• Looking out at the lake

    Sleeping Bear Dunes

    National Lakeshore Michigan

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  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive will not open until Memorial Day Weekend

    Changes to visitor service due to Sequestration. Due to mandatory, across-the-board budget cuts, some visitor services in this park have changed. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive will not open until Memorial Day Weekend and will close after Labor Day. More »

  • Some restrooms and trash cans not available until Memorial Day

    Changes to visitor service due to Sequestration. Other than those at the visitor center and campgrounds, restrooms and trash cans will not be available until Memorial Day Weekend and will close after Labor Day. This includes the Manitou Islands. More »

Cottonwood Hiking Trail

Distance

One loop of 1.4 miles

Terrain

Rolling dunes

Vegetation

Grasses, shrubs and wildflowers of the dunes

Comments

A self-guided brochure is available at the trailhead. It describes the plant life and geology of the dunes. Much of the trail is through loose sand and is strenuous.
 

Download a map in pdf format.

 
dunes_map_6_7_8_9_10
Dunes Hiking Trails
NPS Map 2006
 
Cottonwood trail

View of DH Day Farm and Lake MI from the Cottonwood trail

Kerry Kelly 2006

The Cottonwood trail takes you through the perched dunes above the Dune Climb and provides access to a variety of dune plants and wildflowers.

 
Glen Lake from Cottonwood Trail

Glen Lake

Kerry Kelly 2006

The Cottonwood Trail provides beautiful views of Glen Lake and the Dune Climb.
 

Did You Know?

D. H. Day General Store

The D. H. Day General Store in Glen Haven has been restored and is open to the public.  Come and see some of the products that were sold in the early 1900's.  While you are there, you can browse the bookstore. More...