From Fort Mackinac, continue on bike or foot along Arch Rock Road. The Arch is reachable by taking Arch Rock Road, a dedicated road that leads from Fort Mackinac to the eastern shore of the island where the rock formation is. The hike down from Arch Rock- Mackinac Island Michigan hiking camping outdoors nature travel backpacking adventure marmot outdoor mountains. From the lakeshore, Arch Rock can be reached by stairs. Arch Rock Hotels Flights to Mackinac Island Things to do in Mackinac Island Car Rentals in Arch Rock Mackinac Island Vacation Packages. You can get here two ways: from stairs that lead up from. Sweeping views of Lake Huron and Canada make this a great place to enjoy.Īrch Rock is located on the southeast portion of the island and is accessible via carriage or bike. This huge limestone arch curves 150ft above Lake Huron and provides dramatic photo opportunities. The limestone formation was so unique that it was one of the reasons early Mackinac Island residents lobbied for the island to become Mackinac National Park in 1875. While you walk, bike, or take a carriage ride around the island, you can view the arch from below. One of the most famous natural wonders in Michigan is Arch Rock, which stands nearly 15 stories above the lake. It is made of breccia limestone, a rare limestone for the Great Lakes. Arch Rock is located within Mackinac Island State Park, right along the shore of gorgeous Lake Huron. Like nearby Devil's Kitchen and Sugar Loaf, Arch Rock's limestone formation took thousands of years by wind, water and receding glaciers to be created. In Anishinaabe-Ojibwa tradition, the Great Creator blew the breath of life into the newly formed earth and created Arch Rock. This geological wonder a natural limestone arch formed during the Nipissing post-glacial period when high Lake Huron levels and wave action created openings in the rock.Īrch Rock stands 146' over the Lake Huron shoreline-nearly 15 stories tall. 24 reviews of Arch Rock We decided to bike around the perimeter of Mackinac Island when we came to a point where many people had stopped and abandoned. Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau 7274 Main Street Mackinac Island, MI 49757 (906) 847-3783. This is good for hikers, walking your bicycle, or advanced mountain bikers. Use caution as it’s rocky and has many tree roots along the trail. Centuries later, the Arch Rock is also known as “Lovers Leap” in remembrance of this young woman's tragic story.Photography by One of the most photographed spots on Mackinac Island is Arch Rock. Manitou Trail winds its way to Arch Rock.

Heartbroken she realized the song was intended for her and she leaped from the cliff into the sea to join him in death. Bring or rent bikes, get a map, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the inner island trails which take you here. From there, you can climb a stairway to a lookout, which offers a beautiful view. Frantically searching for the man she would soon marry, she could not see him onboard. Sugarloaf is a pretty limestone formation that is slightly off the beaten path. But as the canoes rowed closer to shore she heard a song of sorrow for the departed. Filled with excitement and joy she thought he had finally returned to her. One day she could see the war canoes of her tribe returning in the distance. To prove his worthiness of marriage he had left to joined his tribe men in battle. This is the most famous of the rock formations on the island. You can get to Arch Rock by foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage. Right after you spot the Mile Marker 1 post, youll see the amazing Arch Rock. The rock was formed over 50,000 years ago, when ice and water erosion carved the soft limestone into a unique arch shape. One legend is about a young woman who patiently sat on the top of the cliff watching the horizon, for her lover to return home. Arch Rock is a natural rock formation on Mackinac Island that draws thousands of visitors each year. From there, we will hike to Crows Nest, Robinsons Folly, Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf, Point Lookout, Fort Holmes.

Over the years, there have been many stories related to the Arch Rock. Our two-hour hiking tour starts at Marquette Park. Native Americans believed the Arch Rock was a place of immense power that was also used as a bridge for spirits entering the afterlife to find their final resting place among the caves on the island.

Hike to arch rock mackinac island