By Rhonda Lassila
Beacon Columnist
It’s officially fall — although if you’ve spent any time outdoors lately, you might think it’s the middle of summer … minus the brilliant colors of autumn, of course.
A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Cori Cearly on behalf of the Munising Visitors Bureau. She asked if I knew anyone who could lead a group of avid hikers — German influencers traveling with a representative from Pure Michigan — on one of the most popular routes in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: the 10.5-mile Mosquito-Chapel Loop.
I volunteered to lead the group, expecting a classic fall hike: cool temperatures, colorful leaves, maybe even a little rain. But as it turned out, neither the weather nor the calendar cooperated. Last Saturday, Oct. 4, it felt more like midsummer as our group of 14 set out from the Chapel parking lot, heading clockwise toward Mosquito Falls.
The group included a mix of social media influencers from across Germany and professionals from FALKE, a German activewear brand, who were there to capture photos and videos along the trail. It was fascinating to watch them at work — posing, filming and soaking up the incredible scenery of Pictured Rocks.
We stopped often to take in the views (and plenty of photos) at Mosquito Falls, Mosquito Beach, Lover’s Leap, Grand Portal, Chapel Cove, Chapel Beach, Chapel Rock and Chapel Falls. Warm temperatures and a southern breeze made the day pleasant, although the stable flies kept us moving in a few spots.
When we reached Chapel Beach, the calm turquoise waters of Lake Superior were too tempting for some to resist. A few brave hikers dove in for a swim while others skipped rocks or relaxed in the soft white sand. Our bag lunches — thoughtfully prepared by Driftwood Deli — hit the spot. I didn’t swim, but I did wade in up to my knees and enjoyed watching the group fully embrace the experience.
Munising was the second stop on their Michigan adventure. The group had hiked the “Four Peaks” in Marquette the day before and was continuing on to Tahquamenon Falls, Mackinac Island and finally Traverse City for a kayak tour before wrapping up their trip in Detroit.
Their feedback was wonderful. They were blown away by the beauty of the area, the dramatic cliffs and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior. It was a pleasure to share one of our most iconic hikes with them and showcase what makes our region so special.
Mountain Goat Mash Recap
It was a full day of fun at the Valley Spur Recreation Area in the Hiawatha National Forest for the sixth annual Mountain Goat Mash.
The event featured 30- and 15-mile mountain bike races, a 15-mile trail run and — new this year — a kids event. Everything ran smoothly, thanks to our incredible volunteers. To everyone who came out, whether to race, run, cheer or help, thank you for making the day such a great success. The weather couldn’t have been better, and the smiles said it all.
As we move deeper into fall, we encourage everyone to get outside and enjoy the trails — whether you hike, bike or run. There’s no better time to experience the colors, the crisp air and the beauty that surrounds us. Get out while you still can!