Empire Bluff Trail
Empire Bluff Trail
5
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Extending two miles in length, this picturesque point-to-point hiking trail is rated moderate in skill level.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
310 reviews
Excellent
260
Very good
45
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
1
parksvisitor
Maple Grove, MN1,238 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.
L N
Columbus, OH25 contributions
Sep 2022
We hiked this trail in the morning. There were very few others on the trail. It is a bit steep in parts, but not too long. The view at the top is incredible!
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
michigantraveler35
Benzonia, MI198 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.
TravelsHobby
Edison, NJ286 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.
Teal C
Port Deposit, MD25 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.
Mahodawn
Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States898 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Absolutely breathtaking once you get to the end! I am out of shape and felt like we’d never get to the end! Some of the hills were challenging and knowing we had to do it coming back was in the back of my mind. All and all great hike for my husband’s birthday!
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tracey M
Bluemont, VA489 contributions
Jul 2022
The trail was moderate, but nothing most people couldn't handle if you take your time. The end results were amazing. The view is jaw dropping and there are benches on top to sit on and take in the scenery. Make sure to have sunscreen on and bring your camera.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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.
Y0usiK
Michigan15 contributions
Jun 2022
Love it and hope to do in the winter sometime.
Day we went up it was gusting 25-30 mph which had stirred the lake and made for some interesting shoreline views of the stirred up sand (see my pic).
We were up in early June so not busy at all. Saw a grand total of 2 during the hike up and down which was nice. I would recommend this as a pretty quick hike before you begin your day or perhaps an evening hike for the sunset. Easy climb with well maintained trails and lots to see. Great views northward towards town and the big dune.
Day we went up it was gusting 25-30 mph which had stirred the lake and made for some interesting shoreline views of the stirred up sand (see my pic).
We were up in early June so not busy at all. Saw a grand total of 2 during the hike up and down which was nice. I would recommend this as a pretty quick hike before you begin your day or perhaps an evening hike for the sunset. Easy climb with well maintained trails and lots to see. Great views northward towards town and the big dune.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris H
Grand Rapids, MI1,257 contributions
Sep 2021
The round trip is 1.5 miles. However that leaves out the main story. Almost the entire trail is up and down on slopes of 20 to 40 degrees! Yes once you get to the Outlook they view is amazing. Especially from the elevated vantage point. The view is probably a 5 star, but the hike is a 1 star. The call it a moderate difficult. I'd call it strenuous.
Overall a 3 star review. Would I return? Bleep No! The mist difficult hike of my life! I was exhausted afterwards. If your a great hiker and love climbing slopes, then this is for you! For anyone with medical difficulties, skip. There are a lot of great views in the area and great trails too!
Overall a 3 star review. Would I return? Bleep No! The mist difficult hike of my life! I was exhausted afterwards. If your a great hiker and love climbing slopes, then this is for you! For anyone with medical difficulties, skip. There are a lot of great views in the area and great trails too!
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lynette B
11 contributions
Where is the trail head and how long is the trail?
theoljohnnyboy
New Florence, PA1,414 contributions
the trail head is a couple miles south of the town of empire
Spencer Rd
South Boardman, MI5 contributions
Is this trail accessible in the winter? It the parking lot plowed?
shannonlerae
York, PA27 contributions
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.
Is this trail dog friendly?
Suzi P
27 contributions
Absolutely. Nearly everyone had a dog it’s them on leash.
wally102018
Detroit, MI1 contribution
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?
Grand68
Grand Rapids, MI1 contribution
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.
Mandi Brown
Fowlerville, MI118 contributions
Would this trail be do-able for someone who will be 29 weeks (7 months) pregnant?
empress5
Golden, CO161 contributions
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.
298danad
Granger, IN4 contributions
Are dogs allowed at this beach? I read online they are but want to confirm before we make the trip with our dog.
Hanna S
Chicago, IL64 contributions
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.
Empire Bluff Trail - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Empire Bluff Trail
- Hotels near Empire Bluff Trail:
- (0.95 mi) Empire Lakeshore Inn
- (0.52 mi) Home in the charming village of Empire. Walk to Lake Michigan beaches.
- (7.75 mi) Glen Arbor Bed & Breakfast and Cottages
- (0.69 mi) Buena Vista - Empire Michigan Vacation Home
- (0.68 mi) Modern cottage at the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Restaurants near Empire Bluff Trail:
- (0.96 mi) Shipwreck Cafe
- (0.74 mi) Joe's Friendly Tavern
- (1.00 mi) Grocer's Daughter Chocolate
- (0.79 mi) Tiffany's Cafe
- (1.02 mi) Empire Village Inn