Pets at Pictured Rocks

Dog on leash at Miners Beach

Reece

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.

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.

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.

 

Dog enjoying the view of Miners Castle

Photo/Reece

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 campground and day-use areas

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
• 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.

 

Dog on boat on Lake Superior

Chris Case photo

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.

Hiking and backcountry camping with your pet outside Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

If you'd like to hike and backpack with your pets, there are trails and backcountry camping areas in nearby Hiawatha National Forest, Grand Island National Recreation Area and Michigan State Forests.

 

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:

Pet boarding (day use only) - Melstrand Union General Store in Melstrand, MI.
Phone [phone]

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

 

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