Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve is a 1.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Frankfort, Michigan that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
NOTE: As of August 16, 2020, the stairs leading down to the beach are currently closed due to erosion. Please check here for updates: https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/preserve/green-point-dunes-nature-preserve/ This preserve offers nearly three miles of trail winding through forest and meadow to stunning views of Lake Michigan and a beach of unparalleled beauty. The property is host to many native plant species and unique bird habitat so be on the lookout for wildflower displays and great birding. A beautiful wooded loop with two scenic overlooks and stairs to a beach on Lake Michigan. The trail is well maintained and well marked. Each trail junction has a signpost with a placard of the map. Most junctions provide a bench or rock to rest on. Trees are marked with purple blazes to assist with following the trail. The two scenic overlooks are well-constructed wooden platforms with seating. Access to the beach is provided via wooden staircase that provides seating at the top. The beach is fantastic, but the water is cold early in the season so most swimming occurs in late July-September. There are signs explaining the presence of Poison Ivy and ticks. There are many mosquitoes in the woods, but the scenic overlooks and the beach are amazing and well worth the possible nuisance.
This preserve is located 2 miles south of Elberta on Green Point road. The parking area, kiosk and trailhead are very visible from Green Point Road.
Protected, Owned and Managed by The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy http://www.gtrlc.org/preserve/green-point-dunes-nature-preserve/ GRAND TRAVERSE REGIONAL LAND CONSERVANCY 3860 N. Long Lake Road, Suite D Traverse City, Michigan 49684 231-929-7911 or 888-929-3866
Take M-22 South from Frankfort. After 4 miles turn right onto Green Point Road. The trail head and parking will be on the left after 0.2 mi.
February 22, 2021Great trail. We opted out of wearing our snowshoes and did fine with just our boots. It is a bit hilly, so we were happy to have our poles. Well marked with great views of Lake Michigan.
February 21, 2021Beautiful hike. Its a little slippery with the hills, but I'm glad we opted for boots instead of snowshoes.
February 17, 2021This was a pretty fun and easy trail! It had a few lookouts, all of them were beautiful
February 3, 2021beautiful view. quite challenging in the winter conditions.
January 7, 2021Peaceful, undulating trail with a few lookout points out to Lake Michigan. Paths are quite icy - micro spikes essential.
January 7, 2021Beautiful but icy!
November 28, 2020November 27, 2020Did the trail clockwise this time for a change. Trail markers are clear, and only ran into a few other parties. Always a nice intermediate hike.
November 10, 2020Awesome!!! All the leaves are down it’s 55 and a little fog. One of the best hikes of the year. We had the trail to ourselves. 11-10-2020
November 8, 2020I loved this trail! A true “moderate.” Did it have more gnarled roots than the average trail? Yes. Would it have been impossible to know where to go if not for the pink paint because the ground was so thickly blanketed in leaves ? Also yes. These elements added to the fun!
October 14, 2020Well marked
October 12, 2020Awesome short hike with great elevation changes and breathtaking overlooks. As others have said, watch where you’re walking but I assume everyone does that anyway.
October 9, 2020easy hike but lots of exposed roots and leaves.
October 9, 2020Great trails and scenery!
October 8, 2020Beautiful trail to see Lake Michigan n some fall foliage. We went to the left where the trail spilts n it was a steep trail.
October 8, 2020fantastic trail, my favorite on M-22 outside of Sleeping Bear Dunes. Most of the trail is through beautiful forest, culminating in two absolutely gorgeous Lake Michigan overlooks. Went on a Wednesday morning and had the whole trail to myself, with just the rustling leaves and the rushing waves. Most relaxed I've ever felt in 2020. Also well demarcated with purple marks on trees to stay on the trail. There used to be a staircase down to the beach, but it is closed, with the bottom portion removed. Few things to note: there are quite a few (relatively mild) elevation changes. There are also many tree branches/roots on the ground, as well as fallen leaves in the autumn, creating slip/trip hazards. Would not attempt this trail on wet ground, but I was blessed to have a dry, sunny day, and it was fantastic.
October 3, 2020Really beautiful lookouts. Lots of roots on the path so be careful. Got a great little workout in.
September 30, 2020What goes down must come up! Beautiful trail through a very peaceful woods ending up with a spectacular view of the lake. Keep your eye on the trail as there are lots of tree roots. Not busy on a Tuesday.
September 22, 2020Very nice Trail up and down, stairs closed yes but nice view up the stairs
September 20, 2020Great overlook, bridge and stairs to beach are closed!
September 19, 2020Gorgeous! Nice trails and beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
September 18, 2020Short trail but very nice views. Lots of roots and trees, slightly technical. Great quick hike.
September 5, 2020August 31, 2020I liked this hike. I enjoy woods and water combo hikes. There are a lot of tree roots along the way and it’s hilly.
August 25, 2020Only two other groups on the trail today. Nice trail but only two overlooks of the lake. Stairs to the beach are still closed.
August 25, 2020A great little wooded hike. Nice and shady. No bug issues. Very nice overlook! Couldn't see the sunken ship but we did see the color change in water where it lies.
August 16, 2020Beautiful hiking trail! I recommend going counter clockwise on the loop. Look out for many exposed roots on the trail. The outlooks are stunning. You can even get a chance to see a shipwreck on clear water days.
August 16, 2020Sad beach access was closed
August 5, 2020It’s a nice walk in the woods but if you’re doing it solely for the view of the lake, skip it.
August 1, 2020Decent trail out to a great view. You can’t access the water since the stairs at the bottom are removed but it has benches by the lookout sights. Poison ivy is near the trail also. Would recommend for a quick hike to a nice view!
