Ready for some color change along Lake Michigan? Here’s are 3 must hit fall hikes in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore!
Empire Bluff Trail (1.6 miles)
Easily Sleeping Bear Dunes’ most popular hike next to the Dune Climb, but this is one of those fall hikes in Sleeping Bear Dunes you don’t want to miss. This easy-moderate 0.8 miles out and then 0.8 miles back, features incredible views of Lake Michigan and the dunes. Starting in the forest, you hike up a few hills and then finally reach the sandy dunes and Lake Michigan. Be cautious, and do NOT climb down the dunes, lake levels can vary and there may be little to no beach below.
This is the perfect hike for beginners, families, or really, absolutely anyone! I love this hike particularly for sunset views! There is plenty of space to find a nice area to grab a seat and enjoy the sunset. Keep in mind, if aiming to capture a sunset view on a hike, plan to arrive at the trailhead at least 1 hour prior to sunset time, allowing for time to hike and time to sit and enjoy the changing sky.
Lookouts onto South Bar lake and the coast line can lead to picture perfect views of color change contrasting with Lake Michigan blues. An easy, quick, and one to add to the list for fall hikes in Sleeping Bear Dunes.
An off the beaten path type of trail. Located off M-22, north of Glen Arbor this is located right along the Sleeping Bear Heritage trail. Head up the trail to the Bay View Lookout for some 360 degree views of the landscape and peaks out onto Lake Michigan.
This is a stellar lookout for fall color change, though not the best lookout onto Lake Michigan, you’ll catch glimpses of the turquoise blue waters while taking in endless view of oranges, yellows, and reds!
This trail has numerous loops to complete or simply hike out and back to the lookout!
Windy Morraine Trail (1.5 miles)
An easy, less populated 1.5 mile loop trail. Located just across M-116 from Pierce Stocking drive, this heavily wooded hike is less busy than other hikes. While there are no stellar lake views, you’re engulfed in a dense, beautiful forest throughout the entire hike. Keep an eye out for a peep at Glen Lake while you’re hiking! This is a perfect hike for beginners, families, and trail runners looking for a less busy spot. A must hit for fall hikes in Sleeping Bear Dunes
This forested hike can engulf you in leaves and fall color making it ten times better to do during the fall months compared to summer! Don’t leave this off your list when visiting Sleeping Bear in the fall months!
Alligator Hill (2-8miles)
A moderately challenging forested hike that leads to some incredible lake views! With two trail heads to start at either off Stocking Rd or Day Forest Rd, there are over 7 miles of loop trails to be found here varying from easy to moderate to difficult.
Start off and enjoy most of the hike through the trees. However, you’ll reach stretches that contain no shade, this was due to the devastating storm that hit Glen Arbor in 2015. Head to the Lake Michigan overlook to capture gorgeous views of Sleeping Bear Bay. Then head to the Glen Lake Overlook, where you’ll find numerous trees, perfect to set up a hammock and relax for a bit.
With rewarding overlooks and forests to hike through there’s no shortage of fall color to see near and far! Make sure to hit BOTH overlooks Lake Michigan overlook, and the Big Glen Lake Overlook, they both yield different yet incredible views of fall color contrasting with the lake blues.
Hands down my TOP hike for fall hikes in Sleeping Bear Dunes!