Michigan is known for its Great Lakes, but its strange rock shapes are a real treat that you should check out. The Great Lakes State has a lot to offer nature fans and adventurers, from steep cliffs to old rocks. Here are 12 really cool rock shapes in Michigan that will blow your mind:
1. Cliffs of Pictured Rocks
Place: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is in Munising.
Features: Beautiful, multicolored sandstone rocks rise sharply from Lake Superior and were formed by waves and weather.
Hike: Along the 10.2 mile Chapel Loop Trail, you can see beautiful views of hills and waterfalls.
2. Turnip Rock
Place: Lake Huron, close to Port Austin
Features: It has an interesting rock formation that looks like a turnip and can only be reached by boat.
Hike or paddle: To see this natural wonder, paddle along the shore for about 7 miles round-trip.
3. Kitch-iti-kipi Spring Rocks
Place: Palms Book State Park in Manistique is the place to be.
Features: You can see limestone rocks that are submerged in Michigan’s biggest natural freshwater spring, which has water that is very clear.
Hike: Take a short walk to the spring and ride a self-propelled raft to get a better look.
4. Bowl for Devil’s Soup
Place: The Yankee Springs Recreation Area is in Middleville.
Features: A deep glacial bowl formed during the last ice age, and the rocks at the base of it are very strange.
Hike: To get a close look at this natural wonder, take the Hall Lake Trail, which is 1.5 miles long.
5. Chapel Rock
Place: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is in Munising.
Features: It has a tall rock structure with a single tree growing on top, which is held up by roots that stretch across a natural bridge.
Hike: The Chapel Falls Trail leads to it (6 miles round-trip).
6. Arch Rock
Place: Mackinac Island State Park is where
Features: There is a natural limestone arch that rises 146 feet above Lake Huron and gives visitors stunning views.
Hike or bike: To see this famous spot, ride or walk the 8-mile loop around Mackinac Island.
7. Bare Bluff
Place: Keweenaw Peninsula is where it is.
Features: Rough rocks that look out over Lake Superior and give you a wide view of the shoreline.
Hike: The Bare Bluff Trail has a 3-mile loop that is medium-hard.
8. Castle Rock for Miners
Place: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is in Munising.
Features: A dramatic sandstone structure that looks like a castle and is right on the edge of Lake Superior.
Hike: From the parking lot, there is a simple trail that goes to beautiful lookouts.
9. The Black Rocks in Presque Isle Park
Place: Marquette is the place.
Features: Old volcanic rocks that are great for cliff jumping or just taking in Lake Superior’s rough beauty.
Hike: The 1.2-mile loop walk in the park has great views of the water.
10. Fitzgerald Park’s Ledges
Place: Grand Ledge
Features: The Grand River cut out unique sandstone rock ledges that people like to hike and climb.
Hike: For a beautiful walk along the river, take the 3-mile Ledges Trail.
11. The rock outcroppings on Sugarloaf Mountain
Place: Marquette is the place.
Features: At the top, granite outcroppings offer a breathtaking view of Lake Superior and the scenery below.
Hike: The Sugarloaf Mountain Trail has both easy and difficult ways to get to the top, which is a mile round-trip.
12. Lover’s Leap Arch
Place: Mackinac Island State Park is where
Features: A smaller but just as beautiful limestone arch that can be found close to the famous Arch Rock.
Hike: You can enjoy it as part of a slow bike ride or walk around the island.
Each of these formations tells a different story about Michigan’s geological past and can be explored and amazed at. These rock formations are great for your next trip, whether you want to kayak, hike, or just take in the beauty.
