Lake Michigan overlook perches at end of accessible trail through dune backwoods

ARCADIA, MI – This scenic overlook offers views of Lake Michigan from hundreds of feet above the shoreline at the end of a short, accessible trail through the woods.

Part of Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve, Overlook Trail is a popular, universally accessible path that starts at Baldy Trailhead, just north of Arcadia off the M-22 scenic byway.

“Be sure to visit this special trail throughout the year for different – but equally dazzling – experiences,” said the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, which manages the preserve.

The preserve is also home to Old Baldy dune, which towers 450 feet above Lake Michigan. A one-mile path from the trailhead leads to the top of the dune and offers more stunning views of the big lake. This trail is not universally accessible.

Whether enjoying the scenic overlook or standing atop the dune, views of Lake Michigan are a short, scenic walk from Baldy Trailhead.

Getting there

Baldy Trailhead is on the west side of M-22 (on the left for those traveling northbound) 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 half-mile accessible trail that leads to the scenic overlook, there are also trails to the towering 450-foot Baldy dune and other routes through the woods.

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

Wear comfortable shoes. Apply sunscreen or wear protective clothing. Carry water with you. Bring a camera. Enjoy.

Overlook Trail at Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Preserve — The 0.5-mile, universally accessible Overlook Trail in Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Preserve begins at the Baldy Trailhead and ends at an accessible scenic overlook of Lake Michigan. The wide path has dolomite gravel and boardwalk surfaces. The wooden deck overlook includes ramps, benches and open space for wheelchair access.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

Scenic overlook

The half-mile accessible path to the overlook begins at the trailhead, marker one, and continues to marker eight, then seven.

Most of this wide trail has a dolomite gravel surface with some areas being boardwalks. Covered by a thick tree canopy, most of it is always shaded.

The Backdune Forest Boardwalk, toward the middle of the trail, takes visitors up the back of the dune. It zigzags through a mesic northern forest abundant in sugar maple, beech and hemlock with black cherry, oak and ash mixed in, according to the conservancy. It’s critical habitat for many native species of plants and animals.

Visitors may see native birds and plants, and even deer or porcupines along the path.

After the peaceful, shaded walk through the woods, the trail opens to the accessible overlook. It includes wooden benches, two-person rocking chairs, informational signage, and wide ramps and open space to accommodate wheelchairs.

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

While some of the trees below the overlook have grown to block some of the view of Lake Michigan, it’s still a gorgeous spot with the lake a sky framed by greenery.

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.

The 3,800-acre preserve provides recreation opportunities from hiking to birding to mountain biking and hunting.

Notable areas of the preserve include Baldy Trailhead, Dry Hill Trails, Camp Trail and Pete’s Woods.

View more photos of Overlook Trail below.