NORTON SHORES, MI -- Michigan has the largest stretch of freshwater coastal sand dunes, making the hike to the top for a view of Lake Michigan over the maple trees that much sweeter. Take that, Wisconsin.
Leaf peepers have been making the voyage up north this month for fall foliage, but peak fall colors have made their way down the shoreline and inland at Hoffmaster State Park in Norton Shores.
Hoffmaster‘s Dune Overlook Trail is a main attraction in all four seasons, but to hit it during peak color is especially magical. You have a sampling of Michigan’s beautiful biodiversity in one spot: sand, forest and lakeshore.
Driving through the state park is a treat in itself as you tunnel through changing leaves.
Pull up to the newly renovated Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center and make your way over to the trailhead to the left of the center.
Before heading up the stairs on the Dune Overlook Trail there's a long wooden platform with benches and wayside signs explaining the dune structures.Lindsay Moore
Before you start your ascent, there’s a long stretch of boardwalk with a viewing area and benches.
Take a moment to read the wayside signs describing a “dune complex unlike any other” within Hoffmaster. Dunes have been stacked on top of each other for hundreds of years due to the prevailing winds coming off the lake.
On the same platform as the viewing area you’ll find two trailheads for the dune overlook and the beach trail.
The Dune Overlook Trail is an approximately half-mile roundtrip climb with about 220 steps, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
When you make your way to the big climb it can be daunting to see that many stairs zig zagged up. Reassure yourself that climbing above the trees is worth it for the panoramic views. There’s also benches along the way.
There are two platforms on the dune overlook trail, each giving slightly different views above and through trees at different elevations.
Hoffmaster's Dune Overlook trail is a main attraction. The trail is a half-mile roundtrip, with about 220 steps to the two platforms. Although it can be a steep climb, the views of Lake Michigan and colorful tree tops are worth it.Lindsay Moore
Each overlook platform has a bench and wayside signs. A quick topography lesson is a great excuse to catch your breath.
The signs explain how Michigan’s complex dune system has changed over the past 10,000 years and formed four distinct types of dunes.
After descending the stairs, peel off toward the beach trail to get up close and personal with the dunes. You can also catch the Homestead Trail here.
Peel off from the Dune Overlook trail and head to the beach. Follow the fall colors all the way to Lake Michigan on this short boardwalk trail.Lindsay Moore
Following signs for the beach will take you down a boardwalk path under a colorful canopy of maple trees.
Stepping off the boardwalk you’ll see the trail slowly go from dirt to clean, white sand and see Lake Michigan blue peeking out between the trees.
The tree canopies open up to a wide expanse of sand dunes tumbling down into beach front.
The entire three-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline within the park is a pet friendly area so you can bring your leashed dog to enjoy the beach, too.
More Fall Colors:
Photos show fall bursting into color in Northern Michigan
Stretch of beautiful Michigan fall colors leads to this tranquil remote wilderness area
Sleeping Bear Dunes rings the bell for leaf peepers: peak color is here
It’s happening, Pictured Rocks reaching peak fall color
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