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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: 266 ft
  • Maximum elevation: 984 ft
  • Elevation loss: 266 ft
  • Minimum elevation: 889 ft
  • 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: 266 ft
  • Maximum elevation: 984 ft
  • Elevation loss: 266 ft
  • Minimum elevation: 889 ft
  • 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

Topography: Leelanau County topographic map, elevation, terrain

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: 502 ft • Maximum elevation: 988 ft

Gear up for your next adventure:

🔪Outdoor Multitools - Essential survival tools for gear repair and field use
🧺Microfiber Travel Towels - Compact and fast-drying towels for trail use
🥾Women's Hiking Boots - Top-rated trail boots with ankle support and superior grip
🪓Survival Multi‑Tool - Versatile tool for camp and trail tasks
🦟Ultrasonic Repellers - Create a bug-free zone at your camp or rest stop

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