Thursday, August 27, 2026

3-Day Hike on Grand Island National Recreation Area

 

James on Grand Island

 

The Grand Island National Recreation Area is a 13,500-acre protected island in Lake Superior, located about one-half mile off the coast of Munising, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Hiawatha National Forest, it features 300-foot sandstone cliffs, pristine sandy beaches, and deep hardwood forests.

Munising is about 43 miles from Marquette and 55 miles from Manistique. In the summer it can be reached via passenger ferry or private watercraft. In winter, it is accessible only via snowmobile, cross-country skis, or snowshoes across frozen Lake Superior ice at your own risk.

Grand Island is the perfect place to spend a day or even just a few hours biking, exploring, and appreciating nature. Please be aware that, in keeping with agency interim direction, the non-motorized trails (e.g. all bike trails) are not open to eBikes. NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES ALLOWED!! The island is an exciting and secluded destination that offers: Breathtaking overlooks, Pristine sandy beaches, Fascinating cultural sites, and Deep hardwoods.

 

My nephew, James, and a friend went on a 3 Day Hike on Grand Island mid-August. He had a great time ending his summer of camping adventures. He has generously shared his photos. I am indebted to James & Heather for all the wonderful photos they have shared over the years. They are very supportive, and I love them dearly. 

 


Ferry to Grand Island


James & Friend at camp















James had an encounter briefly with a bear. He's an intelligent man and made noise to scare it. He quickly moved away & took 1 photo. It was close.

 

 


 
 

 
 










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20 comments:

  1. ...a beautiful destination!

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  2. Beautiful beaches.

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  3. Way to go James! It looks like a beautiful location. Three days of backpacking requires big, heavy packs. Not an easy accomplishment!

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  4. Marvelous nature shots ~ Wow!

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  5. What a trip they had and I'm thankful they let you post their photos.

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  6. Looks like you had great time. Nice place to rejuvenate and enjoy solace

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  7. Glad James knew exactly what to do and stayed safe. Grand Island looks like a beautiful place to explore!

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  8. It looks very beautiful over there!

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  9. Happy Friday
    Lovely sky views
    I am at 36 on the linky

    Much love

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  10. That looks like a wonderful location for a hike. It looks like your nephew and his friend had a great time.

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  11. Please thank James and Heather for sharing these great photos, and thank you Carol for putting them on your blog. I am glad James’ quick reflexes scared off the bear. Have a great weekend!

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  12. Wow! A three day hike with a bear encounter! That's incredible!

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  13. I've never been up there. It's really gorgeous. James and Heather have found a wonderful spot. Whew! Close call with the bear!

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  14. I always admire people that can hike. I have short legs so hiking is always a challenge for me. The pictures are breathtaking! Have a wonderful week!

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  15. All of his photos are just lovely! Glad he was able to make some noise and scare off the bear.

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  16. Wonderful scenery. Looks like they had a lovely time there.

    -Soma

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  17. Between the beaches and all the shady greenery this looks like a wonderful place to hike and camp.

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  18. We were in the Upper Peninsula in June and it is a beautiful area to explore! Thanks so much for sharing these photos!

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