No matter where you travel in the Great Lake State, you’ll come across some of Michigan’s breathtaking beauty and exciting adventures. However, there is one drive with gorgeous wooded areas, mesmerizing lake views, and enchanting sand dunes that will help you truly experience all that this beautiful state has to offer. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a short drive, but it provides some of the most awe-inspiring views and heart-racing experiences.
All you need are some good tunes, awesome road-trip snacks, and your car (preferably one with off-roading capabilities). Here's a link to an interactive Google Map that will serve as your navigator for this road trip.
The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive may only be 7.4-miles long, but every mile will impress you.
This picturesque route will take you through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. As you travel this scenic road, you'll encounter delightful sand dunes, thick wooded areas, a dreamy covered bridge, and magical lake views.
This road trip will not only capture your heart, but the history of it will also capture your attention.
Pierce Stocking was a lumberman who worked in the nearby forests and fell in love with the view. He was determined to share the beautiful landscapes with others, so he got to work building a road to the top of the dunes in the early 1960s. By 1967, the road was complete and the drive officially opened to the public.
Since the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive takes you through the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you’ll experience steep climbs and sharp turns.
So, the need for a comfortable vehicle is a must. Pick up an interpretive guide at the Visitor’s Center in Empire to ensure your drive is not only picturesque but educational as well.
As you begin the journey, your first stop will be a historic covered bridge. You’ll certainly want to stop in the small parking area near the bridge to enjoy the magic of the area.
This bridge was originally built in the 1960s, but due to porcupines chewing through the wood, it had to be reconstructed in 1985. Grab your camera — this is one stop you will not want to forget.
You'll want to have your hiking boots ready for our next stop: a hike on the Cottonwood Hiking Trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
The Cottonwood Hiking Trail is a 1.4-mile loop that takes you along some rolling, photo-worthy dunes.
The views along this hike are absolutely breathtaking, so make sure you stop and just enjoy the scenery. It is mesmerizing.
Next up, it is time for a truly heart-racing adventure. Head to the Dune Climb to capture some sweeping views of Lake Michigan.
This area is approximately 5 miles north of Empire, Michigan.
The Dune Climb is certainly a strenuous activity, but it is also exhilarating. You’ll climb all the way up the dunes to capture views of Glen Lake.
If you are looking for the same beautiful views but with a little less physical activity, you can take the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
Now, it's time to let your off-roading vehicle do the climbing. Head to Echo Valley Road, less than five miles away from the entrance of Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and east of Empire, for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
This gravel road is just over 2 miles long and you’ll certainly want a 4x4 vehicle like the Nissan Frontier to help you take every turn and climb with ease.
Finally, it is time to fill your belly while enjoying some pretty spectacular views. Your final stop is North Bar Lake Overlook along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.
North Bar Lake is a popular swimming area and is much smaller and more quaint than the larger lakes in the Wolverine State. At the overlook, you’ll come to a beautiful picnic area with tables and trees, which is perfect for a delicious picnic.
No matter if you have lived near Sleeping Bear Dunes or you are just visiting, this thrilling adventure is sure to give you a look into many of the lesser-known areas in Michigan. It will fill you with a sense of excitement and the picturesque views are unforgettable.
Of course, if you want to enjoy many of the more popular areas near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, check out Lake Street Beach and Pyramid Point.
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