Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI: North Manitou Island
Circumnavigate a wilderness island on this 15-mile loop on North Manitou Island.
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With waves lapping onto white-sand beaches, Manitou Island, an hour from the mainland, feels a world away. “And it’s downright tropical in high summer,” raves Backpacker Map Contributor Stuart Peck. His favorite hike: The North Loop, a 15-mile circuit with fire-tower-like views of Lake Michigan and shady stands of white pine and cedar.
At mile three, sidehike to the island’s highpoint (1,001 feet). At mile five, pass the apple orchards and abandoned homes of an 1800s farm town. Continue south to 300-foot shoreline bluffs and, on a clear day, spot the mainland’s Sleeping Bear Dunes. Camp in the Village Campground (in sight of the shore) and dayhike—or get a wilderness permit and camp anywhere on the island (at least 300 feet from shore).
Contact: National Park Service; nps.gov/slbe
-Info provided by Stuart Peck
Trail Facts
- Distance: 24.2
Waypoints
NMI001
Location: 45.120984, -85.973768
After leaving the ferry, head to orientation at the ranger station, northwest of the docks.
NMI002
Location: 45.12165, -85.976225
Continue straight at the 3-way.
NMI003
Location: 45.121813, -85.97733
Turn right, then stop at the water tap on the way to the ranger station to tank up. Continue north to the station.
NMI004
Location: 45.122479, -85.977277
Pick up maps and advice at the ranger station. Then continue north on the main trail system to start your hike.
NMI005
Location: 45.138704, -85.977159
Continue following the trail as it bends from north to northwest. Enjoy fire-tower like views of Lake Michigan to the east.
NMI006
Location: 45.158438, -86.03488
Arrive at three enormous breaks in the ridgeline, known on this Island as the Pot Holes.
NMI007
Location: 45.158922, -86.040909
Pitch a tent on the white sandy beach for your first night’s stay. Next day, get up early and continue west around the Island’s perimeter.
NMI008
Location: 45.159073, -86.047711
From the this northwest point, side-hike inland southeast to reach the island’s highest point at 1,001 feet. Backtrack to coastline, and continue trekking south for 3.4 miles.
NMI009
Location: 45.11436, -86.058582
Reach a great architectural photo op: stop for a moment at the Old Crescent Dock Ruins.
NMI010
Location: 45.111876, -86.054235
Here, pass through apple orchards and abandoned homes of an 1800s farm town. Another architectural highlight: you’ll pass Swenson’s barn, a huge structure left behind by the once-functioning town. Follow the trail east.
NMI011
Location: 45.097458, -86.00544
Bear left to start tracking northeast to close the loop.
NMI010
Location: 45.122051, -85.979691
Reach the ranger station area again. Take a ferry back to the mainland. Optional: If you choose to camp another night, follow the beach south to NMI011.
NMI011
Location: 45.107038, -85.981316
This campsite is less than a mile from the ranger station, once you reach the beach. Next day, backtrack to the docks and ride the ferry back to the mainland.
