Grand Sable Dunes section closed due to hazardous erosion

Grand Sable Dunes - undercut and eroding into Sable Creek and Lake Superior

NPS photo / Liz Drum

News Release Date: July 28, 2014

Contact: Mike Pflaum, 906-387-2607, ext. 202

Grand Sable Dunes section closed due to hazardous erosion

(Grand Marais, Mich.) A portion of Grand Sable Dunes is closed to all public entry for visitor safety. The northeast section of the Grand Sable Dunes is rapidly and unpredictably eroding into Sable Creek and Lake Superior.

The closed area begins at the Ghost Forest Trail off the west end of the Sable Falls parking lot. From there, the closure extends north to Lake Superior , and then along the shoreline to the west side of Sable Creek.

"Due to erosion that has occurred over the last several months, the dunes are unstable and on the verge of collapse," reported lakeshore superintendent Mike Pflaum. "The dune instability is a threat to human life and safety. We are currently evaluating the extent of the erosion and posting the area as closed to all public access."

The closed area is approximately 14 acres in size. The Grand Sable Dunes are about five square miles.

The trail to Sable Falls remains open. Please stay on the trail, which is on east side of Sable Creek. Please observe closure signs for your safety.

 For additional information, please contact the Grand Sable Visitor Center at 906-494-2660.

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