Empire Bluff Trailhead

EMPIRE BLUFF TRAILHEAD

When I first moved to Traverse City I promised myself I would never write about the Empire Bluff Trailhead on my blog. Although most people I know who live in the Traverse City area know about it, it still seemed to always feel “a bit off the beaten path” and a secret, magical place. Unless it’s a gorgeous sunny day on a Saturday in the summer, it was never too busy.

But recently, MLive posted an article naming it one of the most beautiful trails in Michigan and also called it a “hidden trail” so here I am because fuck it, it is gorgeous and now the whole world knows about it anyway. This trail is one of my favorites in Michigan! And just a little update….ever since MLive published that article it has definitely been busier so don’t expect the trail to yourself even if it is a weekday. And if it is, well then you got lucky!

GETTING TO AND PREPARING FOR THE EMPIRE BLUFF TRAILHEAD

Although this trail is still a bit of a secret you can simply type in “Empire Bluff Trailhead” to your Google maps and it will take you right to the parking lot. If you want old school directions and are traveling from Traverse City, you’ll take M-72 West following signs for Empire, MI and take Wilco road until you reach the parking lot.

Don’t forget you need to have a national park entrance pass to visit this trail! You can stop into the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors center to purchase a park entrance pass ($20 per vehicle for seven days, $40 per vehicle for an annual pass or $80 for an annual national park pass (so worth it!)) when you are here you can pick up maps, brochures, and other information about the park as well. Although I don’t run into a ranger every time I hike the trail, I have seen them giving tickets before so make sure you have one because the tickets will be much more than the pass!

At the trailhead, there’s a map, a picnic area, and an outhouse restroom.

EMPIRE BLUFF TRAILHEAD

The round-trip hiking time all depends on how much time you want to spend taking pictures. The trail itself is 1.5 miles roundtrip (in and out trail) and if you are walking fast it will only take you 20-30 minutes to get to the main viewpoint and then the same amount of time back to your car. But trust me you’ll want to stop and stare at the gorgeous view and take so many pictures!

Also, I always tell people the hike is easy but if you tend to get out of breath easily you’ll want to prepare for that because although it’s short, there is a bit of an incline. We took a few people in the summer and they thought it was more intermediate so it all depends! The picture below is your halfway point on the trail.

This bench is actually my favorite place to hang out in the fall because the colors are absolutely beautiful. It is also a great place to take pictures and take a breather if you need it!

Also, there are two spots where you will have to walk up steps.

Once you reach the railing you know you are almost to the view, PLEASE BE CAREFUL at this point of the trail. These boards get very slippery with either rain, snow or sand and I have seen a lot of people fall here.

THAT VIEW THOUGH

The next few pictures are going to do the talking because really no matter how many times I visit this place I still have no words to explain how beautiful it is! And it’s beautiful all year round.

Empire Bluff Trailhead is also one of my absolute favorite places to watch the sunset!

Below you will see a little trail, this trail continues South for quite some time if you want to keep going. We’ve followed it for an hour but I’ve heard you can go for multiple hours.

Next here are some pictures of some cute ass friends who I’ve explored Empire Bluff Trailhead with because, well I don’t know I JUST LOVE THEM.

Have you hiked the Empire Bluff Trailhead? I try to go at least once a month and always take loved ones when they are visiting. It’s such a rewarding view for very little work! My friends and little sis got engaged here this past year and I always see an engagement or two when I visit! It’s just the best. No matter how many countries I visit this is still one of my favorite places in the world.