Dune towers 450 feet above Lake Michigan at end of 1-mile trail

ARCADIA, MI – This natural wonder towers 450 feet above Lake Michigan, offering spectacular views after a one-mile hike through the woods.

Old Baldy is the most noteworthy dune in the Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve just north of Arcadia off the M-22 scenic byway.

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, which manages the preserve, describes Baldy as “a magnificent open perched dune.”

It sits atop glacial moraine, which is a ridge of sandy, gravel, stone and clay left by retreating glacial ice, forming steep bluffs along the coastline.

Standing atop the dune and enjoying the view of the big lake is a short, scenic walk from Baldy Trailhead.

Old Baldy Dune towers 450 feet above Lake Michigan, offering spectacular views after a one-mile hike through the woods. The dune is part of the Arcadia Dunes: C.S. Mott Nature Preserve just north of Arcadia, Mich.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

Getting there

Baldy Trailhead is on the west side of M-22 (on the left for those traveling north) just north of the Arcadia Scenic Turnout. Look for the sign.

The trailhead includes several parking spots, an informational kiosk (including the trail map), and a boot cleaning station.

For those with limited mobility, there are handicap parking spaces and a concrete pad. Along with the trail to Baldy and other routes through the woods, there is also a half-mile accessible trail that leads to a scenic overlook.

Portable restrooms are located on the accessible trail between markers one and eight.

Wear comfortable shoes; I recommend leaving them on the side of the trail once you reach the dune. Apply sunscreen or wear protective clothing. Carry water with you. Bring a camera. Enjoy.

Old Baldy

The quickest way the top of Baldy is a one-mile hike on quiet forest paths. Starting from marker one at the trailhead, proceed to marker two, then four, then five. From there, follow the signs north to the dune.

From marker five, it’s another tenth of a mile and a climb up a set of stairs before the trail opens up to the dune. This is a good spot to abandon your shoes and continue barefoot as you make your way over the sandy path to the edge of the dune bluff.

After the peaceful, shaded walk through the woods, the dune will feel bright and open. The path is marked by fencing on one side and vegetation on the other, it winds around a sunken area and leads to the bluff.

Signs advise visitors to stick to the path to avoid disturbing the dune restoration area.

You’ll glimpse slivers of Lake Michigan as you traverse the dune. Then, it will open up to a panoramic view of blue water all the way to the horizon.

It’s difficult to grasp how high above the shoreline this perch is until an ant-size boat motors past.

Take some time enjoy the view, snap some photos, take some deep breaths of fresh air, and relax.

Visitors are advised not to attempt climbing down the dune to the shoreline. The beach is not visible from the top, and, at times, there is no beach - only a sandy cliff with water at the bottom. There are 20- to 30-foot drop offs toward the bottom of the dune. Climbing back up is very difficult, if not impossible. Rescue by land vehicle is sometimes impossible; rescue by air is difficult, expensive and can be delayed.

Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve

Arcadia Dunes is the largest preserve owned, protected and managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. It includes more than 15 miles of trails that wind through dunes, forests and other landscapes.

This preserve provides recreation opportunities from hiking to birding to mountain biking and hunting.

It’s home to the popular Overlook Trail, a universally accessible, half-mile trail from the Baldy Trailhead to a Lake Michigan overlook platform.

Other notable areas in the preserve include Dry Hill Trails, Camp Trail and Pete’s Woods.

View more photos of the Baldy trail system and dune below.