Michigan Shoreline Hiking BEACH HIKES & COASTAL TRAILS
Listed below are the best places for hiking the beaches and shoreline in the state of Michigan.
1. Dune Climb
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE
The Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers visitors a challenging trek up massive, wind-blown sand dunes with rewarding views of Glen Lake. A picnic area and modern restrooms are located at the base, making it a family-friendly spot for both climbers and spectators. Adventurous hikers can continue on a strenuous 3.5-mile roundtrip hike through rolling dunes all the way to Lake Michigan.
2. Ludington State Park
MARKED TRAILS | LUDINGTON MI
Ludington State Park features over 18 miles of marked trails winding through sand dunes, hardwood forests, marshlands, and along nearly seven miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Trails like Lost Lake, Island Loop, and Lighthouse Trail offer varied experiences, from serene lakeside walks to scenic climbs with panoramic views. Informational kiosks along the trails provide insight into the park’s natural and historical highlights.
3. Old Indian Trail
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE
The Old Indian Trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore consists of two 2.3-mile loops traversing tree-covered ancient dunes that mark the post-glacial shoreline of Lake Michigan. Hikers can enjoy a mix of maple, aspen, oak, and birch forests, with sections of hemlock and pine, especially vibrant during fall. A short spur leads to scenic Lake Michigan vistas, making it a peaceful and botanically rich escape.
4. Saugatuck Dunes State Park
SECLUDED BEACHES & TRAILS | SAUGATUCK MI
Saugatuck Dunes State Park boasts 2.5 miles of quiet Lake Michigan beach backed by towering 200-foot wooded dunes. Four trails ranging from 2.5 to 5.5 miles allow visitors to explore the diverse dune and shoreline environments on foot or by cross-country skis. The park’s remote feel and natural beauty make it a favorite for hikers and nature lovers seeking solitude.
5. Port Oneida Beach
BAY VIEW TRAIL SYSTEM | GLEN ARBOR MI
The Bay View Trail system in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore winds through beech-maple forests, old farm fields, and past restored historic barns and farmhouses. With nearly eight miles of interconnected loops, the trails offer both natural beauty and a glimpse into the area’s agricultural past. The northern loops are especially popular for their scenic terrain and historic sites.
6. Rosy Mound Natural Area
DUNE ECOSYSTEM | GRAND HAVEN MI
Rosy Mound Natural Area features a classic Great Lakes dune system with high wooded dunes, foredunes, a dune blowout, and a scenic Lake Michigan beach. A 0.7-mile trail from the parking area to the shore includes 1,000 feet of stairs, boardwalks, and interpretive signs, rewarding hikers with panoramic views. Amenities include picnic areas, a unique shade canopy, and modern restrooms, though the walk to the beach is considered strenuous.
7. Leelanau State Park
SCENIC TRAILS | NORTHPORT MI
Leelanau State Park, located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, offers more than 1,550 acres of forest, sandy beaches, and scenic trails such as the Orange/Red and Blue Loops. The park also houses the historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse and rustic campgrounds for a full outdoor experience. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and learning about the area’s maritime history.
8. Warren Dunes State Park
TRAILS & TOWERING DUNES | SAWYER MI
Warren Dunes State Park is renowned for its dramatic 260-foot dunes, three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, and six miles of hiking trails through richly forested and open dune landscapes. The park is a hotspot for outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, birdwatching, and even hang gliding. Its extensive natural areas and diverse habitats make it one of Michigan’s most popular state parks.
9. Esch Beach
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE
Esch Beach, accessed by Otter Creek in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is a favorite spot for families, sunbathers, and rock hunters. The beach offers easy access to the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan, set against a backdrop of dunes and forest. Its relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty make it ideal for a peaceful day by the lake.
10. Pyramid Point
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE
Pyramid Point, part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is a 2.6-mile trail leading hikers through old farm fields and beech-maple forests to one of the area’s most spectacular Lake Michigan overlooks. The trail’s off-the-beaten-path location ensures a quieter experience compared to more popular spots. The summit rewards visitors with sweeping vistas of sand dunes, islands, and the lake’s vibrant blues.
11. Great Sand Bay
LAKE SUPERIOR SHORELINE | EAGLE HARBOR MI
Great Sand Bay, located along Lake Superior in the Keweenaw Peninsula, offers expansive sandy beaches and dramatic views of the lake’s rugged coastline. Visitors can take peaceful walks along the shore, enjoying the sights and sounds of waves crashing against the dunes. While there are no designated swimming areas, the bay’s natural beauty makes it a scenic stop on any Keweenaw adventure.
12. Antrim Creek Natural Area
GRAND TRAVERSE BAY | CHARLEVOIX MI
Antrim Creek Natural Area preserves 156 acres of diverse habitats, including nearly a mile of undeveloped Grand Traverse Bay shoreline—the longest such stretch in the region. The area features easy trails through hardwood forests, wetlands, coastal dunes, and meadows, supporting a wide range of flora and fauna. It’s a haven for wildflower enthusiasts and those seeking a quiet, natural retreat.
13. Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trail
WATERFRONT PATHWAYS | BENTON HARBOR MI
The Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trail System offers 12 miles of paved hiking and biking routes through wetlands, along rivers, and up dunes with breathtaking Lake Michigan views. The trails wind through the Harbor Shores Golf Course and provide opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially in the early morning or evening. Multiple loops connect visitors to downtown Benton Harbor and the local arts district.
14. John and Dede Howard Family Recreational Trail
SCENIC URBAN WALK | ST. JOSEPH MI
The John & Dede Howard Family Recreational Trail is a leisurely path that showcases St. Joseph’s natural and urban beauty, starting near Lions Park Drive and winding under tree canopies along Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River. The route passes through picturesque downtown streets and Victorian-era neighborhoods, making it ideal for beginners or casual walkers. Dogs are welcome on leashes, and the trail is especially enjoyable on summer evenings.
15. Tiscornia Park
LEISURELY BEACH WALKS | ST. JOSEPH MI
Tiscornia Park is a family-friendly, 16-acre beach park built into the dunes at the northwest corner of St. Joseph, featuring access to the iconic North Pier Lighthouse. Visitors can swim, picnic, stroll the pier, and enjoy stunning Lake Michigan sunsets in a less crowded setting. Amenities include a picnic pavilion, restrooms, and ample parking, with leashed dogs allowed on the sidewalk and pier only.