You can ski, hike, or snowshoe straight from The Homestead into the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore using the Bay View Trail which is accessible from the Village.
Lookout Point on the Bay View Trail gives a panoramic view of Lake Michigan and the surrounding countryside. The trail along the edge of the woods on top of the bluff overlooks fields of wildflowers and former farmland with Lake Michigan in the background.
Here are some photos of backcountry skiing just off the Bay View Trail:
The trail includes the Shauger Hill Hiking Trail and the unplowed Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. It offers views of Lake Michigan and the dunes. For your safety, stay back from the edge of the steep bluff. Pets on a 6′ leash may be taken on the unplowed roadway section of the trail, but the Shauger Hill Trail section is a Designated X-Country Ski Trail and Pets are not allowed on this section of the trail between December 1 and March 31.
Ski to the top of the Lake Michigan Overlook and view the winterscape along the Lake Michigan shore. Be careful where you go, because if you fall, you will end up taking a FAST slide to the bottom of the bluff 450 feet below! Not only is the trip down dangerous, but the hike back up the frozen bluff is nearly impossible.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at Sleeping Bear Dunes via NPS Website
The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is certainly a must-do activity when visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This 7.4 mile self-guided auto tour provides the visitor with insight to the history of the area, a sampling of the vegetative communities found within the park and, best of all, spectacular overlooks of the Glen Lakes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Michigan. – >> Read More >>
More Sleeping Bear Dunes Skiing, Snowshoeing and Winter Fun
Tweddle/Treat Farm at Sleeping Bear Dunes via NPS
Now for a “Treat” you’ll have to take a hike – but it is well worth the effort! The trail that leads from the corner of Norconk Road into the woods is about ½ mile long through the maple-beech forest and will take you to the Treat Farm. As you reach the top of the hill, the canopy of trees opens up to a view of the farmstead. A portion of the original barn has been rebuilt on the original foundation. Visitors are drawn to this intriguing farmstead for several reasons. The trail leading up the slight incline from Norconk Road holds an allure of its own… it seems to beckon passers-by. It piques the curiosity by conjuring visions of what might be at its terminus. It is also one of the most beautiful areas for spring wildflowers in all of Michigan! – >> Read More >>
More Sleeping Bear Dunes Skiing, Snowshoeing and Winter Fun
North Higgins Lake State Park has 11 miles of cross-country ski trails. The trails wind through the mixed hardwoods that make up the mature wooded area. They cross over moderate hills and flatlands.
