I walked that trail a few years ago with my son, I know since then, it's one of his favorites to…read morerun through with his dog The trail we took was challenging. A long down hill slope to a creek bed, which travels perpendicular to the downhill, the trail meanders down a little further, and then a nice steady trip back to the parking lot

There is a lower and upper level you can park at when you arrive. The upper parking does have one…read moreouthouse style restroom if needed. It was clean for being an outhouse. I appreciate that. It was a short gravel walk to the overlook. You could push a buggie or wheelchair if needed. There is a walking path that is clear. The area is established so there are large tree and tree roots to contend with while you walk about so watch your step. Maps are posted and trails are marked. We completed the 3 mile loop and loved every minute. Definitely a must see during the fall. This place would be spectacular for color! We will be back

Arch Rock isn't far from town - a good walk or easy bike ride - and well worth the trip. If…read moreentering from the lake shore, you go up 207 nicely engineered stairs on a rather steep hill. You can also take a carriage in from the top side. They've got a really nice building with historical info and great bathrooms. Lovely area, and the arch itself is really cool. Especially if you read about how it was formed and when it was exposed from the ancient lake. Fun stuff!

This is Mackinac Island attraction located at the east of island. This attraction can be reached by…read morehose, bike or walk. Walk is about 30 minutes. I would suggest visit the Mackinac fort then exit at the back to the arch. This is better after the fort because you already went to the elevation of the arch. So the climb is already done. The arch is a natural rock arch overlooking the lake. It is beautiful.

Google labels Sleeping Bear Dunes a "mountain peak" - LOL. But it is a pretty cool…read morenaturally-occurring pile of sand (and every form of life that is adapted to it). We hiked Cottonwood Trail, but *might* have strayed off it a bit in order to see Lake Michigan. It is great to know that this area is protected.

My only kind that I have about this place was that parking was really expensive! Overall, if you're…read moreinto scenic views, challenging walks, even going to the beach too or are just a avid adventurer this is the place for you. Me and my wife basically did the Dune Climb which was very extraordinary which I reviewed on a separate page. This place was very well maintained with very minimal trash. The dunes were very scenic and even the people were very friendly too. I have never seen water looks so clean and beautiful before. Getting into the beach can be a bit painful with all those rocks just stabbing your feet. I absolutely had an incredible time here regardless. I highly recommend checking this place out if you ever have to chance!

This Pyramid Point Overlook has such a colorful setting here on the banks of Sleeping Bear Dunes…read moreNational Lakeshore. I really admired the surroundings and simply looking down upon Lake Michigan's beautiful sand and beaches. Pyramid Point Trail was recommended to me by the park ranger at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center back in the town of Empire, MI. It's a casual 1/2-mile climb to arrive at this observation point. Though...you can hike a 2.7-mile round trip loop around the lakeshores to get a more real feel perspective of being here at Sleeping Bear Dunes rather than just heading straight for this Pyramid Point vista spot. I visited on a random Tuesday back in late May 2021 around 12pm and had the trail and observation point all to myself. So, from high above the waters I was able to hear the waves crashing down below. It was quite nice, and I genuinely appreciated the ambiance. And...I couldn't believe how scenic the turquoise green colors of Lake Michigan appeared especially when highlighted by the sun's strong reflections. Btw...while exploring at Sleeping Bear Dunes I also recommend hiking Empire Bluff Trail and driving the 7.5-mile Pierce Stocking Drive on the outskirts of Lake Michigan. And when traveling along Pierce Stocking Drive, my favorite pullovers were stop numbers 9, 10, 11 to capture the best backdrops for what makes the lakeshore special. Also, don't forget trekking up the 3.5-mile roundtrip Dune Climb to access the beach shores of Lake Michigan. Finally, this Pyramid Point Overlook and Trail was my last full activity here at Sleeping Bear Dubes NL. The crisp, clear background scenery was a terrific way to end my explorations in the Lower Peninsula section of Michigan before venturing further north towards the "UP" driving "Shipwreck Coast" and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore before ultimately ending at Isle Royale National Park. But...I highly suggest hiking the 1/2-mile (each way) Pyramid Point Trail to arrive at this visually appealing overlook!

Fabulous experience that is well-worth visiting. Hiked through the wooded area to eventually see an…read moreoverview of Lake Michigan. A must visit!

Old school roadside tourist attraction for just $1!!! Nothing costs one dollar. Sure you have to…read morehoof up 170 steps but on a nice day the view is great. Plus they have a big statue of Paul Bunyon and Babe. The gift store is total tourist kitch and junk but it's all part of the charm. I wouldn't go out of my way to see this but if passing by take a few minutes to enjoy this blast from the past.

We were driving through the UP looking for some activity for the kids. Climbing castle rock was the…read moreperfect experience. It was quick, affordable and provided a nice break from our drive. It won't blow you away but the view was fantastic from the top. It's a short hike up some somewhat steep stairs, kids will be fine with it. Not handicap accessible. It will take maybe 15mins to get up. Only costs $1pp! There's a gift shop at the bottom that sells touristy items. Also large statues of bunyon and blue at the bottom. It's not going to fill your whole day but a nice rest stop adventure.

Empire Bluff Trail is a 1.5 mile roundtrip hike but if you want to be a rebel, you can make this…read moreover a 5 miler by continuing on the well marked trail past the guard rail. The trail can take you all the way to an area called Treat Farmstead which is what we did. The trail starts off in a parking lot and well marked trail map. There's a slight incline up through a wooded area to the bluffs. Off to the right hand side not to far along your journey you will see an old logging saw of some sort that was neat. Once you get through the forest (maybe 0.5-0.75 miles) you end on the sandy bluff over looking Lake Michigan. The views are absolutely stunning. Seeing the shoreline from high above was amazing. After we took it all in, we made our way along the trail to Treat Farmstead. The trail is pretty sandy most of the way as you go up and down the bluff. We actually saw an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake along the way (see picture). I had no idea they had poisonous snakes this far north. Apparently they are very rare. You end up back into another wooded area before it opens up again with a different but equally beautiful view of the shoreline. In the forest we found wild apple trees that according to Google you can eat. Don't take my word for it though. I'm no expert so if you go all Chris McCandless from 'Into the Wild' eat one and die don't hold me liable. Definitely worth going the extra distance and checking it all out just be prepared to get a lot of sand in your shoes.

We chose this path because we heard it was the easiest of the trails. I am out of shape, so it was…read morea little challenge but overall very enjoyable. Beautiful trail and the views are worth every ounce of sweat. Dress appropriately and pack lightly. It only took us about 70 minutes. I took a few breaks This national park is a true treasure. Even the gift shop/ visitor center was fantastic