If you’re in Northern Michigan, one of the best places to bike is Sleeping Bear Dunes. Winning the title of “The Most Beautiful Place in America” by Good Morning America in 2011, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a National Park stretching 35 miles along Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline, including the North and South Manitou Islands. The park is a popular destination for bikers of all skill levels that want to take in the natural beauty of the lakeshore. They offer a 22- mile family-friendly trail that is a multi-use paved and gravel trail, along with other biking opportunities. Bicycling is the perfect opportunity to see the lakeshore and its breathtaking natural features, which include beaches, dune formations, forests, and ancient glacial phenomena. The park address for GPS purposes is 9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630.
Biking Sleeping Bear Dunes offers a unique and amazing experience to truly appreciate the lakeshore. The park has a message to visitors to “Leave the car behind and explore Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore by bike.” Unlike many typical trails that are straight and flat, the park’s Sleeping Bear Heritage trail has twists and turns, it climbs and descends, all while cycling through scenic forests, sand dunes, and quaint towns. The southern end is for more seasoned cyclists, with steep hills and fast descents. There are also many good places to eat along the way, with several opportunities for a water or restroom break. Each of the trails in the park has its own unique beauty and challenges. Many meanders through forests and meadows, while others will take you through hardy vegetation and wildflowers. The bluffs on the Lake Michigan shore of the park stand 450 feet above the level of the lake, which provides incredible views and sunsets. If you are lucky enough to have a clear day, you can see the South Manitou Island.
While the park is open year-round, you’ll want to trade your bike in for a sled or cross-country skis in the winter. There is usually snow on the ground from late November through March. However, the other months of the year are the perfect time to bring your bike and explore the many miles of trails and paved roads of the lakeshore. You will want to be prepared for any type of weather as weather patterns can quickly change on the lake, and dressing in layers is recommended. The best time to visit depends on the visitor. Many people prefer the peak summer months when it is the warmest, and they can enjoy the beaches and dunes after a long ride. Others prefer visiting in the Spring and Fall when the weather is cooler for cycling, and the park has considerably fewer crowds.
March is not a good month for riding, with anywhere from 6″-20″ of snow combined with frequent drizzles, Arctic cold fronts, and some areas of the trail have been prone to small avalanches. Spring typically shows the first signs of warmth in April. Temperatures range from a high of 46°F to 60°F, with a chilly average low of 25°F to 38°F. The most comfortable time to ride is in the morning after 8 a.m.
May brings more sunshine with higher daily temps in the 58°F to 71°F range, with the nights lowering to 36°-48°F. There are roughly 6.5 hours of sunshine in May, with the warmer temperatures hitting around noon.
The summer season begins in June, bringing bright skies, lots of sunshine, and 8 hours of sunlight, which means more time to ride. The average high temperatures are a pleasant 67-80°F, with comfortable evening temperatures between 45°F to 58°F. While temperatures do reach 90°F at times, they rarely stay high for an extended period. There are occasional summer thunderstorms that occur, so carrying a rain jacket is a good idea, along with checking hourly forecasts as the weather changes rapidly in this area. The mornings are a perfect time to get on your bike, with colder temperatures between 7 and 11 a.m.
July is the hottest month to visit the park, with temperatures in the 76-85°F range. In the southeastern part of Michigan, temperatures have reached 95°F with increased humidity but do not last long. July is a perfect time to ride all day, with 9 hours of intense sunshine. Don’t forget your sunscreen and lots of water. The evenings are comfortable with an average low of 50-64°F.
August brings long, warm days and drier conditions, with the occasional shower or thunderstorm. There are 7 hours of daily sunshine with high temperatures between 75° and 82°F. Low temperatures are in the lower 60’s-70’s. If you’re looking to beat the heat, it’s recommended to ride between 7 a.m. and noon. If you prefer riding in hotter weather, noon to 8 p.m. is the warmest part of the day.
The fall season officially starts in September with warm temperatures and consistent rain. High temperatures are in the 65° to 76°F zone, with the mild average low between 43-55°F. Rainfall is steady during September, averaging 4-6″ with partly cloudy skies. Mornings are chilly until around 9 a.m., with a gradual increase in temperature until 1 p.m. The warmest part of the day is between 1 and 8 p.m.
