Hiking

Empire is surrounded by almost 100 miles of trails entwining Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Many of visitors’ favorite hikes originate in Empire, including: North Bar Lake; Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook; Dune Climb; Alligator Hill; and the Empire Bluff Trail, within walking distance of the Village.

 

SLEEPING BEAR 
HERITAGE TRAIL

This paved, multi-use trail spans over 20 gorgeous miles from Empire to Glen Arbor and beyond. Accessible to all—hikers, wheelchairs, bikers, strollers, skiers, and more.

Directions
EMPIRE BLUFF 
TRAIL

This must-do hike ends at a steep bluff, featuring the iconic double-dune view that's the subject of paintings, posters, and postcards. 1.5 mile loop; just 1 mile south of Empire.

Directions
PYRAMID POINT

Perhaps one of the park's most cherished trails, this takes you up a short .6 mile climb to an expansive northern view. Stay and play among the sand bowls (perfect for jumping into!) for a must-do dunes experience.

Directions
DUNES TRAIL TO 
LAKE MICHIGAN

To reach this trail, you'll have to scale to the peak of the Dune Climb. From there, a 1.75 mile sandy—and strenuous— trail takes you over breathtaking panoramas to Lake Michigan. Bring water and footwear! (3.5 miles total)

Directions
COTTONWOOD 
TRAIL

Connecting to the Dune Trail from the south, this trail is only accessible through Pierce Stocking Drive. Strenuous on hot days, it climbs over dunes with scenic views for a 1.4 mile loop.

Directions
PLATTE PLAINS
 TRAIL SYSTEM

The park's most expansive trail system spans nearly 15 miles total. Enter at the Platte River Campground, Esch Road Beach, or Trail End Road. This trail is the only access point for White Pine Backcountry campground.

Directions
SHAUGER HILL

Hilly and secluded, this 2. 5 mile trail is frequented by bikers and hikers alike and connects to North Bar Beach and Pierce Stocking Drive.

Directions
BAY VIEW 
TRAIL

Several loops make up 8 miles of easy-to-medium trails over hills and historic farmland. Take the 1 mile route to the view of the bay and back for a shorter hike.

Directions
GOOD HARBOR BAY

Connecting to Good Harbor Beach, this 2.8 mile loop offers a shady, wooded relief from the hot beach.

Directions
WINDY MORAINE 
TRAIL

This trail takes hikers through meadows, woods, and the moraine left by glaciers to end at a view of the Glen Lakes (1.5 mile loop).

Directions
OLD INDIAN 
TRAIL

A hidden gem in the park, this 2.3 mile long hike meanders through beautiful forests and dunes before ending at an expansive beach.

Directions
ALLIGATOR HILL

With a scenic overlook of the Manitou Islands and Glen Lake, this multi-loop trail offers many options for exploration.

Directions