Helpful Hints
1) FIRST, Make your backcountry reservation at least 14 days in advance with Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, THEN make your shuttle arrangements
2) Plan to be picked up at the BEGINNING of your trip AT YOUR VEHICLE. We will drop you off up the trail and you walk back to your car. In 2011, 50% of those making a reservation to be picked up AFTER their hike have missed the shuttle!!
3) Make an ONLINE reservation, that is your cheapest option. When on the online reservation system, make sure to click "show all" when your choices are listed. You'll see a box with x1, enter the number of persons needing service in this box.
4) If you registered in advance, you still need to pick up your permit in person. Munising VC opens at 8:00AM through Labor Day (9:00AM after Labor Day), Grand Sable VC 9:00AM. You may have to pick up your permit the day before your shuttle departure.
5) If you are walking in to make your arrangments in person, plan on starting the next day. If you do start the same day, you'll likely be arranging for a shuttle back to your vehicle, which is fine, but you'll need to be on time at your pick-up point.
6) We DO NOT pick up at the Interagency Visitor Center (this is where you pick up your permit in Munising). We pick up at the Munising Falls Interpretive Center trailhead. Reference a map and know the locations of both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to make a reservation?
A. No, walk-ups are welcome. But make darn sure we are running and serving the trailhead you wish to be picked up, and be early, waiting at the trailhead bulletin board. Make yourself obvious. Don't wander off. Calling us is a good idea.
Q. Do you run if you have no reservations?
A. Only for Schedule B. We would not run at all if we had no reservations. for Schedules A and C. My days of cruising for chicks are over.
Q. Do you check to see if we have permits?
A. Nope. None of my business. But, don't be surprised if you run into a ranger who writes you an expensive ticket for not having one. Just sayin'
Q. What happens if we are late? Show up at the wrong trailhead?
A. Other than feeling shame and embarassment? Same thing as if you are late for a flight or train. Call, we'll do our best to accomodate. No guarantees.
Q. What if we are done hiking early, can we catch the shuttle earlier?
A. Certainly, as long as there is room and it conforms to our daily schedule.
Q. What if we make a reservation then don't need your service later? (My favorite question!)
A. Refund guidelines:
- If you made an online reservation, we'll offer a refund up to 28 days before your hike.
- Between 8-28 days, we'll offer a refund if we find someone to take your place.
- 7 days to noon the day before service, we'll offer credit.
- Less than 24 hours? No refund.
- Miss your Reservation? Seriously? Better grovel.
This is better than if you bought a ticket to a Detroit Tigers Game then didn't want to go.
You wont' get a refund if . . .
- we are ten mintues from picking you up, and you call to cancel
- If we've been there and you weren't.
- Call me in the middle of the night with a bad attitude.
Yes, these have happened. Don't even think of asking us to pay your boat ride in Munising as a refund. Yes, that has happened too. You made a committment to be there, I made a committment to hire a driver, rent a van, buy gas, buy insurance, etc.
Q. We got off the trail after you've run for the day/we want or need to quit early, can you pick us up and bring us back to our car?
A. If you want to consider us for taxi service, you'll pay taxi rates. Especially if you call us at 10:00PM at night. Our taxi rates are $1mile + $25 hr, minimum charge $75 paid in advance before we embark. Due to other commitments, it could be up to 24 hours before we can fetch you.
Q. Ouch, why are your taxi rates so expensive?
A. We subscribe to Southwest Airlines philosophy of many short hauls and quick turn around times in order to maximize passengers which keeps our prices low. If you called Southwest from New York wanting them to come and pick you up and bring you to Cleveland, you won't be paying thier low fare, either.
Q. What if we have to change our reservation?
A. Call or email, there is a $5 service fee. That is what the online vendor charges me, just passing it along...
Q. Why are walk-up rates more expensive?
A. We are trying to reward good behavior for those that plan their trip in turn that allows us to be more efficient with our resources, giving them a lower rate.
Q. How many surrealists does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
A. Potato
Q. Do you haul bikes or kayaks?
A. We can haul up to 3 bikes. We are working on getting a proper rack to haul kayaks. Let us spot you instead.
Q. How late can I make a phone in reservation?
A. 8:00PM as my drivers would like to know at a decent hour what their next day's schedule will be.
Q. I don't want to use my credit card. Can't I just pay you cash when you pick me up?
A. A reservation is complete when you make an advance payment. Cash customers are treated as walk ups. Better make darn sure we are serving the trailhead at the time you want to be picked up or you'll have a long and lonely walk back. Pre-pay, we'll be there.
Q. Can you recommend a dayhike?
A. Chapel Parking to Miners Beach is about 7 miles; Log Slide to Hurricane Camp is about 3.5 miles.
Q. What is the purpose of those sticks on the side of the roads?
A. Yoopers stick those in the side of the road in order to make you ask "what are those sticks for"?
Q. I'm hiking east of the park. Can you spot me?
A. Yes, we serve Deer Park (Muskellonge Lake area) and Rainbow Lodge all the way to Tahquamenon State Park. We can drop you off at any North Country Trail crossing.
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