Empire Bluff Trail
Empire Bluff Trail
5
About
Extending two miles in length, this picturesque point-to-point hiking trail is rated moderate in skill level.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
6 within 3 miles
Attractions
16 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
317 reviews
Excellent
267
Very good
45
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
1
SnowyShasta
Portland, OR2,313 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We chose to hike this 1.5 mile round trip trail near sunset, which gave us some lovely views with the setting sun over Lake Michigan.
The trail itself isn't too difficult, mainly a fairly gentle walk through forested area for most of the way. At the end it comes out onto a bluff area from which you are on top of some dunes and have a pretty unobstructed view of Lake Michigan and the lakeshore in either direction. We even saw a porcupine crossing the trail ahead of us on our way back!
It took us about 20 minutes at a leisurely pace to reach the end of the trail, which has a pretty large area available where you can sit and enjoy the view. We did that, and took some photos, for another 20 minutes or so, then 20 more to return to our car right as it was getting dark.
The trail itself isn't too difficult, mainly a fairly gentle walk through forested area for most of the way. At the end it comes out onto a bluff area from which you are on top of some dunes and have a pretty unobstructed view of Lake Michigan and the lakeshore in either direction. We even saw a porcupine crossing the trail ahead of us on our way back!
It took us about 20 minutes at a leisurely pace to reach the end of the trail, which has a pretty large area available where you can sit and enjoy the view. We did that, and took some photos, for another 20 minutes or so, then 20 more to return to our car right as it was getting dark.
Written October 1, 2023
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.
TravelsHobby
Edison, NJ329 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
One of the best experiences for us. With just about 1.5 miles round trip hike with moderate or low difficulty slopes under mostly shaded trail, the reward at the end is an extremely breathtaking view of Lake Michigan. The parking lot is kind of small but we saw cars parked outside on grass and in general people tend to return back quickly. After this trail, we also went to the Empire Beach (within about 5 minutes drive) which is also a nice place to relax with a gorgeous view and clear water.
Written August 24, 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.
pc2425
Saint Louis, MO203 contributions
Jun 2021
My husband and I were traveling around Lake Michigan. We did this hike while visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes. We are late 50’s, average condition and we had no trouble with this hike. The views over Lake Michigan at the end are very worth it. There are benches at the top to enjoy the view.
Written July 14, 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.
parksvisitor
Maple Grove, MN1,374 contributions
Sep 2022
After stopping at the visitor center in Empire, and waiting out a brief shower, we tackled this easy trail with spectacular lake views. The trail cuts through the woods before emerging overlooking Lake Michigan and ends with a small boardwalk area.
The trail is dog friendly.
The trail is dog friendly.
Written November 13, 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.
DawnC822
Port Huron, MI54 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
It was kinda steep uphill, but there were many pieces of wood that worked as steps. Many young kids and older folks were making it. There was a boardwalk at the top with awesome views, even on a partly cloudy day.
Written September 17, 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.
Teal C
Port Deposit, MD23 contributions
Aug 2022
Breathtaking endpoint after a .7 mile trail walk. The view of Lake Michigan at the end of this trail is stunning. From afar the Great Bear Sand Dunes can be seen. The water is deep blue in the middle and a clear gorgeous green close to shore. At the end of the trail the terrain is sandy and the park service has installed a boardwalk to help with footing. The trail is steep in a few spots. It may not be an easy walk for someone with extreme mobility or health issues. 1.5 miles round trip. Plenty of parking. There is an bathroom facility at the trailhead.
Written August 20, 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.
Rose C
Dayton, OH102 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
My husband and I did about 4 short hikes around Empire in one day, and this was, by far, our favorite. It is uphill, but mostly gradual with some flat spots between. People of all ages were doing this trail. The views are spectacular, and there are a few benches at the top to sit and enjoy. A couple of spots on the trail were tight, but people were respectful about proper distancing and a few wore masks.
Written September 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.
michigantraveler35
Benzonia, MI193 contributions
Jul 2022
One of the prettiest hikes and views in the northwest lower Michigan peninsula! It's only a 1.5 mile hike and quite easy. There's a section of steps and a bit of steepness on a slope but it's not hard. (Watch out for the poison ivy on the edge of the trail when you get to the boardwalk section.) If you're in the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore area, be sure to check it out. A national park pass is required for parking.
Written September 12, 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.
Kristen C
20 contributions
Jun 2022
At the welcome center, they give you a slip with directions on how to get to the trailhead. Parking does require a pass but it will last you six days. I believe it was $25 for a non-Michigan license plate. The whole time I was there I was confused as to which trail I was on because the map had the trails designated by numbers, but once you are at the Empire Bluffs trailhead, you're on the Empire Bluff Trail. Just follow the main path and ignore those confusing trail markers. I saw on "hiketok" that this was a must-do hike before you die. The views were great, I would recommend. The hike is more like a moderate nature walk, but beware if it is windy, you're probably going to get sand in your eyes when you get to the top (when the boardwalk ends in a circe).
Written July 7, 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, PA1,559 contributions
Jul 2020
This is a pretty easy 1.5 mile hike. The trail is about 6-8 feet wide in most spots, making it easy to stay pretty far away from folks headed in other direction. Right before you pop out on the face of the dune it is only 2-3 feet wide. Most of the uphill portions are on the way to the bluffs, though there are a couple of uphill spots on the way back to the car. There is a pit toilet at the head of the trail. The breeze is very nice at the end of the trail and the view is fantastic. A nice viewing platform with a couple of benches awaits.
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.
Where is the trail head and how long is the trail?
Written November 3, 2020
the trail head is a couple miles south of the town of empire
Written November 6, 2020
Is this trail accessible in the winter? It the parking lot plowed?
Written January 16, 2019
It never used to be, but now there’s a paved parking lot and a jiffy john :) The whole area has gotten more popular and more publicized, so I would call the Parks office and see what they are doing about that these days.
Written January 16, 2019
How long is the trail and how long does it take from start to end? is it suitable for 65 years old people or is very strenuous?
Written March 20, 2018
Grand68
Grand Rapids, Michigan
It is a one and a half mile round trip according to the trail brochure. From the parking lot it starts the climb right away. I am a 66 yr old couch potato and was able to make it by stopping to catch my breath on the uphill part of the trail. Fortunately, there are also downhill spots. Glad i did it because as everyone has said, it was beautiful. Some snow still on parts of the trail and very windy.
Written April 29, 2018
Would this trail be do-able for someone who will be 29 weeks (7 months) pregnant?
Written March 29, 2016
I would strongly recommend checking with your wife's doctors before venturing out. Depending on the amount of sand that covers the trails, it could be a challenging. I would definitely recommend using hiking poles for stability.
If there is any concerns, there are other trails in the Sleeping Dunes that are nice and easier to manage. If you look up the Sleeping Bear Dunes website and search for hiking trails, you'll get the trail ratings. The Empire Trail is noted to be more of an advance trail.
Again, check with her doctor before partaking in any strenuous exercise.
Written March 29, 2016
Are dogs allowed at this beach? I read online they are but want to confirm before we make the trip with our dog.
Written June 23, 2015
Yes, dogs are allowed on this hiking trail. However, they must be leashed, especially here, because it can be crowded with families in the summer and there are large cliffs at the top. Please note that this trail does NOT lead to a beach. It's just a short hiking trail that leads to a beautiful overlook. Our dog has made the trip many times!
I believe that the only trails in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore that do NOT allow dogs are the Dune Climb and Manitou Islands.
Written July 29, 2015
Showing results 1-6 of 6
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing