4-day, 3-night Guided Backpacking Trip at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - 42 miles

2022 Dates

• September 2nd - 6th

Rates

• $725 per person
• $100 per person deposit required to reserve (please call to make a deposit)
• Group size limited to 8 guests (with 2 guides per trip)

Distance

• 42 miles over 4-days, 4-nights (Day one: 7 miles, Day Two: 11 miles, Day Three: 12 miles, Day Four: 12 miles)

Physical Intensity

• This tour is more physically demanding compared to the Intro tour. Guests will be hiking 4 days in a row, averaging 12 miles per day. This trip is great for already active individuals who want to get into backpacking. This is a moderately challenging trip.

Overview

• This tour is an end-to-end hike of Pictured Rocks and you will see everything we see in our Intro itinerary, with the addition of sand dunes, more waterfalls, inland lakes, and the Au Sable historic lighthouse.
• A 2-hr virtual class is provided beforehand to teach backpacking fundamentals. Guests are highly encouraged to attend the class. If you cannot make it to the class, a recording will be available for you to view.
• A separate 1-hr virtual class is provided to go in-depth on trip planning, map building, and GPS use. Guests will learn how to make their own maps and GPS tracks using CalTopo mapping software, import/export files onto their smartphones, and learn how to use the GaiaGPS app.
• Breakfast and dinners are included on the hike, but guests must bring their own food for lunches and snacks. Resources to develop a meal plan will be covered in the class.
• Guests are required to carry their own pot, stove and water filter (available to rent at no extra cost). Guides provide instruction on how to use the equipment.
• Our lightweight gear is available to rent – backpacks, sleeping bags, tents and sleeping bags are all included in the price. We will also help provide gear recommendations if you are looking to purchase your own items.
• A complete gear list is available on our information page on our website to help you get organized.

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Itinerary

Friday

Afternoon arrival at HHC headquarters outside of Munising, MI. Plan to camp out on our property the night before departure along the picturesque Au Train River. We will go over gear, talk logistics, do a navigation and map reading exercise, provide dinner, and give the opportunity to meet your guides and other participants.

Saturday- Tuesday

Saturday early AM departure from HHC Headquarters to Pictured Rocks where we will get on a shuttle to the start of the hike. Small continental breakfast will be provided.

Tuesday PM – finish our hike back where we picked up the shuttle.

A map of the park can be found here

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Cancellation Policy

A $100 deposit is required to make your reservation. If you cancel within 10 days of making a reservation, the deposit will be refunded in full.

The balance is due 60 days prior to trip start date, or your trip is subject to cancellation.

Cancellations made 60+ days prior to trip start date will receive a full refund minus the $100 deposit.

Cancellations made 30-60 days prior to trip start date will result in a 50% refund of total price.

Cancellations made 0-30 days prior to trip start date are non-refundable.

Trips will run in rain, wind and cold/hot weather. Clients will be reminded to bring appropriate clothing/ rain gear for forecast conditions. Hiawatha Hiking Company’s decision to cancel will depend on the extended weather forecast and will be evaluated based on safety concerns. Unsafe conditions may include forecast gale force winds and extreme heavy rains that may result in flooding. Thunderstorms are typical in the summer months, and participants should be aware that they may be outside during lightning, rain and in some cases, hail. We make every effort to ensure the safety of all our guests; however, some risk is expected due to the nature of the activity. If we must cancel due to hazardous conditions (very rare), a full refund minus the $100 deposit will be given.