Are dogs allowed on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive?

No, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive?

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is rated difficult. It is 7.1 miles long with 892 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Michigan trail conditions

DifficultLoop

Michigan

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

Empire, Michigan

7.1 mi

Distance

892 ft

Elev. Gain

2h 45m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a scenic route within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, in western Northern Michigan in the United States. The roadway, with its "scenic vistas and gentle curves", is located off state highway M-109 between Empire and Glen Arbor. It runs for 7.4 miles (11.9 km) through forest and dunes areas, providing access to scenic overlooks of the Lake Michigan shoreline and the surrounding park land. Interpretive markers along the roadway are keyed to the National Park Service's printed guide to the drive. Over 80,000 vehicles make the trip, in addition to bicyclists, hikers and skiers who use the road each year.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:234 ft

Max:320 ft

272 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.