hiking pictured rocks on july 4th: worth the hype?

We decided to spend our 4th of July hiking at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan. I’d heard so much about the colorful cliffs and the cool lake breeze, so we packed up sandwiches, sunscreen, and way too many water bottles (I always overpack, just in case). The drive took us almost four hours, and by the time we arrived, the parking lot was already packed—apparently, everyone else had the same idea. We finally hit the trail, and the views were honestly breathtaking. The cliffs really do look painted, and the water is this unreal shade of blue. But here’s the thing: the trails were so crowded, we kept having to step aside for big groups, and finding a quiet spot for lunch was nearly impossible. I started wondering if it’s always this busy, or if we just picked the worst possible day. I love the outdoors, but I also crave a little peace and quiet when I hike. Has anyone else been to Pictured Rocks on a less popular day? Did you find it more relaxing? Or is it always a bit of a circus here, no matter when you go? I’m torn—part of me loves the energy of a holiday crowd, but part of me just wants to hear the waves without all the chatter. Anyone else feel the same way about popular parks? #PicturedRocks #HikingAdventures #4thOfJuly #Travel