Empire Bluff Trail
A roughly 2.4 km out-and-back forest trail ending at a wooden boardwalk jutting from the bluff top, with views of Sleeping Bear Dunes and the blue lake.
The trail starts on Wilco Road south of the village of Empire and passes through hardwood forest and old orchards. After a couple of climbs, it reaches Empire Bluff, about 120 meters above the lake. A wooden boardwalk runs along the bluff edge. Looking north, you see Sleeping Bear Dunes and South Manitou Island; looking south, you see South Bar Lake and the shoreline. The round trip takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, with moderate difficulty. It is one of the most popular short hikes in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It gets crowded around sunset, the parking lot is small, and a National Lakeshore pass is required.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
- Sleeping Bear Dunes Dune Climb
- Glen Haven Historic Village & Maritime Museum
- Glen Arbor
- Pyramid Point
- Point Betsie Lighthouse
- South Manitou Island
- Interlochen Center for the Arts