Fall hikes in Sleeping Bear Dunes

Question

We (2 adults) will be traveling to Mackinac Island and Pictured Rocks in early October, with a 3 night stay in TC on our return. We are planning 1 day for Old Mission and 1 day for Sleeping Bear Dunes, etc.

We are planning a full day at Sleeping Bear Dunes to enjoy fall hiking trails, etc. At the moment, we are planning to drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and hike the Empire Bluff Trail. We'll stop at the Dune Climb for the views, but won't venture too far. We've traveled to all of the big dunes across the USA and have done our fair share of slogging up/down in sand.

Any other suggestions for gorgeous hikes or other stops to make along the way?

Answer

Early October is a beautiful time to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes, as the fall foliage adds a vibrant backdrop to the already stunning views of Lake Michigan. Planning a full day with Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Empire Bluff Trail, and the Dune Climb is a great start, but there are a few additional options to enhance your experience without overexerting yourself.

Hikes and scenic stops:

Alligator Hill Trail: A moderate 2.5-mile loop with sweeping views of Platte River Point and the surrounding dunes. The fall colors here can be spectacular, and the trail is less crowded than Empire Bluff.
Glen Lake Overlook & Beach Stops: Along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, be sure to stop at the overlooks for stunning vistas of Glen Lake. You can also take short walks to the shoreline for peaceful views.
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail: If you want a gentler walk with lake views, consider portions of this multi-use trail. The segment near Empire or Glen Arbor is especially scenic in fall.
Sleeping Bear Point Trail: A shorter trail (about 1.5 miles round trip) with excellent views of the dunes and Lake Michigan. Ideal if you want a brief hike without a lot of sand slogging.
Platte River Campground Nature Trail: This easy trail meanders through forest and along the river. Good for spotting fall colors and wildlife without a strenuous climb.

Additional stops along the day:

Chamberlain Lake Overlook: Located along the Scenic Drive, a short walk from the parking area provides panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forest.
Historic Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Center: Great for learning about the dunes’ history and geology, and you can pick up maps for additional short trails.
Glen Arbor Village: A charming spot to grab lunch or a coffee mid-day. There are shops and bakeries that are perfect for a quick break.
Lake Michigan shoreline stops: Make time for a quick walk along the lakeshore at various scenic pull-offs—autumn light is excellent for photos.

In summary, combining the Empire Bluff Trail and Dune Climb with a few of these shorter trails and scenic stops will give you a rich fall experience in Sleeping Bear Dunes without overdoing the sand climbs. Fall colors, lake vistas, and varied terrain make this area a must-visit in October.