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Roots, rocks, and ravines… the rigors of hiking the Lakeshore Trail
The most popular trail at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is the Lakeshore Trail. Starting at the Meyers Beach parking area off of Hwy 13, the Lakeshore Trail extends 6 miles through forests and along red sandstone cliffs high above Lake Superior and terminates at a reservable backcountry campsite.
Lakeshore Trail map – NPS
Most visitors walk the trail to enjoy views of the mainland sea caves. A crevasse with a spectacular natural bridge and the first glimpses of the sea caves is 1.8 miles from the trailhead. Traversing this section of the trail can be a challenging walk. Hikers must contend with roots and rocks in the trail, cross numerous ravines, and sometimes deal with muddy stretches following rain events.
Signs at the Meyers Beach trailhead
Considerable efforts have been made to improve trail conditions over the years. The first 0.7 mile of trail, including the worst of the muddy stretches, now has boardwalks with steps.
Hikers on the trail near Mawikwe Road crossing
Hikers on boardwalk near Maikwe Road
March marigold along the trail
This took years of effort by park trail crews, occasionally assisted by students from the Bayfield school. The boardwalks can be slippery when wet, but they are a great improvement over the pits of mud hikers used to have to deal with.
Hauling Mud – Bayfield students carrying boardwalk elements in 2014
NPS maintenance employee works with Bayfield students on the boardwalk 2014
Four of the steepest ravines are now crossed by bridges made of I-beams, fiberglass and wood. A few unbridged ravines still feature some steep steps.
Hikers on the first bridge
Roots in the trail
Bridge over a ravine
Steep steps in a ravine
At the Crevasse, split rail fences keep hikers away from steep drop-offs around the natural bridge.
Split rail fence around the natural bridge
An interpretive sign with an orange flotation ring warns visitors to stay back from the cliff edge and includes a map of notable sea cave features. A wooden bridge spans the gap at the upper end of the Crevasse allowing hikers to proceed up the trail to some of the best sea cave overlooks.
A hiker at the wayside exhibit
View of the Crevasse from the bridge
Benches at some of the overlooks allow hikers to enjoy the view while resting from the strenuous walk.
Hikers resting on a bench
Spring is a fantastic time to enjoy a strenuous walk and marvel at incredible views of Lake Superior and the mainland sea caves. Wildflowers are starting to bloom along the trail and songbirds are singing in the trees up above. Hikers should remember to wear good hiking shoes and carry water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Cameras and binoculars are also good to enhance the experience. Remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints.
Story and photos by Neil Howk. Neil began working as a park ranger/interpreter for the National Park Service in 1978. He worked at a number of different parks over the years and served as the assistant chief of interpretation at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore from 1993-2016. He now serves as a board member of Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
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