tip 5: Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail directly to Chapel Falls is relatively easy, but if you go further to Chapel Beach or continue with the whole Chapel Loop then it does get more difficult. Either way, it is a good idea to wear sturdy shoes that will support your feet while hiking.
A good pair of sturdy tennis shoes will work, but it’s best to have waterproof hiking boots as these tend to have more grip and are very sturdy. Additionally, the waterproof part helps in case the trail is muddy or wet.
Top Tip 6: Stay on the Trail
Although it can be tempting to go off the trail for a better view, it isn’t worth it to do that. Going off the marked trail can be unsafe at certain times as the ground may be unsteady or there may be cliffs. Once you arrive at Chapel Falls, there are different viewing platforms to view the falls safely.
If you go past the Chapel Falls and continue on the Chapel Loop, some parts of the trail go along the cliff edge for stunning views over Lake Superior. It’s important to stay on the marked trail in this area to avoid getting too close to the cliff edge.
Top Tip 7: Don’t Forget Bug Spray and Sunscreen
Chapel Falls is located in a forested area, and these areas can be prone to mosquitos at certain times of the year. If you visit from late May to early July, you may also run into the black flies which can be an annoyance. Due to this, it is a good idea to put on some bug spray before leaving on the hike just in case.
Additionally, If you are hiking in the summer, it’s always a good idea to put on some sunscreen so that you don’t get sunburnt while you are out exploring.
Where to Stay to Visit Chapel Falls Pictured Rocks
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is in the Upper Peninsula, which is quite remote. There are campgrounds in the area, and many people choose to tent camp or bring their RV or camper.
However, if you don’t want to camp then it is best to stay near Munising which is the closest town to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Below are some highly rated places to stay near Munising, Michigan.
Comfort Inn & Suites Munising
Comfort Inn & Suites is located right on the lakeshore and has great views. The rooms are clean and comfortable, making it a great place to relax after a day of exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The hotel also includes a complimentary breakfast each day.
Roam Inn
This boutique hotel is highly rated and overlooks Lake Superior. The rooms at Roam Inn are spacious and comfortable, which is great for families. There are also suite-style rooms and balcony rooms available. The hotel also features an on-site restaurant.
Chapel Falls Pictured Rocks: FAQ
The hike to Chapel Rock and Chapel Falls in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is 6.2 miles roundtrip. If you only hike to Chapel Falls it is much shorter, at about 1.2 miles long. You can also choose to do the full Chapel Loop hike which goes by Mosquito Falls in addition to Chapel Rock and Chapel Falls. The full Chapel Loop hike is 10.2 miles and is considered a moderate difficulty level. Depending on which option you choose and how fast you go, the hike will likely take 3-5 hours to complete.
There is parking available at the end of Chapel Road, where you will find the Chapel Loop Pictured Rocks trailhead. However, parking spots are limited and can fill up quickly, especially in the summer or on weekends. It is possible to park along the road and you’ll see several cars doing this on busier days.
Chapel Falls Pictured Rocks are worth visiting. It is a scenic hike through the lush green forest that leads to a beautiful waterfall. Additionally, it is worth it to continue the hike to Chapel Rock and Chapel Beach, which are other great viewpoints in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This is one of the best areas to experience the incredible scenery in the Upper Peninsula.
Final Thoughts: Chapel Falls Pictured Rocks
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Michigan, and for good reason. Chapel Falls Pictured Rocks is the perfect place to visit to experience the natural beauty that is found in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Not only is Chapel Falls worth visiting, but there are also many great nearby places to check out such as Miners Castle and Grand Island, so you could easily spend several days in the area.
Chapel Falls itself is very scenic and hiking to the falls is an excellent way to spend the day. Whether you decide to do the short hike to the waterfall or take the longer Chapel Loop hike, you are sure to enjoy visiting Chapel Falls in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
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