October brings the peak colors of the fall foliage, which can be enjoyed while riding the lakeshore. Temperatures are still in the comfortable range during the day, averaging 56-63°F. The nights are beginning to get cold, with low temperatures between 32°F and 44°F. The daily sunshine in October lasts between 5 and 6 hours with cloudy skies, and 12 to 15 days in the month bring rain. October is the last month of fair weather that the park will see until April.
There are several options for biking Sleeping Bear Dunes. There is one designated bike trail called the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. The other opportunities for cyclists are the paved secondary roads throughout the park. Park officials like to remind visitors that bicycles are not permitted on beaches or hiking trails, only on the designated trail and roads. Here is the information you need to know before your visit.
The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is 22 miles of asphalt, except for a 3-mile section, which is crushed stone, running through the Port Oneida Rural Historic District, north of Glen Arbor. This 10-foot-wide family-friendly trail passes through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, connecting Empire to Bohemia Road. Park attractions and the town of Glen Arbor can be accessed from several trailheads, and the trail is lined with amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, and benches along the steeper parts of the route. The multi-use trail is non-motorized and attracts walkers, bicyclists, wheelchairs, strollers, and runners. There are some areas with steep grades that are marked with warning signs on the trail. When completed, the trail will span 27 miles.
Where it Starts and Ends
The length of the trail spans from its northeastern endpoint at South Bohemian Road and MI 22/West Harbor Highway in Maple City, and the southwestern endpoint is located at South Lacore Street and South Leelanau Highway in the town of Empire. The trail runs between Little Traverse Lake to the east and Bass Lake and School Lake to the west. Once the trail is finished, its northeast endpoint will extend to County Road 651/Good Harbor Trail in Good Harbor Bay Beach, and its southwestern endpoint will terminate at Manning Road in Honor. The park recommends parking your car and using your bike to explore. There are trailheads located at Bar Lake Road, Port Oneida, Bay View, Crystal River, Pierce Stocking, Dune Climb, Alligator Hill, and Glen Haven. A quick, fun ride to Glen Haven is only 2 miles from the Dune Climb. Park your car and ride along the base of the dunes and through a cedar forest to the quaint, historical logging village. Once there you can enjoy visiting a blacksmith shop, museums, a general store, and beautiful beaches.
Parking and Fees
Just south of Glen Arbor, the Heritage Trail is reached by turning west on Forest Haven Drive off M-22 half-mile south of town. Other trailheads to the east include Crystal River near the intersection of County Road 675 and Fisher Road, Bay View on Thoreson Road just north of M-22, and Port Oneida on Port Oneida Road just north of M-22.
Trailheads between Glen Arbor and Empire include Glen Haven on M-209 (Glen Haven Road) just north of M-109, Sleeping Bear Heritage at the Dune Climb day-use area on M-109, Pierce Stocking at the start of Pierce Stocking Drive off M-109, Bar Lake Road 0.7 mile west of M-22 via Voice Road, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center near the corner of M-22 and M-72 in Empire.
A pass is required to use all trails within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The current 2020 entrance fees are $25 per vehicle or $15 per person that enters on foot or bicycle. Passes can be purchased at the visitor center, contact stations, or at self-registration stations at the trailheads.
Places to Visit Along the Trail
If you are starting your ride at South Bohemian Road, head northwest to the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. This is the section where you will find the crushed stone path on your adventure. The area has preserved a rare collection of buildings and farming sites, showcasing the turn-of-the-century farming life.
Heading south from this historic area, you’ll pass Glen Lake and continue traveling west into the quaint town of Glen Arbor, which becomes quite congested in the summer. The trail sections leading into and out of the area continue on low-traffic roads, where you’ll find several restaurants, a grocery store, a bike-rental shop, and numerous other specialty shops that primarily cater to the tourist industry.
Northern Michigan is well-known for its cherries, which contribute to its tourism and agricultural economy, and Glen Arbor is a cherry lover’s paradise. The famous Cherry Republic is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the world’s largest retailer of all types of cherry foods. The Cherry Republic has a retail shop, wine tasting room, restaurant, and taproom. Take time to browse their incredible selection of candy, wines, jams, logo wear, and preserves.
