THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Take your first step into backpacking with a guided 2-night trip exploring Michigan’s stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Enjoy camping by Lake Superior and learning essential outdoor skills.
Take your first step into backpacking with a guided 2-night trip exploring Michigan’s stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Enjoy camping by Lake Superior and learning essential outdoor skills.
Book with Hiawatha Hiking Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Hiawatha Hiking Company · Au Train, Michigan
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with this 2-night intro backpacking trip offered by Hiawatha Hiking Company. Perfect for beginners and outdoor enthusiasts eager to learn the basics of backpacking, this adventure explores rugged shorelines, dense forests, and pristine beaches along Lake Superior. You’ll hike moderate terrain, camp under the stars, and enjoy spectacular views of towering sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and vibrant natural colors unique to this region. With knowledgeable guides, gear support, and personalized instruction, this trip is an ideal way to connect with nature, develop outdoor skills, and experience the wild charm of Upper Michigan. Whether it’s your first backpacking trip or simply a chance to escape into nature, the Pictured Rocks intro trip offers adventure, education, and unforgettable scenery all in one.
moderate.
2 days and 2 nights.
Participants should be in moderate physical shape, capable of hiking 6-10 miles per day with a loaded backpack.
No prior experience is needed; the trip is designed as an introduction with expert guidance provided.
Groups are intentionally small, typically no more than 8 participants, to ensure personalized attention.
Yes, all meals and snacks are included and tailored to support outdoor activities.
Hiawatha Hiking Company offers rental options for essential backpacking gear upon request.
Water should always be filtered or purified before drinking to prevent illness.
Guides are trained in first aid and always carry communication devices to contact emergency services if needed.
Pictured Rocks has been a treasured site for Native American tribes and early European settlers who used the area for fishing and forestry.
Efforts focus on preserving fragile ecosystems and maintaining clean waterways through minimal impact camping and regulated trail use.
Hiawatha Hiking Company is an outdoor outfitter based in Au Train, Michigan, offering guided backpacking trips in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The company organizes small-group, multi-day backpacking experiences designed to introduce participants to backcountry travel and to provide more challenging routes for experienced hikers. Trips depart from the Au Train area and focus on the natural highlights of Pictured Rocks: sandstone cliffs, beaches, rivers, waterfalls, sand dunes, and historic lighthouses. Trip options include a 3-day, 2-night Intro to Backpacking that pairs scenic hiking with basic backpacking skills instruction, and a 4-day, 3-night Intermediate Trip that covers 42 miles and includes virtual classes to prepare participants. Guides lead each trip, provide route planning, and teach practical skills such as campsite setup, navigation basics, and Leave No Trace principles. The program emphasizes skill-building, safety, and low-impact travel. Hiawatha Hiking Company serves hikers seeking guided access to Pictured Rocks’ backcountry, including those new to overnight backpacking and those pursuing a moderately challenging multi-day route. Operating from Au Train situates trips close to common access points for the national lakeshore. All information about trip length, distance, and included skill instruction is provided in trip descriptions so participants can choose the experience that best matches their goals and abilities.
Book with Hiawatha Hiking Company