what activities are available to visitors in the park? (hiking, camping, etc.) list several!

Backpackers on a trail

NPS Photograph

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore'southward backcountry offers opportunities for solitude, inspiration, physical challenge, and renewal. The nearly 100 miles of park trails includes the North Country National Scenic Trail which runs 42 miles through the length of the park, adjacent to Lake Superior. The park has 14 designated backpacking camping ground areas. These minor backcountry campgrounds have four to 6 sites, with some having a larger site for bigger groups. All of these sites are only accessible to backpackers past foot and some by boat. (For bulldoze-in campground data, click hither.)

The key to a successful backpacking trip is conscientious planning and preparation. When planning your itinerary, go on in mind the fourth dimension of twelvemonth, terrain, weather condition, and the physical condition of everyone in your party. Remember you can only travel as fast every bit the slowest person in your group.

Use the Backcountry Camping Planner (PDF 5.88 MB) - a 24-page pamphlet of important backcountry information - to help programme your trip.

For additional data about wintertime backcountry camping ground, click here.

A backcountry camping ground permit is required for

all

overnight stays in the backcountry, twelvemonth-round. The permit is only for the dates, locations, and party size specified. Permits must exist obtained via www.recreation.gov. or by calling: 1-877-444-6777. International callers: i-518-885-3635.

There is a $xv reservation fee, and a $v user fee per person, per night. Changes will consequence in an additional $15 fee. There are no refunds after your permit has been printed off. After you lot impress the allow, no changes tin can be fabricated. Permits can exist printed as early every bit 14 days prior to your trip and equally late equally the start date of your trip. Do not forget to print and bring your permit!

How Exercise I Make Reservations on Recreation.gov?

Backcountry campsite

NPS photo

You Need to Know

Backcountry campers must stay in specific backcountry campgrounds and numbered site as noted on their permit. Campgrounds are located at ii to 5 mile intervals along the trail. Each campground has a specific chapters; individual campsites within each backcountry campground are identified by a numbered mail service.

In that location are individual campsites and group campsites. Individual campsites are available for groups of 1-6 people (two tents or hammocks maximum). Groups of vii-20 people (ten tents or hammocks maximum) must camp in designated group sites. Maximum three consecutive day stay at any backcountry campground. No persons or groups are permitted to camp longer than 14 days per calendar year in the lakeshore.

Hammocks are immune in identify of a tent, just both tents and hammocks must stay within xv feet of the numbered post at the campsite. Keep in mind that trees are not available at all sites. Embankment camping is prohibited.

No pets allowed. No bikes or wheeled or motorized vehicles allowed on trails. Drones cannot be launched or landed within park boundaries.

Most (simply not all) backcountry campgrounds have access via a short walk to a drinking h2o source via streams, inland lakes, or Lake Superior.

Do not expect your cell phone to work in the park. Many areas do not receive reception due to cloudy conditions, hilly topography, heavy forest embrace, and a lack of towers.

Fires are permitted only in community burn rings at the campgrounds. Exercise Not brand a fire ring. Fires are non immune at the Mosquito River and Chapel Beach campgrounds. No embankment fires allowed anywhere in the backcountry.

Insects such as black flies, mosquitoes, and bitter stable flies tin be a nuisance between late May and September. Stable flies can be relentless and aggressive along the shore on hot, humid days with a south air current. Insect repellent does Non work on them and they tin make your hike a misery. They tend to target hiker legs and ankles, and then bring along long, loose-plumbing fixtures pants and thick socks in case yous need them.

Commercial transportation is available certain times of twelvemonth for hikers wishing to take a bus to the starting betoken and hike dorsum to their vehicle. For information, please visit the Shuttle Service webpage.

The Pictured Rocks are spectacular just can exist dangerous to the careless hiker. Xv miles of the North Country Trail are atop 50-200 foot high cliffs. Cliff tops are covered with loose sand and gravel. Unsupported overhangs of soft sandstone are common. For your condom, stay abroad from the cliff edge.

The weather near Lake Superior is very changeable. Summers are frequently warm but be prepared for cool, rainy, windy weather. Hypothermia can occur at any time - know the symptoms. Use a layered clothing system.

You lot may encounter bears and other wildlife in the backcountry. Keep a clean camp, do not get out food unattended, and shop food in the provided comport-proof lockers. Campers are required to clean out lockers before departing and non go out any food or supplies behind.

Follow Get out No Trace guidelines! Be responsible caretakers while in the park and respectful of other visitors.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is closed to hunting April 1 to Labor Day, merely is open up to hunting the rest of the year during pocket-size and big game seasons. Wear bonfire orange or bright colors if you are concerned about beingness seen by hunters.

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Source: https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm