Pictured Rocksfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It usually peaks Sep 24–Oct 10.
Next 7 days
- Frost possible · low 33°FFriday Night, Sunday Night
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 12:19 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
First frost usually in ~2 weeks
Oct 10Average first fall frost
May 23Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Munsing Lakeshore station (0.1 mi away, 612 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore through the year
- Spring wildflowersApr–Jun
- Boat toursNowMay–Oct
- Black fliesMay–Jun
- Snow on the groundNov–Apr
Best spots around Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Miners CastleThe only cliff area you can drive to, with overlooks of Lake Superior
- Chapel-Mosquito loop10-mile hike along the cliffs, which rise 50 to 200 ft above the lake
- Grand Sable Dunes0.6-mile round trip to the top of open dunes
Around Michigan this week
- Hiawatha National Forest37 mi · Forest Service says the forest starts to show color in late SeptemberTodaydry and calmTuerain likelyWedrain likelyThudry and calmFrifrost (32°F)Satdry and calmSunfrost (32°F)
- Au Sable River212 mi · Forest Service says the Au Sable River views peak with fall color in OctoberTodaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Upper Midwest, river birch is ahead of a typical year; American elm is behind. Which trees turn when →
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Pictured Rocks Wildflowers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Pictured Rocks FAQ (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Pictured Rocks basic information (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Pictured Rocks scenic sites (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Sep 24–Oct 10. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
Should I go early or late in the season?
Earlier rather than later, says the Park Service: the peak weekend is hard to predict, and one heavy rain or windy day can knock down many of the leaves.Source: National Park Service, Pictured Rocks FAQ ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I put in my GPS?
Munising Falls Visitor Center. The Park Service warns that searching for the park's name won't bring you to a visitor center.Source: National Park Service, Pictured Rocks basic information ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?
Miners Castle: the only cliff area you can drive to, with overlooks of Lake Superior; Chapel-Mosquito loop: 10-mile hike along the cliffs, which rise 50 to 200 ft above the lake; Grand Sable Dunes: 0.6-mile round trip to the top of open dunes.
What is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore like through the year?
Boat tours (May–Oct), Black flies (May–Jun), Snow on the ground (Nov–Apr) and Spring wildflowers (Apr–Jun).