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Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Empire, MI, USA

24/7

$$

hikes, local-highlights

This 7.4-mile drive is a fabulous way to explore the scenic vistas of Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan.

It loops around a forest and the sand dunes, with stunning views of the Glen Lakes and Lake Michigan. There are various lookouts along the way where you can park your car and get out to enjoy the views, have a picnic or take a short hike. There are spots along the drive where you can learn the history of the area and get out of your car to enjoy the beautiful overlooks. You can take a dune hike along the Cottonwood Trail or wherever you find a food place. 

You definitely will feel like you are in a tropical country rather than Michigan when you go on this drive! It offers views and a fun experience for all. One of the most beautiful overlooks is from the parking lot at #9,10 where you can walk a little bit from the car, drop open a foldout chair and enjoy the views and sunset. 

The speed limit is 20 mph and you should definitely follow that rule as there are plenty of other cars, pedestrians, bikers, and motorcycles along this route. Biking is obviously allowed although only recommended for very experienced bikers due to the steep terrain, sharp turns, and level of traffic. 

You can check out a virtual tour of the scenic drive here. You must have a parking pass to enter ($25 per vehicle or $45 for an annual pass).

Features

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Thoughtfully captured by:
Lizzy Alfs
Lizzy is a Michigan transplant living in the always bustling Nashville, Tenn. After graduating from the University of Michigan, she spent a decade working as a business journalist in Ann Arbor, Mich. and then Music City. She recently transitioned her journalism career to freelance writing so she could stay home with her two little boys, Milo and Jude. Lizzy grew up in the summers on a lake in beautiful Northern Michigan and she spent the winters making the most of the state's endless snow and slush. She lives by the motto "There's no such thing as bad weather" and you'll find her outside rain or shine. These days, Lizzy and the boys like to adventure around Nashville, looking for toddler-friendly hikes, parks and swimming holes.
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