Alligator Hill Trail

Hiking Alligator Hill An often overlooked gem, Alligator Hill is nine miles of hiking trails looping through a hilly, leafy, alligator-shaped ridge with beautiful views of both Lake Michigan and Big Glen Lake. The three interconnected loops allow you to choose the hiking experience you want ranging from a shorter, easier hike leading to great views to a solid workout up and down the rolling hills and through the forest. They are also the only trails in the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore where horseback riding is allowed, bicycles must remain on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail . Pets are NOT allowed on this trail from December 1 to March 31. Alligator Hill is a designated cross-country ski trail during the periods of December 1 through March 31. Distance from Trailhead Entering from the Forest Haven Drive trailhead will begin the Intermediate Loop. Easy and advanced ski loop distances include the hike back to the Forest Haven Drive trailhead. Easy hike and ski loop: 4.9 mi, 6.4 with spur to Big Glen Lookout Moderate hike, intermediate ski loop: 2.7 mi, 4.3 mi with spur to Big Glen Lookout Moderate hike, advanced ski loop: 6 mi, 7.5 mi with spur to Big Glen Lookout Terrain The 1.5-mile hike from the Forest Haven trailhead to the Islands Lookout on top of Alligator Hill is a relatively strenuous walk through maple-beech forest. The view from the lookout is spectacular. On a clear day, you can see North and South Manitou Island and Sleeping Bear Point. Quite often South Fox Island will also be visible and perhaps even a freighter making its way through the Manitou Passage. There is a bench at the lookout for you to sit, relax, and enjoy. Continue on to the Big Glen Lookout for a view overlooking miles of vibrant trees to Big Glen Lake. Comments The best cross-country skiing in the Lakeshore, Alligator Hill's trail system offers skiers three loops rated easy, intermediate, and advanced and feature plenty of long downhill runs and equally long climbs. Hike Safely Are you prepared to hike in the Lakeshore? Follow these safety tips The Forest Haven trailhead parking lot is also the Alligator Hill trailhead of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Biking Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail A delight to ride, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is one of Michigan's most beautiful biking trails. A 10-foot-wide picturesque path that winds idyllically through the pristine, tranquil forests and undulating hills of the Lakeshore, the multi-use trail connects major attractions in Sleeping Bear Dunes and is suitable for recreational use by cyclists, wheelchair users, runners pushing baby strollers, and rollerbladers. The Alligator Hill Trailhead is a parking lot, currently without vault toilets. Pets are NOT allowed on this trail from December 1 to March 31. Winter skiing In winter, the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes grooms segments of the trail for both classic Nordic skiers and skaters as well as providing a lane for snowshoeing. While most of the terrain is fairly easy, all ages can enjoy the trail. There are a couple of steeper segments, but these climbs are almost immediately rewarded by swift descents, and benches and picnic tables along the trail offer a place to rest and take in the sounds and sights of the cool forest or bask in the warm beach sun. The SBHT is managed and maintained by Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes and an excellent map of the trail which can show trailheads, parking, water, steep climbs, etc. Trail Etiquette Show consideration for other trail users Stay on trail to be respectful of plants and wildlife Stop at road crossings Ride single file when other users are present Ride slow and steady Wear a helmet while skating or riding Stay to right and alert others by saying "on your left" when passing Do not block trail - please move to the side when stopped on trail Keep pets on a leash Dispose of all trash and animal waste in trash receptacles Trail users need a park pass Some of the SBHT passes through or in front of private pro...