Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Hiking

Many trails lead through forests and meadows. Trail maps are available at the visitor center and are posted at trailheads. Some land within park boundaries is private property; respect owners' rights. Various hunting seasons span the entire year; wear bright clothing when hiking or skiing. Firearm deer hunting season is November 1 5-30.

1. Old Indian Trail

The trail leads to a view of Lake Michigan and a wide expanse of low beach dunes.
Distance: There are two loops, each about 4 K (2.5 mi.).
Trailhead: On M-22 just north of Sutter Road.
Terrain: Flat to gently rolling.
Vegetation: Evergreens and hardwoods.

2. Platte Plains Trail

Distance: The trail consists of three loops totaling 23.6 K (14.7 mi.).
Trailheads: There are two trailheads.
Otter Creek Trailhead: Take M-22 to Esch Road (6.5 K 14 mile] south of Empire), turn west and proceed almost to Lake Michigan. Park on wide shoulder and walk south on unpaved road to trailhead. Gives access to the Otter Creek loop.
Trail's End Trailhead: Drive to the end of Trail's End Road, off M-22, 9.7 K (6 mile) south of Empire. Gives access to Otter Creek Loop and Bass Lake Loop.
Terrain: Mostly flat; there are some short, steep hills on the Lasso Loop that leads to the White Pine Backcountry Campground.
Vegetation: Primarily pine-oak-aspen woods with some open fields, pine plantations and, near Lake Michigan, some low beach dunes.
• More on the Platte Plains Trail.

3. Empire Bluff Trail

Leads to a scenic viewpoint high above Lake Michigan. A self-guiding brochure describes the scenery.
Distance: 2.4 K (1.5 mile) round trip.
Trailhead: Wilco Road, off M-22, 2.7 K (1.7 mile) south of Empire.
Terrain: Hilly.
Vegetation: Beech-maple forest, fields and dunes.
• More on the Empire Bluff Trail.

4. Windy Moraine Trail

A self-guiding brochure with the theme of biodiversity describes the scenery. From a high point along the trail, you can view Glen Lake, Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes
Distance: 2.4 K (1.5 mile) loop.
Trailhead: Welch Road, just east of M-109, 5.6 K (3.5 mile) north of Empire.
Terrain: Hilly.
Vegetation: Beech-maple forest, old farm fields and pine plantation.

5. Shauger Hill Trail

Distance: 3.9 K (2.4 mile) loop.
Trailhead: Parking lot at entrance to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.
Terrain: Hilly.
Vegetation: Beech-maple forest with a few small clearings and pine plantations.

6. Cottonwood Trail A self-guiding brochure describes the plant life and geology of the dunes. Part of this trail is through loose sand, and is strenuous.
Distance: 2.4 K (1.5 mile) loop.
Trailhead: Stop #4 on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.
Terrain: Moderately rolling dunes.
Vegetation: Grasses, shrubs and wildflowers of the dunes.

7. Dunes Trail This trail is strenuous, with steep dunes and loose sand. Drinking water, sturdy shoes, suntan lotion, a hat and sunglasses are recommended.
Distance: 5.6 K (3.5 mile) round trip to Lake Michigan, time 3-4 hours.
Trailhead: The Dune Climb off M-109, 8.1 K (5 mile) north of Empire.
Terrain: Steep, rugged dunes.
Vegetation: Grasses, shrubs and wildflowers of the dunes.

8. Duneside - Accessible Trail This trail is designed for use by all park visitors including those in wheelchairs and the visually impaired. Signs along the trail interpret the trees, bird life and other aspects of nature. This information is available on a cassette tape, which can be borrowed together with a cassette player at the park visitor center in Empire. Mosquitoes are abundant along the wooded half of the trail during warm weather: be prepared.
Distance: 2.9 K (1.8 mile) round trip.
Trailhead: North end of Dune Climb, off M-109, 8.1 K (5 mile) north of Empire.
Terrain: Flat.
Vegetation: First half goes through a field, the second half through moist woods.

9. Dunes-Sleeping Bear Point Trail A short spur near the beginning of the trail leads out to Lake Michigan. If you plan to walk the entire loop, go prepared with water, sturdy shoes, a hat, suntan lotion and sunglasses. Much of this trail is through loose sand, and is strenuous.
Distance: 4.5 K (2.8 mile) loop.
Trailhead: Take gravel road 1.2 K (.7 mile) west from Maritime Museum in Glen Haven.
Terrain: Moderately rolling dunes.
Vegetation: Grasses, shrubs and wildflowers of the dunes.

10. Alligator Hill Trail There is a view of Lake Michigan along the first loop and a view of Glen Lake at the end of the spur trail, but both are somewhat obscured by trees. Horses are permitted on this trail.
Distance: Three loops of 45 K (2.5-3 mile) each plus a spur trail of 1.3 K (.8 mi.), located off the first loop.
Trailhead: From M-109, 1.6 K (1 mile) north of the Dune Climb, turn onto Day Farm Road, then, at Stocking Road turn left; or take Stocking Road south from M-109, just east of the D.H. Day campground.
Terrain: Hilly.
Vegetation: Beech-maple forest, brushy fields and pine plantation.

11. Bay View Trail Lookout Point on the loop north of Thoreson Road gives a fine view of Lake Michigan.
Distance: 11 K (7mi.) divided into several shorter loops.
Trailhead: Northbound vehicles take second Thoreson Road junction off M-22, 5.6 K (3.5 mile) north of Glen Arbor.
Terrain: Hilly.
Vegetation: Beech-maple forest, old farm fields and pine plantation.

12. Pyramid Point Trail Trail leads to a high, panoramic view of Lake Michigan half a mile from the trailhead.
Distance: 4.3 K (2.7 mile) loop.
Trailhead: Take M-22 to Port Oneida Road 6 K (3.7 mile) north of Glen Arbor; follow Port Oneida Road till it ends at Basch Road. Follow Basch Road east to trailhead.
Terrain: Hilly.
Vegetation: Beech-maple forest and open fields.
• More on the Pyramid Point Trail.

13. Good Harbor Bay Trail Distance: 4.5 K (2.8 mile) loop.
Trailhead: Take M-22 to County Road 669 13 K (8 mile) north of Glen Arbor; follow 669 toward Lake Michigan. Turn right on Lake Michigan Road and follow it to trailhead.
Terrain: Flat, wet in places.
Vegetation: Mostly wooded with a short section of low dunes near the start.

Regulations

Collecting of plants and other natural, historical and archeological items is not permitted. Exception: certain edible fruits and mushrooms may be collected in limited quantities for personal use.

Bicycles are prohibited on hiking trails.

Safety