The Lake Michigan Overlook at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire, Michigan is an easy 0.3-mile out-and-back hike that leads to stunning vistas of Lake Michigan's turquoise waters at the base of the sandy dunes.
This short hike begins at a very large parking lot and follows a paved sand-covered path out to the sand dunes where visitors will start walking on sand. By following the dune heading north, hikers will find stunning views of Lake Michigan's coastline from the top of the steep slopes of the dunes. Keep walking just a bit further to find a large wooden structure that provides more views of the coastline, the Lake Michigan Overlook. From this overlook hikers get stunning views of the turquoise waters of Lake Michigan along the dune's lakeshore. Note that there's another short path that leads to a similar view of Lake Michigan further up the trail from the wooden platform.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
This walk is part of the Piece Stocking Scenic Drive within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. An entry fee is required.
Parking & Fees
Hikers will find parking at the coordinates provided. The lot is large enough to fit about a couple dozen vehicles. As of September 2022, there was a $25 entry fee for the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, but also gives hikers access to other trails at the park.
Pets
According to the official site, dogs are not prohibited from trails within the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Please keep your dog on a leash and carry out their waste.
Warning
Steep terrain, water levels, getting stuck: For those who think swimming in Lake Michigan here is a good idea, think again. The steep banks of the dunes don't provide safe access to the waters of Lake Michigan. Depending on the water level, anyone who enters the water here, may get stuck in the water with no way out. Rescues cost $3,000 as of September, 2022, according to the signage.
This short hike begins at a very large parking lot and follows a paved sand-covered path out to the sand dunes where visitors will start walking on sand. By following the dune heading north, hikers will find stunning views of Lake Michigan's coastline from the top of the steep slopes of the dunes. Keep walking just a bit further to find a large wooden structure that provides more views of the coastline, the Lake Michigan Overlook. From this overlook hikers get stunning views of the turquoise waters of Lake Michigan along the dune's lakeshore. Note that there's another short path that leads to a similar view of Lake Michigan further up the trail from the wooden platform.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
This walk is part of the Piece Stocking Scenic Drive within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. An entry fee is required.
Parking & Fees
Hikers will find parking at the coordinates provided. The lot is large enough to fit about a couple dozen vehicles. As of September 2022, there was a $25 entry fee for the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, but also gives hikers access to other trails at the park.
Pets
According to the official site, dogs are not prohibited from trails within the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Please keep your dog on a leash and carry out their waste.
Warning
Steep terrain, water levels, getting stuck: For those who think swimming in Lake Michigan here is a good idea, think again. The steep banks of the dunes don't provide safe access to the waters of Lake Michigan. Depending on the water level, anyone who enters the water here, may get stuck in the water with no way out. Rescues cost $3,000 as of September, 2022, according to the signage.
