Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
716 reviews
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600
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93
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13
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3
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7
DRMIZZOU
Columbia, MO135 contributions
Sep 2022
While we were in the Traverse City area we drove to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and stopped at the Visitor Center. There we picked up a map which led us to the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. We would highly recommend taking this scenic before doing anything else in the national park. The drive itself is beautiful, but there are also several stops and pull-offs along the drive that provide access to the dunes, overlooks and great views of Lake Michigan.
Written September 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndSand76
Indiana, PA104 contributions
Aug 2021
What started off with hesitation to pay the $25 fee for a private vehicle turned into a wonderful morning for our family of five with kids ages 4 to 8. It is a pleasant drive on well-maintained roads. There are several beautiful viewpoints. At one location we were able to hike around a portion of the dunes on trails. The highlight, by far, was the Lake Michigan Overlook (#9 and #10 on the provided map and marked at the entrance). After a short walk, the view was absolutely stunning, the dunes were a blast to play on, it was fun to watch people test their bravery on the steep drop towards the lake, and there were lots of great photo opportunities.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul F
Grand Rapids, MI13 contributions
Sep 2020
It's a pretty drive, about 7-miles, much of it under a tree canopy, until you reach an overlook Beautiful views, but take heed of the signs warning you not to hike to Lake Michigan from the top of the dune. People do it, but it's a very difficult climb back up.
We've biked the drive several times over the years, and the admission fee is $5 for doing so, unless you have a NPS pass. There are a couple challenging climbs, followed by a great downhill descent. There really isn't a shoulder to ride on--just a curb. When the road gets narrow and steep, I feel a little uncomfortable when being passed by autos.
We've biked the drive several times over the years, and the admission fee is $5 for doing so, unless you have a NPS pass. There are a couple challenging climbs, followed by a great downhill descent. There really isn't a shoulder to ride on--just a curb. When the road gets narrow and steep, I feel a little uncomfortable when being passed by autos.
Written May 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirsten C
Hamilton, OH38 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
This was a beautiful drive and amazing views. We did this and Empire Bluff. I would recommend doing the drive first and skip the Bluff with young kids. By the time we did the drive they were tired after the 1.5 mile hike earlier. Our kids are 9 and 11. They whined by the end...just keeping it real. But on this drive the views are priceless and people watching too! We were amazed at how many people chose to go to the bottom of the dune. Its like 400 feet straight up/down. Trails were clean and well maintained, pit toilets along the way. $25 park entrance fee.
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bebigirl424
Woodridge, IL227 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
It will cost you $25 per vehicle to enter. There are 12 stops along this scenic route. There were only 3 that were "Wow!" The ones we liked were the "Overlook" stops. The best one was the stop at the top of the Dunes. It was an amazing site. It was such a far and steep drop. One should take care not to accidentally roll down the Dunes! We did see people choose to go all the way to the bottom. Can't imagine having to walk back up. We were there at about 6 and there was a nice breeze. What a beautiful view!
Other:
1. There are people who want to drive fast along the route. Move over and let them pass you. You paid $25... Take your time.
2. There are out houses along the way. Kinda gross.
3. Bring a selfie stick.
4. There are picnic spots along the way
Other:
1. There are people who want to drive fast along the route. Move over and let them pass you. You paid $25... Take your time.
2. There are out houses along the way. Kinda gross.
3. Bring a selfie stick.
4. There are picnic spots along the way
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rdsm77
Tucson, AZ405 contributions
Jul 2021
After a hike on the Good Harbor Bay Trail, I went through the Pierce Stocking scenic drive and went to several of the overlooks. Completely worth it. One overlooked the dunes from a distance. Then there was an area where you could climb down closer to the steep dunes. There was a sign warning people that being rescued costs $3000. It looked really scary so there was no way I was getting close to the edge. Wasn't too crowded on the road or any of the stops.
Written September 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pro K
1 contribution
Oct 2022
Scenic drive has a 30 dollar toll fee. This is way over priced. This drive is not worth any toll. This place is definitely NOT for fall colors. A drive to Houghton lake was much better than this. Michigan has lot of beautiful places that has no toll.
Written December 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina B
Louisiana2,613 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
If you have a National park pass it’s free to enter, otherwise $25. We enjoyed the drive although it’s not very long. There’s a couple of look outs. Not really sure it’s worth it unless you are doing the Dunes as well and in the area.
