Pets at Pictured Rocks

 

Dog on leash on the Miners Falls trail.

Planning to visit with your pet?

Please make sure you know the rules and where you can go with your pet. We want you, your pet, other visitors and our wildlife to all be safe.

Remember the BARK 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 park buildings.

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 park.

Emotional support/therapy animals are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act and may only access the same areas as pets. They can not access visitor centers, backcountry trails, or other areas closed to pets.

 

Your leashed pet is welcome in these areas:

• All Roads, Parking Lots, and Picnic Areas
• Sand Point Beaches
• Miners Falls Trail
• Miners Lake Trail
• Miners Castle - Paved Trails, Overlook Platforms
• Miners Beach
• Au Sable Light Station from Hurricane River Campground and Day Use Area
• Lake Superior Overlook and Beach
• Twelvemile Beach and Hurricane River Drive-In Campgrounds and Beaches
• Grand Sable Lake Accessible Fishing Dock and Beach
• Winter: Snowshoe Trails

These areas are CLOSED to pets:

• All North Country Scenic Trail segments that pass through the length of the park (trail is sometimes referred to as the Lakeshore Trail)
• Sand Point Marsh Trail
• Chapel Trails and Chapel Beach
• Mosquito Trails and Mosquito Beach
• Little Beaver Lake Drive-In Campground
• All Backcountry Campgrounds/Campsites
• Log Slide and Nearby Dunes
• Grand Sable Dunes Trail / Sable Falls Trail
• All areas east of Miners Beach to the western edge of Twelvemile Beach Campground, including the entire Chapel-Grand Portal-Mosquito Loop trails and beaches
• All Beaver Basin Wilderness trails, beaches, and lakes
• All Groomed Winter Ski Trails
  

Carrying in pets into a pet-prohibited area is not allowed. Also, though pets are permitted on boats on Lake Superior, they are not permitted on park beaches in the backcountry. This includes Mosquito and Chapel Beaches, as well as beaches in the Beaver Basin Wilderness.

 

Dogs on Miners Beach

Why can't you take pets in certain areas of the park?

• Pets may harass, scare, injure, or kill wildlife.

• Pets may be injured by porcupines, bears, or other wildlife.

• Pets can intimidate or scare visitors.

• Pets can become lost.

• Pets can introduce diseases and pollute water, including through urine and poop. And wildlife (as well as their urine or droppings) can spread certain diseases to pets and people.

• Pets can disturb hikers and backcountry campers who expect and want a pet-free experience.

 

Pet Boarding

Please do not leave your pet in your car while you hike. Even seemingly mild days can be dangerous for pets in cars.

Currently, pet boarding is only provided by Pictured Rocks Cruises for cruise customers.

Pictured Rocks Cruises will board pets of customers who take their boat cruise. Other private tour companies in the area may offer something similar.

 

Return to top of page