While M-22 is considered one of the most scenic drives in the country, the M-22 store in Glen Arbor is known for its microadventures, sense of community, and protecting the environment. Shop here for maps, microadventure cards, and signature clothing and other accessories, knowing that 1% of all sales are donated to the Leelanau Conservancy, which helps protect the land you are riding on and the water you enjoy.
If you’re hungry and looking for food, there are many restaurants to grab a bite to eat. From bakeries to pizza, burgers to spaghetti, there are many options for the whole family.
After leaving Glen Arbor, the Heritage Trail heads west through a wooded area that was hit by a strong storm back in 2015 that devastated the region, with trees still scattered along the corridor. The trail winds through the D.H. Day Campground and the town of Glen Haven and onto the Dune Climb, which is one of the park’s most notorious natural features. If you choose to climb the 260-foot dune, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Little Glen and Big Glen Lake.
South of the Dune Climb, the trail enters a deeply forested area, which includes a challenging hill with a long, fun descent into the town of Empire. There is a small trailhead on the right-hand side at West Voice Road and North Bar Lake Road, which has parking and a pit toilet. The trail ends approximately 200 feet later, at the point where West Voice Road turns south and becomes South Lacore Road. There is an on-road section which is marked and continues for a little under a mile to the South Leelanau Highway, and South Lacore Road turns into South Lacore Street.
In the town of Empire, you will find Lake Michigan beach where swimming is allowed, or you can grab a bite to eat at one of their local restaurants. If you would like information about the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you can visit the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center.
Terrain
Most of the Heritage Trail is flat, with gently undulating hills. There are a few steeper segments between Empire and Greenan Road, but once you reach the summit, the trail is mostly downhill for the remainder of your ride. You will find much of the path is shady when biking Sleeping Bear Dunes, but there are a few areas that are open without the shade from the canopy of the trees. While most of the trail is paved, there is the three-mile section through Port Oneida Rural Historic District that consists of crushed, packed stone. You will find two parts of the trail that runs on the boardwalk north of Glen Arbor, a short area through the dunes between Glen Haven and the Dune Climb, and other parts of the trail runs along the edge of historic farms.
Biking Etiquette
Since the trail is multi-use and can become quite busy at times, park officials recommend following this trail etiquette:
Trail Reviews
The Heritage Trail has 178 reviews with a 5-star rating on Trip Advisor. The positive reviews note how beautiful the trail is, how it is well-marked and maintained, and how it is a trail for all cycling abilities and ages. Some people wrote that it gets scorching in the summer in the open areas of the path and that there are not enough water and places to find snacks along the trail. The posters’ recommendations were to pack enough food and water for your trip. But, overall, people thoroughly enjoy biking Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Trail.
If you’re looking for a shorter ride, Peterson Road is a 3-mile secondary gravel road which will take you to a beautiful, secluded beach on Lake Michigan. Peterson Road is in the southern end of Sleeping Bear Dunes, just north of the Platte River Campground. You can access the road from M-22, or next to site 419 in the Platte River Campground, Loop 4. This scenic ride through the woods and wetlands winds back to M-22, with a small parking area and restroom about a mile in.
Where it Starts and Ends
Take M-22 to Peterson Road, about ½ mile north of Lake Michigan Road, where M-22 crosses the Platte River. Peterson Road, which is gravel, is on the west side of M-22. The road loops back to your starting point.
Parking and Fees
There is a small gravel parking lot, with parking fees of $10 per week, or $20 per year. All visitors are required to have a park pass before entering the park.
Seasonal Openings
Peterson Road is open year-round for all types of activities. With snow on the ground from November-March, cycling is not recommended. Spring starts in April, with the warmer weather (even though still chilly), the earth is thawed out and a great time to ride. There are few people out in the Spring, but come summer, the area attracts many beachgoers, and the parking lot fills up fast. Fall is a beautiful time to visit, with the summer crowds thinned out and fewer cars on the road.
Places to Visit Along the Trail
There is only a restroom at the parking area, and the beautiful beach at the end of Peterson Road. There is a small trail that takes you to the beach where you can cool off after your ride and enjoy the view of the dunes. There are no spots to get a snack or water, so you will need to bring your own.
Terrain
The gravel road is a moderately hilly ride that takes cyclists through pine, oak, and aspen forests.
