Dunes Trail to Lake Michigan

Distance Round trip is 3.5 miles and may take 2-4 hours depending on the weather and your physical condition. Terrain Steep, rugged dunes Vegetation Grasses, shrubs and wildflowers of the dunes. Comments This strenuous hike starts at the Dune Climb and ends at Lake Michigan. Be sure to wear sun screen, take enough water, and wear (or at least take along) hiking shoes or sandals. The Dunes Trail, a 3.5-mile round trip, takes devoted hikers across a sandy dunescape to the cool waters of the Lake Michigan. This hike is challenging. If you have trouble scaling the Dune Climb at the beginning, think twice before continuing on, as you will have to climb several more dunes of various heights. The hike up and down over sand dunes offers multiple views of Glen Lake and Lake Michigan, and the sparse dune ecology. The Dunes Trail goes straight up a huge dune right away. For most families, stopping here and letting the kids play on the huge dune might be the way to go. The kids can play for hours on this formation tumbling down the hill over and over again. Many people get sucked in and want to hike to the lake, but be warned: Lake Michigan is not just over that next dune . Looking for a steep drop into Lake Michigan? This is not the right location. Visit the Lake Michigan Overlook on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive instead. The trail's hilly, sandy terrain can be very difficult to traverse, and a round trip may take several hours if the temperatures are unfriendly. This trail has worn out the most experienced hikers. Pack water and wear appropriate footwear. Be prepared for hot sand and no escape from the sun. The rolling dunes are beautiful and vary in cover from open sand or patches of beach grass and wildflowers to a lone cottonwood here and there. The sun can be relentless on the dunes when the skies are clear and shade can be tough to come by. Stopping to take in the gorgeous views of the northeastern shore of Lake Michigan from the dunes is an excellent excuse for a break. The hike is a workout for many people, but the isolated beach along Lake Michigan and its refreshing surf is a great place to recuperate before heading back along the same route. Hike the Dunes Trail Safely If you are going to hike in the Dunes, there are a few things you should do to make your trip more enjoyable. What's the plan? Rangers are called upon to conduct many searches each summer because folks back at the Dune Climb are concerned about companions who have been out on the dunes longer than expected. Often it turns out that there was simply a misunderstanding as to when the group would meet up. Agree on a plan before splitting up, and be realistic about the time it will take for a hike. Remember, it may take 2-4 hours depending on the weather and your physical condition. Which way do I go? Out on the dunes there are few clues as to which way you need to go. The best plan is to follow one of the marked hiking trails and carry a map. The hiking trails in the dunes are marked with posts with blue tops. That will also minimize the human impact on this fragile ecosystem. If you are determined to explore off-trail, be sure to bring a compass and keep track of your directions. Be aware that cell coverage here, as in many locations within the National Lakeshore, is unreliable and that cell phone batteries drain much more quickly in poor coverage areas. You may or may not be able to contact others in your party or phone for help. Watch those slopes. Steep dune slopes occasionally collapse- a dangerous situation if you are there! This is especially hazardous during winter and early spring seasons. Another reason to avoid them is to help dune grass roots remain intact and do their job of holding the sand in place. Resist the ridges. We tend to be drawn to walking along the narrow ridge tops among the dunes. However, this is another part of the dunes which is highly vulnerable to erosion. It's best to hike on the broad open plains where possible. Keep it under...