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
parksvisitor
Maple Grove, MN1,279 contributions
Sep 2022
An absolute fantastic scenic drive. We stopped at Glen Lake Overlook, Dune Overlook, Lake Michigan Overlook (stunning). Sleeping Bear Dune Overlook and North Bar Lake Overlook. We were thinking of hiking Cottonwood Trail, but had had enough of sand dune hiking after some other hikes during our 10-day road trip.
Written November 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
theoljohnnyboy
New Florence, PA1,422 contributions
Jul 2020
This was our second visit to PS SD and we found it to be more pleasing than last time. The drive is fairly busy with vehicles and cyclists, and there tend to be many people gathered at overlooks so it is good to have a mask ready. The road is well manicured and beautifully cared for. Right now there is no admission fee, which is kind of a bonus. Make sure to stop and see the folks that dare to do the dune climb!
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamaka123
50 contributions
I am planning a trip to this area in mid September and saw on the National,park website that this drive is closing at the end of August. Can the dunes still be accessed or is this only road in to the dunes/trails? I have never been to sleeping bear dunes so know much about how the area is set up. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
sportwife
Michigan191 contributions
I would call the Visitor center to answer this question
Judy C
Plymouth, MI
How long does it take to drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive?
CaptDarrrrrow
Traverse City, MI41 contributions
Depends on if you atop to take. Hike on the dunes. If you are not planning on getting out of the car. About 15 minutes.
Lew1120
Charlotte, NC57 contributions
When during the park visit do you think is a good time to do the drive? We will be arriving late morning on a Sunday and will be camping at Platte River and heading to Charlevoix the next morning. I'm wondering if this would be a good introduction to the park? My only thought is that we will have already been in the car for 4+ hours this day. I'm wondering if Monday morning would be a better time and add this into our drive to Charlevoix? I've read a few places that suggest Empire Bluff trail as an introduction to the park. We haven't been to the area before so are hoping to enjoy as much as we can!
Robert W
Park Ridge, IL3,121 contributions
The Pierce Stocking drive is by far the best introduction to this park. It has bits of all the best aspects of the park. The Empire Bluff trail is very good, especially in Spring and early Summer when the walk to the lake has lots of wildflowers. To break up driving, definitely stop here.
What is the actual route to drive? I can't seem to find directions on the scenic drive itself.
Doc067
Near New Orleans1 contribution
It is a one way drive. One turns into the park just south of the dunes. If you have a pass it is free.
It is 30 minutes if you don't stop. Caution on going down the dunes to Lake Michigan. Coming back up is extremely hard.
Search on map Pierce stocking drive.
Is January a good time to go
R B
Novi, MI77 contributions
If you can, go in the spring, summer or fall. You will miss a great deal in the winter, and the roads may be a tad treacherous. Keep in mind the rates for hotels go up significantly in the areas from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Angie J
Toledo, OH173 contributions
Where does one begin this drive?
Lrllsl
Delaware, OH122 contributions
At the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore visitor center, the rangers will provide written directions to see each of the attractions including how to drive to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. You will need to purchase a park pass at the visitor center before you can enter the drive.
2017_TA_KS
Europe26 contributions
Is it still nice in late March - early April? Wondering about spring break...
highstone351
Caledonia, MI106 contributions
Se the website for hours and days open.
FranC781
Amityville, NY40 contributions
Affordable place to stay in empire & Mackinac Island in September 2017?
Glamgirls123
Shelby Township286 contributions
If you look on Groupon closer to your date I did see Mission Point at a really good discount.
jen s
Fishers, IN19 contributions
I live about 6 hours from sleeping bear dunes and have been wanting to check it out. However with my medical issues and my small kids, I don't think we can do the dunes. is it worth it to just do pierce stocking scenic drive? I hear it's nice but wondering if it's worth going if we can't do the dunes? Thanks
elaine A
Cobourg, Canada203 contributions
Yes. it is worth it. Just go. I had a broken foot and was in an aircast and I did fine
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (Empire) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
- Hotels near Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive:
- (0.53 mi) Platte River Campground
- (6.71 mi) Empire Lakeshore Inn
- (8.87 mi) Harbor Lights Resort
- (1.58 mi) 2013 Custom-built Home overlooking Platte Lake
- (9.65 mi) Wayfarer Lodgings
- Restaurants near Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive:
- (6.58 mi) The Cherry Hut
- (6.72 mi) Shipwreck Cafe
- (8.68 mi) Stormcloud Brewing Company
- (8.63 mi) Crescent Bakery
- (8.61 mi) Dinghy's Restaurant & Bar