Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Sand dunes meet Lake Michigan in this iconic drive.
The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive winds through some of the tallest freshwater sand dunes in the world, climbing 450 feet above Lake Michigan’s shoreline. This 7.4-mile paved loop offers incredible overlooks of the Sleeping Bear Dunes and South Manitou Island, with the crown jewel being the Dune Climb where kids and adults alike tackle the 130-foot sand mountain. The route passes through dense beech-maple forests before opening up to expansive dune vistas that’ll make you forget you’re in the Midwest.
While the drive itself is easy and suitable for any vehicle, the real challenge comes if you decide to climb the dunes – it’s a workout that’ll humble most folks. Best visited May through October when the visitor center is open and snow isn’t an issue. No permits needed, but expect crowds during summer weekends. Bring water for dune climbing and a camera for the overlooks. It’s a perfect introduction to Michigan’s diverse landscape that combines Great Lakes maritime beauty with Sahara-like sand seas.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Paved |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 7.4 mi / 11.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 680 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Any passenger vehicle |
| Nearest town | Empire, Michigan |
| Land manager | National Park Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | nps.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a truck or 4x4 to drive Pierce Stocking?
No. It's fully paved and any passenger car handles it fine. This is a scenic drive, not a trail — a Prius will do.
When is Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive open?
It runs May through November, weather depending. Winter closes it to vehicles, though you can walk or ski in. Peak crowds hit July and August.
Is there an entrance fee and do I need a permit?
Yes — Sleeping Bear Dunes charges $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass as of 2024. An America the Beautiful annual pass covers it. No separate permit needed for the scenic drive.
What's the hardest or most intense part of the drive?
Stop 9 is the one people remember — a steep overlook perched 450 feet above Lake Michigan. The dune climb on foot down to the water is brutal to get back up and not required, but people underestimate it every year.
Is there any camping directly on or near the scenic drive?
No camping on the drive itself, but D.H. Day Campground sits about a mile away near Glen Haven and takes reservations through Recreation.gov. Cell service in the area is spotty, so download your maps and confirmation before you arrive.
Trail track
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