5 Great Hikes in Leelanau County

With so many great hiking options in Northern Michigan, Leelanau County stands out because of the great work the Leelanau Conservancy has done to protect our beautiful natural surroundings, as well as being partial home to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a truly special place. Here are a handful of our favorite hikes that you may want to consider on your next trip to Leelanau County! 

  1. Pyramid Point (Sleeping Bear Dunes): A worthwhile 2.7 mile hike with hilly/steep terrain that spurs off into an amazing overlook of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. Walk through Maple-Beach forests, high bluffs, meadows and pump the calves while taking in some fantastic views! From Whaleback Inn: head south on M-22 until Port Oneida Road. Follow until road hooks into Basch Road to trailhead. Parking area has portable toilets. 
  2. Clay Cliffs Natural Area (Leelanau Conservancy): A “must do” in our opinion, take in views of North Lake Leelanau and stunning views of Lake Michigan over the sandstone cliffs. 1.5 mile trail system with some great hills with switchbacks. Get lucky and you may see raptors such as hawks and eagles which are known for nesting here. From Whaleback Inn: 3.5 miles North on M-22 to trailhead/parking on left. 
  3. Palmer Woods Forest Reserve (Leelanau Conservancy): At 1075 acres, this is the Leelanau Conservancy’s largest preserved land parcel. While trails are still in progress, there are currently 10 miles (and growing) of hiking trails and 14 miles of mountain biking trails where a rider can use a fat tire bike or regular mountain bike to enjoy the hilly terrain. This trail is more appropriate for folks who want a long hike/bike and are in good physical condition. From Whaleback Inn: 20 minutes south. Dial in 6096 S. Wheeler Road on the maps app. South on M-22, left on County Road 669, and take a left on Wheeler to the trailhead. 
  4. Houdek Dunes Natural Area (Leelanau Conservancy): Easy, flat, 3.3 mile 370 acre natural area that may have some of the best ecologically diverse hiking of any on spots our list. Enjoy many types of dunes, old white birches, a beautiful view of Houdek Creek (a tributary which flows into Lake Leelanau), cottonwoods, red pines, and birds and wildlife of all kinds. You’ll love this hike. From Whaleback Inn: head North on M-22, 6.4 miles and the trailhead will be on your left. 
  5. Good Harbor Bay Trail (Sleeping Bear Dunes): Enjoy this 2.8 mile loop of mostly wooded terrain with some low dunes at the start. This trail has a picnic area and Lake Michigan beach near the trailhead, which makes it a great option to get exercise, go swimming, and have lunch all in the same outing! From Whaleback Inn: head south on M-22 until County Road 651 (Good Harbor Highway) and take a right. You will see Lake Michigan main parking area toward the end but take a right on Lake Michigan Road (dirt drive) and you will run into the trailhead area with picnic spot toward the end with a turnaround and parking. 

 

 

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Leland, MI 49654

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