Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in northwest Michigan is a hiker’s paradise, offering a diverse array of trails that traverse towering sand dunes, lush forests, and pristine shorelines. Recognized as the "Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America in 2011, this 71,000-acre park provides both breathtaking vistas and serene natural experiences.

Trail Highlights

• Dune Climb: A popular and challenging ascent up steep sand dunes, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of Glen Lake and Lake Michigan. The full round-trip to the lake and back spans approximately 3.5 miles.

• Empire Bluff Trail: A 1.5-mile round-trip trail leading through hardwood forests to a high bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, offering one of the park's most iconic views.

• Pyramid Point Trail: A 2.7-mile loop that ascends to a bluff with sweeping vistas of the Manitou Islands and Lake Michigan.

• Alligator Hill Trail: Featuring multiple loops through beech-maple forests, this trail offers scenic overlooks of Glen Lake and the Manitou Islands.

• Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail: A 20-mile multi-use trail, mostly paved, connecting key points in the park from Empire to Bohemian Road (CR-669), suitable for hiking, biking, and skiing.

Points of Interest & Landmarks

• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: A 7.4-mile loop offering several overlooks, including the Lake Michigan Overlook and the Sleeping Bear Dune Overlook, accessible by car or bike.

• Glen Haven Historic Village: A restored 19th-century port village featuring a general store, blacksmith shop, and maritime museum, providing insights into the area's cultural history.

• Sleeping Bear Point Life Saving Station: Now serving as a maritime museum, this historic site offers exhibits on the U.S. Life-Saving Service and Great Lakes shipping history.

Flora & Fauna

The park's diverse habitats support a rich array of plant and animal life:

• Flora: Includes dune grasses, bearberry, dune lilies, harebells, and orchids, thriving in the unique dune and forest ecosystems.

• Fauna: Inhabitants include white-tailed deer, red foxes, gray and fox squirrels, Canada geese, loons, sandpipers, and the endangered piping plover nesting along the shorelines.

Camping & Lodging

• D.H. Day Campground: Located near Glen Arbor, offering rustic campsites close to Lake Michigan beaches.

• Platte River Campground: Provides both modern and rustic campsites, with access to the Platte River and Lake Michigan.

• Backcountry Camping: Available on North and South Manitou Islands, offering a more secluded wilderness experience.

Tips for Hikers

• Preparation: Bring ample water, sun protection, and appropriate footwear, especially for dune hikes where sand can be hot and strenuous to traverse.

• Navigation: Trails are well-marked, but carrying a map or GPS device is advisable for longer hikes.

• Wildlife Awareness: Maintain a respectful distance from wildlife and be aware of nesting areas, especially for protected species like the piping plover.

• Leave No Trace: Practice responsible hiking by carrying out all trash and minimizing impact on natural areas.

Embarking on a hike through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers an unforgettable experience, blending natural beauty, rich history, and diverse ecosystems. Whether scaling towering dunes, exploring historic villages, or wandering through tranquil forests, visitors are sure to find inspiration and adventure in this remarkable landscape.

Additional Resources:

• National Park Services - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau
• Sleeping Bear Dunes Map