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Empire Bluff Trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The Empire Bluff Trail offers a rewarding hike through a beech-maple forest, leading to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Lake Michigan. As you progress along the trail, you’ll experience diverse natural scenery, from shady wooded areas to scenic overlooks with views of the sweeping dunes, the crystal-clear waters of South Bar Lake, and distant landmarks like Point Betsie and South Manitou Island. The final destination at the bluff’s edge provides one of the park’s most iconic vistas, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. #Hiking #Lake #Overlook #Forest #Nature

  • Distance: 1.7 mi
  • Elevation gain: 81 m
  • Maximum elevation: 300 m
  • Elevation loss: 81 m
  • Minimum elevation: 271 m
  • Moving time: 50 m 19 s
  • Moving speed: 2.0 mph
  • Maximum speed: 2.7 mph
  • Total time: 1 h 12 m
  • Global speed: 1.4 mph

Interactive trail map

Trail profile

  • Distance: 1.7 mi
  • Elevation gain: 81 m
  • Maximum elevation: 300 m
  • Elevation loss: 81 m
  • Minimum elevation: 271 m
  • Moving time: 50 m 19 s
  • Moving speed: 2.0 mph
  • Maximum speed: 2.7 mph
  • Total time: 1 h 12 m
  • Global speed: 1.4 mph

About this trail

Name: Empire Bluff Trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore trail, distance, elevation, map, profile, GPS track

Start: Wilco Road, Empire, Empire Township, Leelanau County, Michigan, 49630, United States (44.79936 -86.05840)

End: Empire Bluff Trail, Wilco Road, Empire, Empire Township, Leelanau County, Michigan, 49630, United States (44.79930 -86.05840)

Coordinates: 44.79926 -86.07151 44.80210 -86.05840

Other hiking, mountain biking, running and outdoor activity trails

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Sleeping bear hike

United States > Michigan > Leelanau County

Distance: 2.5 mi • Elevation gain: 153 m • Maximum elevation: 301 m

Gear up for your next adventure:

🎒Backpack Rain Covers - Universal waterproof covers to protect your gear from downpours
🎒Hiking Daypacks (20L) - Compact backpacks for day trips and technical mountain ascents
👟Waterproof Leg Gaiters - Keep mud and water out of your boots in boggy terrain
🎒Replacement Sternum Straps - Repair parts for hiking rucksacks
🔥Reusable Hand Warmers - Maintain dexterity in your fingers for precise map handling

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