Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a 7.2 mile loop trail located near Empire, Michigan that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Note: As of December 2020, this scenic drive is closed for the season. Please see the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Twitter page for updates: https://twitter.com/SleepingBearNPS
January 16, 2021(12/31/2020) Wonderful XC skiing, although the snow was thin in spots. Amazing to be at the Lake Michigan Overlook completely alone.
December 20, 2020Walked the whole loop and saw not a single person.
December 4, 2020We tried to do the drive yesterday but it’s closed for the season
November 18, 2020Just gorgeous. A little tight to bike and share the road with motorized traffic but plenty of places to pull off and enjoy views from dunes to water. One of my favorites.
October 27, 2020Beautiful hike amongst the trees, dunes, and Lake Michigan. Drive now open for cars, bikes, and hikes. Scenic overlook at SW corner of trail provided views of the tree-covered hills, the convergence of a river with Lake Michigan, and some lovely views of the Lake Michigan shoreline. Well worth your time!
October 22, 2020An absolute MUST drive/trail to experience the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Stunning views all across the trail - especially during Fall. Very glad the drive is finally open to public! Already planning a trip back on our !!
October 14, 2020They update the construction info on tweeter. Last two weeks they opened from Friday to Sunday
October 4, 2020This motor trail has only been open on the weekends due to construction. It has a few nice stops including the Cottonwood trail entrance and some good overlooks. However, the Michigan Lake overlook specifically is absolutely breathtaking and has one of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. This should be visited if you’re in the areA.
August 12, 2020Beautiful places for overlooking; however, this entire trail is on the road. Just an FYI before you do it!
August 11, 2020The scenic drive is currently closed to cars but it’s a good hike. Since it’s paved, definitely possible to wear regular tennis shoes. Don’t recommend climbing down the dunes unless you’re in shape, it’s quite the workout getting back up.
July 22, 2020Open as of 7.22
July 3, 2020This Trail is Closed!
June 29, 2020This was closed
June 11, 2020The road was closed for cars today - they are rebuilding the platform for the overlook. We hiked some of the road, but it was not so great. Nice view from the top
September 28, 2019Drove around the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and hiked the Cottonwood Trail. Views of the water from the top of the dunes were beautiful. Cottonwood Trail is all sand. I am guessing it’s much prettier with wild flowers in full bloom and in the fall.
August 29, 2019Great scenic route.
July 8, 2019Nice scenic drive with wonderful views of the dunes. No climbing needed.
June 19, 2019May 20, 2019beautiful drive. great viewpoints
October 27, 2018This is awesome. A quick and fun little drive up to Overlook #9 for some nice vistas.
September 20, 2018Have driven this scenic route several times. It’s always beautiful.
September 11, 2018Great drive with short walks to extremely beautiful views
July 28, 2018Beautiful views and the informational signs were very helpful to understand the landscape and history of the area.
July 25, 2018The view from #9/10 are why you come up here! Really! This IS the Jewel in the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore's Crown! Absolutely Beautiful! (Been here countless times) AND PLEASE don't try to hike down to the water from here. It will take you 2-3 hours to climb back up, depending on how good of shape you're in. thx
July 5, 2018Lake Michigan overlook is unreal. And enjoyed the cottonwood trail as well.
March 25, 2018Great picnicking area!
October 18, 2017crowded but lovely
August 25, 2017Wonderful drive--must-do if you're in the area. Great scenic look-outs. Get the paper with all the waypoints listed from park ranger at the beginning. Also do the trail that leads to the sandy steep overlook.
August 18, 2016This is a nice little drive. The last 2 scenics points are awesome. If you have time go down to the beach. It is a nice challenge up.
