Overview
The Chapel Loop is the most celebrated trail in Hiawatha National Forest, connecting three of the Munising district's signature destinations in a single 9-mile circuit. Starting at the Chapel Falls Trailhead on Chapel Road, the route visits Chapel Falls, follows cliff tops above Lake Superior to Chapel Rock, descends to Chapel Beach, and returns through old-growth forest along Chapel Creek. The loop can be hiked in either direction; counterclockwise (falls first) is the most common approach.
The trail sits on the western edge of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, technically within Hiawatha's jurisdiction for the first several miles before crossing into NPS land near Chapel Rock. The forest here is dominated by old-growth hemlock, cedar, and yellow birch: trees that escaped the 19th-century logging era and now form a cathedral canopy over the rocky creek corridor.
The Route
Miles 0.0 to 1.5: Falls Approach
From the Chapel Falls Trailhead, the trail heads north through a mix of second-growth hardwood and mature hemlock. The path is wide, well-worn, and easy to follow. At mile 1.3, a short spur trail branches left (west) to a viewing platform at Chapel Falls. The main falls drop 90 feet over a sandstone lip into a pool below. The viewpoint is excellent from the platform; the cliff edge is unfenced, so watch footing. Return to the main trail and continue north.
Miles 1.5 to 3.8: Cliff Top Traverse to Chapel Rock
After the falls spur, the trail climbs gently to the cliff top and follows the Lake Superior shoreline through some of the best old-growth hemlock in the Upper Peninsula. At several points the cliff edge gives sweeping views east along the colored sandstone walls of Pictured Rocks. The trail narrows in places and has some root-laced sections. Chapel Rock appears at mile 3.5: a sandstone pillar capped by a root-gripping pine, surrounded by drop-offs on three sides. Use caution near the edge.
Miles 3.8 to 5.0: Descent to Chapel Beach
From Chapel Rock, the trail drops steeply down a switchbacked descent to Chapel Beach. This half-mile descent loses most of the route's elevation quickly and can be slippery in wet conditions. Chapel Beach is a wide, pale sand crescent on Lake Superior. The water is strikingly clear and bitterly cold even in August. A primitive camping area is located at the east end of the beach.
Miles 5.0 to 9.0: Return Through the Forest
The return leg follows Chapel Creek south through the creek valley, staying in the forest well away from the cliff edge. The terrain is gentler on this side, with several creek crossings on log bridges. The old-growth sections here rival the cliff-top forest in character. The trail rejoins the outbound route at the Chapel Falls junction and returns to the trailhead.
When to Hike
June through August is peak season. Trailhead parking fills early on weekends; arriving before 8 a.m. is the best strategy. Wildflowers bloom in June along the creek corridor. Lake Superior fog can roll in unexpectedly in early summer.
September and October offer excellent conditions with fewer crowds and spectacular fall color. The hemlock stays green, but the surrounding hardwoods turn gold and orange. Temperatures cool quickly after Labor Day.
November through May the trail is accessible but often wet, icy, or snow-covered. Some sections near the cliff top can be treacherous with ice. Most hikers stick to the falls spur in shoulder seasons.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water on this route, as there are no reliable filtered sources along the trail. The creek water requires treatment. A light insulating layer is worth carrying even in summer, as Lake Superior shoreline conditions can feel 15 degrees cooler than inland temperatures. Trekking poles are helpful on the steep descent to Chapel Beach. The trail is rocky and rooted throughout: sturdy footwear with ankle support is recommended.
Trailhead Access
The Chapel Falls Trailhead is on Chapel Road, which branches north off H-58 about 8 miles east of Munising. Chapel Road is unpaved for the last several miles and can be rough after rain. Most passenger cars make it without difficulty in dry conditions. The parking area is free and has vault toilets. No fee station.
Dogs must be on leash throughout. The trail passes close to unfenced cliff edges at Chapel Rock: keep dogs on a short leash in that section. Permits are not required for day hiking (as of 2026).
Nearby
Other trails worth combining with a Munising-area visit include the Miners Beach Trail for an easier Lake Superior shoreline walk, and the North Country Trail Munising Segment for a longer backcountry experience. Before any Upper Peninsula outing, check current road and trail conditions through our guide to checking conditions before you go. Practice Leave No Trace principles throughout: this forest is exceptionally pristine and depends on careful visitors.