Traveling Ted is a blog that takes readers along on my adventures hiking, canoeing, skiing, and international backpacking. Many blogs focus on one aspect of backpacking, but I tackle both the outdoor adventure side and international exploration as well.

Sharing is caring!

The 42 mile North Country Trail through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is full of surprises and quite an adventure. One would think the trail would be one gorgeous overlook after another featuring Lake Superior and outstanding cliffs. There are tons of these types of views, especially as you get farther west towards Munising, but the trail and the park is more than just a scenic shoreline. Pictured Rocks Spray Falls is one of the highlights.

Related: Pictured Rocks is more than just a lakeshore

Pictured Rocks fall foliage

One great way to view Pictured Rocks and Spray Falls if from one of the tour boats

Pictured Rocks Spray Falls is a park highlight

I pointed this fact out in a previous post about the park. One place is so cool that it deserves its own 500 words and a separate URL. Spray Falls was the coolest point of interest on the trail outside the mind boggling views of Lake Superior, cliffs, and fall foliage. That is because the falls had all those aspects plus a ridiculously beautiful waterfall thrown in. The fact that it tumbles into arguably the most beautiful lake in the world is another perk.

Spray Falls Pictured Rocks

Pictured Rocks Spray Falls overlook

I had seen pictures of the falls, and I was looking forward to checking it out. Something as beautiful as an impressive waterfall wows more in person. Spray Falls was no exception.

Pictured Rocks Spray Falls

Taking the backpack off and taking a break at Pictured Rocks Spray Falls

There is a sign on the trail for the overlook, so you cannot miss it. The trail is right next to the lake at this point, so it is a short jaunt to the viewpoint. I was greeted with a cascading shot of water exploding into Lake Superior over colored rocks topped with fall colors. The view just does not get any better than this.

Pictured Rocks Spray Falls

Cruise ship making a beeline for Pictured Rocks Spray Falls

Spray Falls from above

After taking your fill of the falls, you then cross over Spray Creek about a half mile later. You can walk right up to the edge if you follow the creek, but be careful. I have seen too many reports of fatalities at waterfalls in national parks lately. I would hate to see someone get foolish and try and get too good of a view of the edge of the falls. Do not become a part of the spray.

Pictured Rocks Spray Falls

This photo was taken from a safe vantage point near the edge of the falls

Pictured Rocks Spray Falls

Pictured Rocks Spray Falls before it tumbles into Lake Superior

Pictured Rocks Spray Falls

Pictured Rocks Spray Falls from afar

Spray Falls views from the North Country Trail east and west

The great thing about the Pictured Rocks Lakeshore Trail (part of the North Country Trail) is you see the same thing from different vantage points. There are countless views from the lakeshore, and first you get the views from the east and then you come up to the object, then you get views looking back from the west. This of course depends on the route you walk. I walked east to west. This is helpful because the sun may not be at an optimal place at one view, but then when you get on the other side, the sun might be perfect.

Pictured Rocks Spray Falls

Spray Falls from the west

The best view of Spray Falls is from the east, but there are views of it from the west too although farther away. Don’t forget to look for it from the west because it is so far away you will not hear the crashing of the water. Cruise ships monitor this part of the park, and from the ships or from a kayak would be an awesome way to view these falls. You can also kayak or canoe the whole length of the shoreline.

Adventure on!

The goal of Traveling Ted is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then sign up for the email newsletter. Notifications are sent out once or twice a month with what is new with Traveling Ted’s adventures. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).