Biking Etiquette
The same biking etiquette is required, as mentioned for the Heritage Trail. Since there are motorized vehicles on the road, you will need to be aware of cars and keep to the right of the road.
Mountain bike enthusiasts will enjoy this challenging, 6-mile scenic loop. Shauger Hill Road is a gravel road that is found along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, accessed just north of Empire at the North Bar Lake parking area. Cyclists enjoy the steep and wooded climb with an exhilarating descent back down to the Heritage Trail. This trail is described as strenuous and recommended for seasoned riders.
Where it Starts and Ends
The trailhead is accessed in the parking lot at the entrance to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive on M-109 and loops back to your starting point unless you divert onto another trail.
Parking and Fees
All visitors are required to have a weekly or annual vehicle permit to enter the park, or a per-person or yearly park pass if arriving by bicycle.
Seasonal Openings
As with all trails and roads in the park, Shauger Hill Road is open all year for different types of seasonal activities. From November through March, the road will be covered with snow, so cycling will be impossible. With warmer weather melting the snow come Spring, April is the time when bike enthusiasts are back on the trails. Spring and Fall are the more optimal times to ride if you want to avoid the crowds that summer brings.
Places to Visit Along the Trail
There are no places to visit along the trail loop. There is a vault toilet in the parking lot of the trailhead, and it’s recommended to pack in any water and snacks that you will need.
Terrain
The trail is a gravel trail that takes cyclists through steep and heavily wooded forest.
Trail Reviews
Reviews describe the trail as fun, challenging, and rewarding.
There is another excellent opportunity for mountain bikers to ride south through the woods and wetlands and view some wildlife by way of Aral Road. This small gravel trail also travels north through forested hills, then meets up with Hillis Road, which passes through hardwood forests, beautiful meadows, and historic farms. This is labeled as a moderate ride of 1.3- 4.4 miles, depending on the route taken.
Where it Starts and Ends
Five miles south of the town of Empire, along M-22, you will find Esch Road. Follow Esch Road west towards Lake Michigan until it dead-ends at the wildly popular Otter Creek beach. There is a large parking lot with plenty of space for visitors. You can access Aral Road from this parking area.
Parking and Fees
When visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes, a weekly or annual vehicle pass is required for entrance. If arriving by bicycle, you will need a yearly park pass or a per-person pass to access the trails.
Seasonal Openings
While you won’t be able to ride your bike during the winter, Aral Road is open year-round for other types of seasonal activities. Starting in April, cyclists are back enjoying the trail and wildflowers that arrive in the Spring. If you want to avoid the crowds that are abundant in the summer, Spring and Fall are the best times to bike Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Places to Visit Along the Trail
Not found in any guidebook, there is a side trek you are sure to enjoy. If you head north to Norconk Road, there is a historic farm called Treat Farm, where there is an incredible meadow-to-bluff footpath. If you are looking for a tranquil location to take a break and listen to the sounds of the creek, Otter Creek runs along Aral Road and is the perfect place to relax. There is nowhere to purchase food or drinks along the trail, so you will want to plan accordingly.
Terrain
The trail is a somewhat narrow gravel path, which meanders through forests, wetlands, and small hills.
Before embarking on your bicycle ride, you will want to be prepared for a day of fun. Here are some recommendations on what you should bring:
If you are planning to bike Sleeping Bear Dunes and do not own a bicycle or care to try out a different type of bike, many outfitters offer bike rentals. Here are a few in the area. The rates include the bike/equipment delivery rental rates, a helmet, lock, and delivery.
The Cyclery is at 6249 W. River Road, Glen Arbor, MI, near the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
Bikes Available:
Half Day Rates
Full Day Rates
Hours of Operation
The Cyclery is open every day from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The bike rental season is from April to October if renting a youth bike or trailer, a comfort, hybrid, mountain, or road bike. Their Fat Tire bikes are available to rent year-round.
Pick Up or Delivery Options
The Cyclery offers free delivery to your home or cottage within 15 miles of Glen Arbor for Full Day and Week-Long rentals, reservations are required and can be made online. Or you can pick up at their location if you prefer.
Suttons Bay Bikes is located at 318 North St. Joseph Street, Suttons Bay, MI. which is a 23-minute drive from Traverse City. They are not close to the trails mentioned, but they do deliver to all of Leelanau County.
