Mosquito Beach
Munising, MI
Mosquito Beach is a hike-in beach in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore where flat sandstone shelves step down into Lake Superior, with the colored cliffs starting just beyond. Rainwater and waves leave shallow pools on the ledges that warm up in the sun. Despite the name, the bugs are usually no worse than anywhere else on the trail.
Sandstone ledges and cliff views that rival the boat tour, though you have to earn them on foot.
How we score beachesGo past the beach along the Lakeshore Trail for a mile or so. The cliff views get better with every bend.
A National Lakeshore entrance pass is required; park at the Chapel/Mosquito trailhead at the end of Chapel Road.
Reached only by a forest trail of about two miles each way, past Mosquito Falls; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Dogs are not permitted.
Black flies can be bad in June, so July through September is the sweet spot. The trailhead road isn't plowed in winter.
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