Pets in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Leashed pets can join you at these locations:

  • All Roads, Parking Lots, and Picnic Areas

  • Sand Point Beaches

  • Munising Falls Trail

  • Miners Falls Trail

  • Miners Castle - Paved Trails, Overlook Platforms

  • Miners Beach

  • Au Sable Access Road to the Light Station

  • Lake Superior Overlook and Beach

  • Sable Falls Trail and Beach

  • Twelvemile Beach and Hurricane River Drive-In Campgrounds

  • Lake Superior beaches directly in front of the campground and day-use areas

Pets in the Hiawatha National Forest and Nearby Areas

Taking your dog camping or hiking can be a great experience for both of you. Dogs are permitted at most trails in the Hiawatha National Forest and nearby areas, including:

  • Valley Spur (Only permitted in the summer and fall seasons)

  • Bruno’s Run

  • Munising Bike Park

  • Grand Island National Recreation Area

Waterfalls

Waterfalls are a huge draw to the Alger County area and your four-legged pals are allowed to explore many of the sights with you. Here’s a list of pet-friendly waterfalls:

  • Miners Falls

  • Horseshoe Falls

  • Munising Falls

  • Alger Falls

  • Wagner Falls

  • Scott Falls

  • Rock River Falls

  • AuTrain Falls

  • Sable Falls

  • Laughing Whitefish Falls

Keep in Mind…

PLEASE REMEMBER to follow the B.A.R.K. Ranger rules:

  • Bag your pet's poop (and discard in a garbage can).

  • Always have your pet on a leash no longer than 6 feet (even on beaches and when swimming).

  • Respect wildlife (keep a respectful distance from any animals you may encounter).

  • Know where you can go (you are responsible to know where pets are and are not permitted)

Also, remember the following:

  • Pets should not be left unattended. Summer heat and sunshine pose a threat to pets in vehicles.

  • Pet food is also bear food so store pet food as if it were human food - in a vehicle.

  • Pets are not allowed in visitor centers.

Is your dog up to it physically? In an outdoor environment, your dog will most likely experience an increase in his physical activity, and the terrain may be dramatically different from what he's used to (steep hills, rocky paths, etc.)

Consider his personality. While you might not be bothered by your dog's early morning barking, your fellow campers might be.

Make sure vaccinations are up to date. Talk to your vet about giving your dog a lyme vaccination in case he comes in contact with ticks, or heartworm medication.

Bring the leash. There will be times when you need to keep your dog on a leash, especially when you're in a developed recreation site, close to other campers, or in an area where your dog could wander off a path and encounter less than friendly wildlife.

If you're hiking in terrain with cliffs, canyons, big rocks or other challenging conditions, it may be safest to attach the leash to a sturdy harness instead of to a neck collar.

Many dogs have no concept of heights.

Keep your dog close to you.

Make sure your dog has your dog’s identification tags and bring along a recent photo should you need it in the event your dog goes missing.

Pet Boarding

Do not leave your pet in the car while you hike, especially during hot weather! These local businesses can board your pets while you are enjoying the park:

Pictured Rocks Cruises and Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours will board pets of customers who take their boat cruises.

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

Service animals that have been individually trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of persons with disabilities are allowed throughout the Pictured Rocks park and other areas.
Emotional support/therapy animals are not service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act and may only access the same areas as pets. They cannot access visitor centers, backcountry trails, or other areas closed to pets.