Explore the Trails in
Sleeping Bear Dunes

bench in the woods at sunrise looking over big glen lake

Dunes, Ghost Forests, and Kettle Lakes

Hiking the trails in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a joy for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With landscapes of towering sand dunes, freshwater-coastal forests, and sparkling lakes, each trail offers a truly unique experience. Well-marked paths surround you with the scents of pine and sandy earth, and the sounds of rustling leaves and waves create a serene atmosphere. Whether you stroll along the Lake Michigan shoreline, trek through the trees, or climb the dunes, the breathtaking views and wildlife make every step worthwhile.

Alligator Hill

Alligator Hill has several trail loops between 2.3 and 6 miles, offering sweeping panorama views of Lake Michigan

wooded trail on the top of ridge

Bay View Trail

Bay View Trail provides views of Port Oneida with 2 loops that take hikers on grassy hills and cedar forests

Cottonwood Trail

Cottonwood is accessible from Pierce Stocking Drive, featuring 1.7 miles of winding trail through perched dunes with views of the Glen Lakes.

view from the Empire Bluff trail of lake michigan and sleeping bear dunes

Empire Bluff

Empire Bluff Trail takes 1.9 miles of gradual hills to a beautiful lookout of the Sleeping Bear Dune

sandy trail through small pine trees

Good Harbor Bay

Good Harbor Bay loop is almost entirely flat with low coastal dunes and a mix of forest and wetlands.

Kettles Trail

Kettles trail features 3 miles through numerous kettles in rugged topography. The first small portion of the trail is universally accessible

sandy trail to lake michigan beach

Old Indian

Old Indian trail is at the southern end of the park and easy walking loops provide access to a beautiful beach.

Platte Plains Trails

Platte Plains is a level to gentle rolling landscape forested in oak, aspen, and pines with lakes and streams.

sandy bluff overlooking lake michigan with blue skies

Pyramid Point

Pyramid Point Trail is a 2.7-mile loop through woodlands with stunning Lake Michigan views, accessible for hikers of all levels.

leaf covered trail through dense woods

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail

Shauger Hill is adjacent to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and is a wooded 2.2 mile loop excellent for wildflowers, fall colors, and cross country skiing

heritage trail information sign next to paved trail with sand dunes in background

Sleeping Bear Dunes Trail

The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is a 22 mile multi-use trail through varying landscapes of the park

sandy hiking trail over rolling dunes with dune grass

Shauger Hill

The top of the Dune Climb is the start to a 1.9 mile route to Lake Michigan marked by blue-tipped posts

sandy hiking trail through dune grass and bluffs with views of lake michigan

Sleeping Bear Point

Sleeping Bear Point is a 2.8 mile loop through the dunes at the point, featuring open sand and a dramatic landscape

Windy Moraine

Windy Moraine Trail is a 1.5 mile loop opposite Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive that climbs its namesake moraine.