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    Home » Recipes » Travel

    Empire Bluff Trail at Sleeping Bear Dunes

    Published: May 27, 2017 · Modified: Apr 30, 2021 by Jeni · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    A guide to hiking the Empire Bluff Trail at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has become a very popular summer vacation destination in the Midwest. A few years ago, it was named 'Most Beautiful Place in America' by Good Morning America. Sleeping Bear Dunes offers something for the whole family.

    With unspoiled beaches, stunning views of Lake Michigan and numerous hiking trails, the park is an ideal family vacation destination.

    Hiking the Empire Bluff Trail at Sleeping Bear Dunes Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers a great variety of day hikes. If you aren't ready to tackle the dune climb, check out one the shorter and easier hikes at Sleeping Bear Dunes.


    My favorite day hike at Sleeping Bear Dunes is the Empire Bluff Trail.

    Empire Bluff Trail at Sleeping Bear Dunes
    Empire Bluff Trail was recently named one of the ten best walks in America by Prevention Magazine. This 1.5 mile round trip hike is manageable for all ages.

    There are a few small hills, but nothing too steep. When you arrive at the Empire Bluff trailhead there is a small gravel parking area. I imagine that in the summer the lots fills up quickly!

    The trail begins by winding  through Beech and Maple forest. The trail leads to a 400 foot high bluff that overlooks Lake Michigan.

    Hiking the Empire Bluff Trail at Sleeping Bear Dunes
    Hiking the Empire Bluff Trail at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Once you arrive at the top of the bluff, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of Sleeping Bear and South Manitou Island.

    Hiking the Empire Bluff Trail at Sleeping Beat Dunes
    Spectacular views at Empire Bluffs in Sleeping Bear Dunes The Empire Bluffs overlook at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Hiking the Empire Bluff Trail at Sleeping Bear Dunes
    How gorgeous is this view?!

    Every time I visit, I just can't get over the color of the water. It is hard to believe that this water is in Michigan and not the ocean! If you have never been to Northern Michigan, I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list! It is a beautiful place to explore and visit.

    Empire Bluff overlook at Sleeping Bear Dunes.

    XO Jeni 

    >A guide to hiking the Empire Bluff Trail at Sleeping Bear Dunes. This trail was voted one of the ten best walks in America!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kelly Ratcliff

      June 27, 2017 at 4:31 am

      this looks stunning!
      We're planning out a drive around Lake Superior this September- I hope this spot is along the way!

      Reply
      • Jeni

        June 27, 2017 at 12:22 pm

        A drive around Lake Superior sounds wonderful! Northern Michigan and the U.P. are such wonderful places to visit!

        Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Traverse City Winter Getaway - Thyme & Love says:
      February 20, 2018 at 3:43 pm

      […] City Ale Trail Guide Empire Bluff Hiking Trail  Girls’ Weekend […]

      Reply
    2. Top Things to do in Traverse City, Michigan - Thyme & Love says:
      May 21, 2018 at 7:58 pm

      […] dune climb, I highly recommend hiking one of the shorter trails. My favorite hiking trail is the Empire Bluff Trial. The trail is short and offers some incredible views of Lake […]

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Jeni—the food blogger, recipe developer, and photographer behind Thyme & Love. I'm a busy mom would loves creating memories in the kitchen and traveling to new places.

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