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
Beautiful 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!
This 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.
Beautiful places for overlooking; however, this entire trail is on the road. Just an FYI before you do it!
Drove 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.
The 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