Is Northern Michigan just for the summertime? Heck no! There is still so much to see and do while the area is coated in a blanket of snow. Stay tuned while I complete more M22 Microadventures this winter, courtesy of The M22 Store’s book “M22 Microadventures”. Purchase the book here!
Empire Bluff Trail Overlook
I completed two M22 Microadventures; Hike Empire Bluffs and Hike Pyramid Point.
Pyramid Point
Each of these microadventures is predicted to take about 2 hours or less. It involves hiking a total of 2.6 miles, 1.6 miles for Empire Bluff Trail and 1 mile for Pyramid Point. A total of 396 ft of elevation change, 170ft for Empire Bluffs and 226 ft for Pyramid Point.
Both trails are out and back trails, hiking out to Lake Michigan. Note that roads getting to these trails can be rough (snowy and icy) in the winter time, be careful when driving, it’s best to have snow tires or a 4-wheel drive car.
The trailhead for Empire Bluff Trail is located off Wilco Rd. off of M22 in Empire, MI. The trailhead for Pyramid Point is located off of Point Oneida Rd off of M22 in Maple City. (Tip: both trailheads can be accessed by Apple and Google Maps on your phone)
Hiking Tip: both trails can be very highly trafficked even in the winter months, leading to the trails being icy. Take precautions, wearing ice spikes, or using trekking poles to keep yourself safe.
Empire Bluff Trail (post winter storm)
These trails are great trails to hike year round, and it’s amazing to see the difference from season to season. I highly recommend both of them! Let me know in the comments below or on Instagram if you’ve hiked these trails!