Frankfort, Michigan

Elberta Dunes South is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Elberta, Michigan.

Located just south of Elberta along scenic M-22, the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve offers a peaceful and uncrowded loop hike through a stunning mix of hardwood forest, towering sand dunes, and sweeping blufftop views of Lake Michigan. This hidden gem on the northwest Michigan coast is perfe...

The Old Indian Trails, located near Empire, Michigan, offer a peaceful escape into the quieter southern end of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Made up of two interconnected loops — the Black Arrow Loop and the Green Arrow Loop — this trail system leads through maple-beech forests, low d...

Baldy Dune Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Arcadia, Michigan.

Tucked away in Michigan’s scenic Keweenaw Peninsula, the Mount Minnie Nature Preserve is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking peaceful views over Lake Superior. Protected by the Keweenaw Land Trust, this rugged 120-acre preserve features a short...

This is one of the cheapest ways to stay near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore overnight. You'll have access to the beach right near your campsite. It's remote enough to be quiet, and it's not a very long hike.There are only 6 campsites available, and they come on a first come, first serve ...

The Bass Lake Loop is an approximately 3.5‑mile loop nestled within the Platte Plains trail network of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It winds gently through a lightly rolling terrain of pine-hardwood forest, passing Bass Lake, Deer Lake, and wetland areas—perfect spots to pause, rest on...

Tucked within the southern reaches of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Treat Farm Trail offers a scenic hike to a historic 19th-century farmstead, with an optional extension to a breathtaking bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. This lesser-known trail near the Platte River Campground prov...

This moderately hilly boardwalk hike takes you to scenic viewpoints above Lake Michigan. The Sleeping Bear Dunes do not fail to impress, particularly at sunset.

Just outside the village of Empire is where this venture starts. This hike may be the most famous hike in the area. The Empire Bluff Trail provides incredible views of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, South Bar Lake and Lake Michigan! The hike is slightly hilly, and stays primarily in the trees. At ...

Located along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this lookout towers over Lake Michigan and provides sweeping vistas of the lake and the surrounding lakeshore and peninsula. After parking in the lot, head along the paved path to the overlook. Once the...

There are two approaches to conquering the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You can run to the top (the preferred method for those under the age of 10). Or, you can slowly trek up the side of this seemingly vertical wall of sand, breathing and sweating heavily, cursing each l...

Start at the Alligator Hill trail head and make your way up the hill for roughly .1 of a mile until you hit a marker. Turn left at the sign and keep on the trail for another 1.3 miles. You will hit a scenic lookout called Islands Lookout which you can stop and get pictures at. From there you will...

Park your car at the Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead in Glen Haven, Michigan, once parked find your way to the sign for point of reference with the map. You'll find that the Ghost Forest Trail is a 2.8 mile loop. You can start the loop at the trailhead which is near the bathroom, or at the sign whe...

The Sleeping Bear Point Trail is a 2.8 mile loop through the sand dunes with amazing views of Lake Michigan and South Manitou Island. There is a 0.5 mile spur hike from the trailhead to the Lake Michigan beach. It is less strenuous than the hike from the Dune Climb to Lake Michigan.   

Beginning at the trailhead, the 2.8 mile round trip takes you on a gravel/sand trail up 570 feet. The trail slowly winds uphill until you hit an opening at the top that looks out at the Sleeping Bear Dunes and down on Lake Michigan.