Suttons Bay Bikes also offers a wide variety of bikes to rent. They offer adult and youth bikes, and they consider an adult 5′-6’3″ and youth under 5′.
Bikes Available:
Rates
Their rates include excellent maps of the area and recommended routes. They also offer free bike racks with your rental. Roadside assistance is available within a 10-mile radius of their shop. If you plan on cycling out of that range, they will provide repair kits.
Hourly Rates
Full Day Rates
Hours of Operation
They are open Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pickup or Delivery Options
You can pick-up your bike at their location, or they offer free delivery to most of Leelanau County, some restrictions do apply.
The City Bike Shop is located in Traverse City at 747 East Eighth Street, approximately 40 minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes. Included with each rental are a helmet, lock, and map.
Types of Bikes Available
Hourly Rates
Full Dat Rates
Hours of Operation
They are open Monday-Friday 9:30-6:00, Saturday 10-4:30, and closed to go riding on Sundays.
Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore offers an abundance of flora and fauna for visitors to enjoy. The flora, which is plant life, is varied throughout the park, with the different species having to adapt to survive the weather extremes. Sea Rocket is a succulent whose leaves retain moisture. The Bearberry reduces evaporation with its tough, leathery leaves. The leaves of the Pitcher’s thistle have a smooth, velvety surface, which prevents wind desiccation. This plant has a deep root system that develops over many years, and once they flower, they set their seeds and die. The Pitcher’s thistle is an endangered species and only found in the dunes surrounding Michigan’s great lakes. Another deep-rooting plant is the dune grass, whose roots run deep to reach the groundwater. Nearing the end of June, the dunes host many brightly colored flowers such as the harebell, the dune lily, wind anemone, and the hoary puccoon. The flowers with a more subtle color include the false heather, death camas, and the Pitcher’s thistle.
There are hundreds of wildflowers to be seen throughout the seasons. The woodlands have the earliest blooms, starting with the spring beauty, followed by hepatica and bloodroot, and finally the beautiful yellow trout lily. The earliest flowers to be seen in the pine and oak forests are the wildly fragrant trailing arbutus, which is protected from the cold with its thick, hairy leaves. Sites throughout the park that are typically wetter will produce marsh marigolds and yellow cowslips. Many of the forest floors are white with trillium and Jack-in-the-pulpit.
Mid-summer brings fields covered with purple cow vetch and milkweed, the yellow St. John’s wort, orange butterfly milkweed, and the white pearly everlasting. Purple asters and yellow goldenrod sprout up in the Fall. In the oak and pine forests, the yellow flowering witch hazel shows up in October and November, and sometimes the blossoms are seen covered in snow. The visitor center has a list of flowering plants that you can obtain before your ride, or you can search an extensive database of the wildflowers of Sleeping Bear Dunes on the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes website before your visit.
Fauna refers to the animal life that lives in a particular region. The park is home to many different types of habitats, which invites various groups of animals. There are over 50 species of mammals living within Sleeping Bear Dunes, including black bears, white-tailed deer, foxes, bobcats, and cougars. Porcupines, squirrels, bats, and raccoons are also abundant and can be seen almost daily.
Birds are plentiful at the lakeshore, which offers a variety of habitats. There are wetlands, dunes, streams, lakes, cedar swamps, hardwood forests, and the Lake Michigan shoreline. While biking Sleeping Bear Dunes, visitors have reported seeing bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and the endangered piping plover. The forests are home to great-horned and barred owls, red-tail hawks, warblers, broad-wing hawks, and thrushes. Waterfowl such as wood ducks, hooded mergansers, buffleheads, and blue-winged teal are spotted in the many lakes and streams. The park is truly a bird-lovers paradise, with millions of birds using the area to rest during migration, and as a place to nest during the winter months.
Other animals that can be found throughout the park are snakes, turtles, frogs, freshwater clams, otters, beavers, and many varieties of fish.
Disclaimer:
We try to offer accurate and up-to-date information in this post; however, please contact the National Park Service for their most recent information regarding entrance fees, parking information, annual passes, any restrictions, and hours of operation. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore park headquarters can be reached at (231) 326-4700 or click here to visit their website. Additionally, if you plan to rent equipment, please visit each rental outfitter for the most up to date information.