Backpacking Shuttle Service

Alger Transit Authority (ALTRAN) provides a Shuttle Service for backpacking and hiking within the Pictured Rocks National Park along the Lakeshore Trail. The 42.4-mile trail, part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, is located between Grand Marais and Munising. 

BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING PERMIT REQUIRED

PRIOR TO BOOKING YOUR TRANSPORTATION MAKE SURE A BACK COUNTRY CAMPING PERMIT IS AVAILABLE……NOTE: WE DO NOT TRANSPORT TO/FROM CHAPEL & MOSQUITO LOCATIONS.

Link to obtain camping permit: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/256367

Park Pass: https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/fees.htm – Note: as of March 1, 2022 park entrance pass will be required.

Before You Arrive…

• All transportation service listed requires advance pre-paid reservations. 
• If we do not have reservations, we do not make the run or schedule a driver.
• Reservations should be made at least one week in advance and are first come first serve.
• Pick-up/Drop-off locations and times listed on the reservation page are the only locations and times available.
• Cost: $35.00 per person

Backpacker Shuttle Route Map

Printer-friendly map (pdf)

See schedule below for various pick-up location times.

Backpacker Transportation Schedule

Printer-friendly schedule (pdf)

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. Bus leaves promptly at scheduled time. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
• Reservation changes: One reservation change may be made free of charge after that there will be a $15 fee for each change made. Reservation changes must be made at least 72 hours prior to service date.
• REFUND POLICY: Full refund if cancellation is made at least 72 hours before service date. Refunds will not be made if you miss your pick-up time, weather, or illness/injury prior to or during your hike.
• NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!

Backcountry Camping and Hiking Tips/Information

We always suggest you hike to your vehicle so that you do not have to worry about getting off trail to catch the bus or miss your ride should you arrive late (as we cannot wait). We may have other hikers to pick-up/drop-off along the way and have to maintain a schedule.

Hiking and backpacking have potential hazards involving risk of injury or death, and each person participating in these activities needs to understand the risks involved, obtain the necessary training, and take the needed precautions.

BE SAFE! BE PREPARED! No matter what length, any hike is more fun if you are properly prepared. 

• If you plan to be out an extended time, let someone know where you are going and expected time of return. 
• Have a map (consider taking a picture of a map posted at some trailheads), compass, or GPS, and know how to use them.
• Emergency cash/money
• Flashlight or head lamp
• Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen
• First aid: including foot care and insect repellent 
• Knife: plus a gear repair kit – axes & hatchets are not allowed in the National Park
• Few 100′ of para cord
• Garbage bag – cover pack/backpack for the night (not allowed to put them in bear boxes)
• Zip lock Bags
• Fire: matches, lighter, tinder (must stay in communal fire rings found at most sites, but not all)
• Extra food: beyond the minimum expectation
• Extra water: beyond the minimum expectation, potable water available at a few locations except between 12 Mile Beach & Miner’s Castle, which amount to 23.9 miles
• Proper footwear & clothing: don’t forget the rain gear
• Be careful on the cliffs and stay back from edges. Watch for loose soil, tripping hazards and undercut rock. Many areas are composed of soft rock and are undercut.
• Lake Superior affects the local weather– be prepared for fast changes, including cool conditions and rain.
• Insects such as black flies, mosquitoes, and biting stable flies may be a nuisance between late May and September. Stable flies can be relentless and aggressive along the shore on hot, humid summer days with a south wind. Insect repellent does NOT work on them and they can make your hike a misery. They target hiker legs and ankles, so put some long pants and thick socks in your daypack in case you need them. Don’t forget – cut pieces of Downy dryer sheets, 100% Deet, bug spray, etc.
• Pets are permitted only in specific areas. Please check the pets page before you plan your hike. 
• Bicycles are not permitted on any trails.
• Drones are not permitted anywhere in the park. 
• Backcountry permits are required only if you plan to camp overnight in the backcountry.
• Practice Leave No Trace.
• Please use toilets where provided. Otherwise, bury waste 6-8 inches deep and cover with soil.
• Bring a bag and carry out your trash – including all food items like orange peels and sunflower seeds.
• Wear bright colors when hiking during hunting season.
• Be Bear Aware:  https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/upload/Be-Bear-Aware-2017.pdf
• For your safety:  https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/safety.htm
• Maps:  https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/maps.htm
• Hunting:  https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/hunting.htm
• Weather:  https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/weather.htm

If you or your group decides they want/need a ride from Altran without making a reservation prior it will be $35.00/person cash (drivers cannot accept credit/debit cards) on the spot and is subject to availability. No exceptions!!!!

If you encounter trouble due to sickness/injury during your hike that you cannot complete your trek that does not require emergency management services you can contact Altran for a return ride to your vehicle for an additional $35.00 fee per person. You will be instructed to hike to the nearest road or trailhead for pick-up.  (**Note: Altran does not utilize Chapel Road, due to road conditions and tourism congestion). If you require emergency management services, please text or call 911. ****NOTE****Cellular service is not available in all areas of the park.

Altran or its employees are not search and rescue and assume no liability with regards to any damage, personal injuries, or death as a result of the use of any information, maps, routes, advice, or gear discussed on this website. All outdoor activities are carried out at your own risk.

As a reader, you recognize this, assume all risks of property damage, personal injury, and death, and agree to hold Altran, and its employees harmless from any liability as a result of your use of the information provided in these pages.

This website accepts payment, or a promise of future compensation prior to, or in exchange for shuttle services. All original content on this site reflects the opinions, beliefs, or experiences of the writers of this website. The writers of this website are not experts in the topic of backpacking or hiking but are instead just normal consumers with an enthusiastic interest in this subject. The content here should not be taken as expert advice. For additional information or questions, please first email altrandispatch@jamadots.com if you don’t get a response within the timeframe needed please call 906-387-4845, ext. 1.