Published August 20, 2025 06:00PM
This Short Michigan Hiking Trail Is 1.6 Miles of Pure Beauty
This family-friendly hike packs a visual punch. In less than an hour, you'll pass shaded forest paths, expansive overlooks over the lakeshore, and much more.
(Photo: csterken via Getty Images)
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan is one of those places that grabs you the moment you see it. Stretching 35 miles along Lake Michigan’s eastern shore, the park is a patchwork of towering sand dunes, dense forests, inland lakes, and scenic beaches. It offers hiking with panoramic views of crystal-clear lake waters. Formed by glacial activity, the area was historically home to the Odawa and Potawatomi people and later European settlers; the name “Sleeping Bear” comes from an Odawa legend about a mother bear and her cubs.
For hikers looking for something that packs a big payoff in a small package, the Empire Bluff Trail is a must-do. At just 1.6 miles round-trip, it’s short enough for families, casual hikers, or anyone looking to make the most of their little bit of free time, yet it delivers unbelievable views that rival much longer treks. Many hikers find it an easy, family-friendly route, although tree roots and a short set of stairs pose challenges for those with mobility issues. There are interpretive signs about geology and ecology along the way, making it as educational as it is scenic. But despite its brevity, the trail offers a full sensory experience, from shaded forest paths to the expansive bluff overlook. Photographers will also find it rewarding year-round, with sunrise and sunset casting dramatic light across the lake and dunes. Here’s what you need to know to hike the Empire Bluff Trail.
Trail Details
- Trail Length: 1.6 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 262 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (with roots and stairs in places)
- Trailhead: Wilco Road, 1.7 miles south of Empire, Michigan
- Parking: Gravel lot; National Lakeshore Park Pass required
- Facilities: None (no water or restrooms)
- Pets: Allowed on six-foot leash
- Highlights: Maple forest, multiple overlooks, bluff-top observation deck, views of Lake Michigan, South Bar Lake, and Sleeping Bear Dunes
How do I get to the Empire Bluff Trail?
The trailhead is located on Wilco Road, just off scenic M-22 about 1.7 miles south of Empire, Michigan. A small gravel parking lot serves the trailhead, and it fills up quickly during peak summer days. A National Lakeshore Park Pass is required to park here, and passes can be purchased online, at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, or at the trailhead.
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Sunrise and sunset are rewarding times to take on this hike. Light can spill across Lake Michigan, and it often bathes the bluffs and dunes in dramatic golden hues.
How long does it take to hike the Empire Bluff Trail?
The Empire Bluff Trail is 1.6 miles (round trip) and takes about 45 minutes to hike. It begins in a maple and beech forest, offering shade and the sound of bird calls from warblers and American woodcocks. The path is a mix of dirt and gravel with some exposed roots and gentle inclines. Boardwalk sections protect sensitive terrain and make the climb more manageable.
At about three-quarters of the way up, hikers encounter the first scenic overlook, a preview of the grandeur ahead. From here, the trail continues gradually upward until it emerges onto an observation deck perched atop a 400-foot bluff. The view is a showstopper: Lake Michigan stretches endlessly westward, South Bar Lake visible below, the rolling dunes and village of Empire spread across the horizon. On clear days, the lake’s waters shift from deep indigo to the almost Caribbean-blue hues that make Sleeping Bear Dunes so striking.
What wildlife is on the Empire Bluff Trail?
Empire Bluff Trail showcases Michigan’s seasonal beauty. In spring, wildflowers blanket the forest floor in bright yellows, purples, and whites. Fall transforms the canopy into a mosaic of crimson, orange, and gold. Wildlife sightings are common—deer, foxes, and small mammals like squirrels and rabbits often appear along the trail.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is home to more than 250 bird species, including rare piping plovers, bald eagles, loons, and ospreys, with diverse habitats supporting forest songbirds, wetland species, shorebirds, and large seasonal migrations.
What’s the best time to visit the Empire Bluff Trail?
The trail is open year-round. Spring and fall are especially scenic with mild temperatures, vibrant foliage, and lighter crowds. Summer brings long daylight hours but heavier traffic. Winter blankets the landscape with snow; snowshoes or ice cleats are recommended for safe hiking.
The Empire Bluff Trail delivers a compact but immersive experience. From forest paths to the freshwater expanses, from wildflowers to golden autumn leaves, it’s a microcosm of Michigan’s natural beauty. Whether paired with a scenic drive, a dune climb, or simply enjoyed as a quick hike, this trail ranks as one of the best short hikes along the lakeshore.
Tips for Hiking the Empire Bluff Trail
- Footwear: Sturdy shoes or boots recommended due to uneven ground and roots.
- Water: Bring your own; no sources are available on the trail.
- Timing: Hike early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and best light.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen and a hat advised for exposed bluff sections.
- Stay on the trail: Protect fragile vegetation and reduce erosion risks.
Broader Area Highlights
Empire Bluff Trail is just one of many attractions within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
- Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: A 7.4-mile route with multiple overlooks of Lake Michigan and the dunes.
- Dune Climb: A challenging but fun trek up towering dunes with incredible views.
- Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail: A paved multiuse trail connecting many highlights for biking and walking.
- North and South Manitou Islands: Accessible by ferry, with options for backcountry camping, hiking, and lighthouse visits.
- Water Adventures: Swim at Glen Lake or Lake Michigan beaches or kayak the Crystal River.
- Cultural Sites: Explore the historic Port Oneida Rural Historic District or ranger-led programs that highlight the region’s geology and human history.