Tucked away near sleepy Empire, Michigan, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is home to white sand beaches, incredible views, and beautiful hiking trails. Whether you plan to stay for a few days or a full week, the west coast of Michigan has enough fantastic trails to fill your schedule!

Best Hiking Trails in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

Permits are required in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! Learn more about planning your Sleeping Bear Dunes trip on the National Park website.

Leave No Trace in the Sleeping Bear Dunes:

Dogs are not allowed in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! Keep in mind when visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes you are on an erosion zone. Stick to official trails only! By hiking unofficial trails in the Sleeping Bear Dunes you are contributing to shoreline erosion in a fragile dune ecosystem.

When recreating in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you are on the cultural and ancestral homeland of the Odawa Nation, who have served as stewards of the land since time immemorial.

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What to pack for hiking in the Sleeping Bear Dunes:

Summers on Lake Michigan can be somewhat cooler than you might expect! Here’s what I recommend packing:

• A lightweight, long hiking pant. I use this pair from Kuhl.
• A fleece. Any fleece will do, but I really love my Patagonia Synchilla
• Wool baselayers. Five years of heavy paddling and my Smartwool baselayers are the only wool baselayers I’ve had that have really stood the test of time. The basic REI stuff lasted about a season, my Icebreakers top also didn’t really last long. 
• Study hiking boots. I like my Bridger Mids. Working in outdoor retail I literally never had anyone try on these shoes and not buy them. Pair with Darn Tough hiking socks. 
• A puffy jacket. It can be cool even in the summer along the coast, especially evenings. My partner Andy (also a wilderness guide) swears by the Patagonia Nano Puff. I like my Helly Hansen Liftloft. 
• A Tent: Read my budget tent recommendations here!
• A day hiking pack: I love my Perimeter 35L, made by local (to me!) Two Harbors company Granite Gear. I was gifted this pack a few years back and it’s still my go-to day pack.
• A raincoat. I love the Moss Raincoat from Helly Hansen; It’s affordable, cute, and super durable.

1) Empire Bluffs Trail: Most popular trail in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

Around two miles round trip, this trail takes you to the top of Empire Bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, with sweeping views of the coast and North Bar Lake. Located near the town of Empire, MI. This is my favorite hike in the park. Be sure to not hike down to the Lake—hiking down bluffs like this causes dune erosion, damaging an already delicate ecosystem.

The Empire Bluffs Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with one of the most iconic Michigan views. As a result, it also tends to be one of the most crowded trails in Sleeping Bear. Still, those views are well worth the crowds, and the Empire Bluffs Trail .

Staying in Traverse City? Click here to read about the best places to kayak near Traverse City, Michigan.

2) Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

With ADA Accessible Overlooks, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is an incredible way to see all that Sleeping Bear has to offer for people of all ages and abilities. My favorite time to visit is the fall, to see the colors change by the covered bridge and look out over the dunes covered in red trees from the North Bar Lake Overlook.

The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive offers the highest concentration of incredible views in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

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The scenic drive has some of the best short and easy hikes in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

For 54-pages of hiking trails, swimming holes, backpacking and canoe routes, hidden campsites, and more, check out the Exploring Michigan eBook.

3) Dune Climb: hardest hike in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

The Dune Climb is a four-mile round trip hike over hot dunes to Lake Michigan, where you can take a dip and hike back. Bring water, and shoes—it gets a little rocky as you get closer to the beach. You’re hiking through sand, up and down over dunes, which is very different than hiking over solid ground. It’s easy to get lost and it’s a harder workout than you might expect.

The Dune Climb is one of the most “Michigan” hikes anyone can do, but it’s also surprisingly difficult, and longer than it seems out to the lake. Pro tip: snowshoe the Sleeping Bear Dunes in the winter for a beautiful and easier trip. The Dune Climb is a beautiful snowshoe, and you might even have the whole trail to yourself!

On this difficult hike it’s important to remember to bring plenty of water! Hiking over sand makes for increased difficulty, and it can be very hot on the dunes. While you may be tempted to hike barefoot in the beginning, about halfway the trail transitions to a rocky mix. This is a great hike for hiking sandals like Tevas. While the hike is difficult, the reward is the best swim of your life in Lake Michigan.

4) Sunset at Overlook Nine: Best sunset spot in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

Hike a short quarter mile from the overlook nine parking lot along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive to a bluff 400 feet above Lake Michigan and the Manitou Passage. Learn about the Legend of Sleeping Bear and watch the sunk sink over the horizon line. Remember not to hike down to the water from the overlook, and do your part to prevent dune erosion!

Overlook Nine is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Northern Michigan. The hike to Overlook Nine is suitable for all ages, but may be a difficult but short walk through sand for beginner level hikers.

5) Alligator Hill

Alligator Hill has several loops of trails, but at just over four miles round trip, you can reach two fantastic overlooks— one of Sleeping Bear Point, and one of Big Glen Lake. This is one of the least visited trails in the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and is a great spot to avoid the crowds and get a good workout in.

6) Pyramid Point

Pyramid Point three-mile loop in total, but the overlook of Lake Michigan is only a little over a half mile from the trailhead for anyone looking for a shorter hike. This trail tends to be crowded, but has incredible views of the Manitou Islands on Lake Michigan in the distance.

View of the Manitou Islands from Pyramid Point.

7) Backpack the Manitou Islands

North and South Manitou both offer backpacking loops, lighthouses, ghost towns, shipwrecks, and wilderness. Catch a ferry to your island of choice from Leeland, MI to experience a little slice of island life and Caribbean blue waters.

The Manitou Islands offer a true backcountry hiking experience in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

read about planning & packing for your first backpacking trip!

8)Clay Cliffs Natural Area

The Clay Cliffs are a lesser-known hiking loop near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This hiking trail has both an overlook of Lake Michigan, views of Lake Leelanau, and incredible wildflowers.

9) Esch Road Beach: Best Beach in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

A quiet beach where Otter Creek runs into Lake Michigan, Esch Road Beach is the perfect swimming hole for a hot summer day, with a beautiful little hiking trail through the woods to heat up before you cool down in the lake. This is one of my favorite spots for early morning photography, with the dynamic creek, clear water, and Empire Bluff in the distance.

10) The Platte River

A warm crystal clear river with a sandy bottom that flows into Lake Michigan— need I say more? The Platte River is the perfect spot to relax on the beach or go for a swim. The best part? You can choose to swim either in the warm waters of the Platte or chilly Lake Michigan.

11) Sleeping Bear Point

Looking for an easy hike with a nearby Maritime Museum? Check out Sleeping Bear Point for a 3-mile hike over rolling hills with beautiful wildflowers and views of Lake Michigan.

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I grew up visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes every summer, and there’s nothing better in the world than a dip in Lake Michigan after a hard hike in the dunes.

Bonus: You can’t miss this Sleeping Bear Dunes Kayaking Route!!

Looking for a family-friendly Sleeping Bear Dunes adventure? Book a kayak trip on the beautiful Crystal River! Your adventure with Crystal River Outfitters will take you down the beautiful and clear Crystal River, over sandy bottoms and past beautiful fish!

Kayaking the beautiful Crystal River in the Sleeping Bear Dunes!

Looking for more hikes, paddles, and hidden gems?

check out the Midwest Adventure eBook Bundle for over 300+ pages of detailed adventure planning including hidden waterfalls, the best campsites, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and more covering Sleeping Bear to the end of the Gunflint Trail and everything in-between!

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• The 30 Best Things to do in the Pictured Rocks
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• Looking for a winter adventure? Check out the best winter destinations in the Midwest!

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