Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead — Attraction in Glen Arbor Township

Be warned! Took the family on an exploration trip to Sleeping Bear Point on July 4th weekend. We love to take the road less traveled to find non-touristy areas and photo opportunities. The trailhead was easy to find and access. The parking was limited (20 cars maybe) but that's to be expected at a remote trailhead. There is one outhouse in the parking lot. As a Michigan native I should've known better but watch out for the biting black flies. Bug spray had no effect. They swarmed us as soon as we got out of the woods and onto the sand. We didn't make it to the beach but from what I saw it is a cool location where we could've easily spent a couple hours. I'm sure the flies are a seasonal issue so we plan to come back in the fall or winter. Hike difficulty was moderately strenuous but not terrible. Also, there was a black bear roaming the area while we were there...

A hidden gem! We have small children (8,6,3) so we knew we wouldn't make it up the "Dune climb". This is the perfect alternative. The path is all sand, with some Dune grass mixed in. Water shoes were the perfect choice. They also were the perfect shoe choice because there are rocks in the water. The beach is sandy but also lots of smallish rocks and nice waves. Excellent spot for rock hunting. If you are looking for those Caribbean blue waters this is the spot. We were there on a July afternoon and it was absolutely beautiful. It's about a half mile down to the water, but also you can hike up another Dune on the right side and get a great view. Definitely one if our favorite spots from our week up...

Trails here are groomed but not handicapped accessible, this is a more difficult walk and not advisable at night , how ever is great place to view Northern Lights . Please do not hike trails at night alone, always take a buddies with you and make noise when walking so wild life can move away from you. Cell coverage is spotty and rescue will not be impressed if they have to go out there at night and save you. Do this at your own risk at night. Day time is a beautiful less dangerous hike, the #1 mistake tourist make is not taking enough water. You will dehydrate much faster on the dunes. #2 mistake is miscalculating how long these hikes take and not checking weather...