Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Empire: Address, Phone Number, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Reviews: 5/5
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
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1 within 3 miles
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702 reviews
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590
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90
Average
13
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3
Terrible
6
rdsm77
Tucson, AZ284 contributions
Nice drive
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.
AndSand76
Indiana, PA100 contributions
Dunes and views
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.
pshurd
Everywhere USA661 contributions
Easy drive with informative Signage
Jul 2021
Enjoyed the drive & loved the scenic viewpoints. Amazing views of the dunes along the beach. Lots of folks, but always able to get parking at the pulloffs.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Joseph H
Beavercreek, OH734 contributions
Nice Picnic at Lake Michigan Overlook
Jul 2021
My wife and I enjoyed the 2.8ish mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. I can read a map decently, but couldn't find a link between the map given to us at the ranger station to the numerical 'pull outs' on the drive. We subsequently unintentionally passed by the Dunes Scenic Overlook and the short one mile hike to Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook. Nonetheless, we had great stops at the Glen Lakes Overlook and Lake Michigan Overlook. We had a nice picnic at the latter overlook.
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Laura F
Cleveland, OH16 contributions
Loved the dunes
Jul 2021 • Friends
We stayed in traverse city little over an hour drive, the scenic drive was breathtaking every stop is informative and the overlook is a short climb but well worth it!
Written July 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
NormaRae03
Waukesha, WI287 contributions
Beautiful Drive
Jun 2021
There are several places to get out of your car and enjoy the amazing, beautiful views. There is a beautiful view of Glen Lake and Lake Michigan.
Written July 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
pc2425
Saint Louis, MO198 contributions
Beautiful drive
Jun 2021
My husband and I were traveling around Lake Michigan. We took this drive while visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes. This is a beautiful drive with several scenic stops. Be sure to take the walk to the top of the dune at the Lake Michigan overlook. It’s a pretty short walk with the end being up an incline in sand. It’s pretty easy though. The dune is huge! And I can’t believe how many people were going down and trying to climb back up!
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
kmz88
Chicago, IL272 contributions
Nice drive
Jul 2021
It has 3-4 stopping points with very scenic overlooks. Some trails begin from here. Recommend going before 11AM to avoid lines at the entrance.
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sketchy Pam
Jacksonville, FL1,349 contributions
Just beautiful views and a great walk around
Jul 2021 • Friends
This trail is wonderful - you can drive up to overlooks and take short walks to the views. Silver looks are just simply gorgeous. There are rangers to give you guidance and information at all of the other looks.
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
kkmckendree
Battle Creek, MI119 contributions
Don't Miss the Lake Michigan Overlook - AMAZING!
Jun 2021
The Lake Michigan Overlook is what's up!! It was breathtaking! A must see! An experience that shouldn't be missed. The view of Lake Michigan and the dune is stunning!
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jamaka123
38 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
Michigan170 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, MI40 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, NC56 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, OH172 contributions
Where does one begin this drive?
Lrllsl
Waxhaw, NC120 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, MI90 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 Township282 contributions
If you look on Groupon closer to your date I did see Mission Point at a really good discount.
jen s
westfield18 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
