Good Harbor Bay

The 2.8-mile trail wanders through tall dune grass and features a mostly flat terrain. At the outset of the trail, you'll find a brief stretch of low coastal dunes that provides access to the beach. As the path veers away from Lake Michigan, it transitions into a wooded area for the rest of the journey. Along the way, you'll encounter a swampy section where a small bridge helps you navigate a few wet areas.

This trail runs between Little Traverse Lake and Lake Michigan. Remarkably, this entire area was submerged at the end of the Ice Age and has gradually emerged during the post-glacial period. As you explore, you'll notice various plant communities that have developed in zones parallel to the shore. Starting at the beach and moving inland, you traverse an active dune zone, a shrub zone, a pine-oak forest, and the beginnings of a beech-maple forest. Just a few thousand years ago, these forested areas were barren beaches. Over time, plants have contributed to the formation of topsoil on top of ancient dunes.

The trail offers a flat, well-packed surface, making it easy to walk or ski.