The trail continues on high, level ground through open hardwoods until it emerges near the restrooms at Miner's Castle. The trail leaves from the path closest to the parking area and goes along the rim of the escarpment, where there's a bird's-eye view of the basin and the cliffs at the lakefront. The trail descends the escarpment in easy stages, then crosses Miner's River by way of a footbridge. The trail continues along the bank above the beach to the east end, where it turns inland to the trailhead parking area. Beyond Potato Patch, an easy trail winds northeast, with many short sandy paths leading out to the cliffs to give close views of the Pictured Rocks.
Some paths lead to high sandy ledges, pleasant places to relax.
Take care at the edges, which are often unstable overhangs. After about 2.5 miles, the trail descends gradually to the harbor at the mouth of the Mosquito river, and crosses on a footbridge. Water available from the lake or the river. The trail leaves the campground along the lakeshore at the east side. This is a spectacular section, following many promontories and formations, and will be some of the most memorable hiking of the North Country Trail.