SBHT - Bar Lake Road Trailhead

This way!

NPS credit

Quick Facts

Location:

GPS Coordinates 44.83,-86.0548

Amenities

3 listed

Parking - Auto, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead

A delight to ride, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (SBHT) is one of Michigan's most beautiful biking trails. A 10-foot-wide picturesque path that winds through the pristine, tranquil forests and hills of the Lakeshore, the multi-use trail connects major attractions in Sleeping Bear Dunes and is suitable for recreational use by cyclists, wheelchair users, runners pushing baby strollers, and rollerbladers.

Pets are NOT allowed on this trail from December 1 to March 31.
In winter, the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes grooms segments of the trail for both classic Nordic skiers and skaters as well as providing a lane for snowshoeing.

While most of the terrain is fairly easy, all ages can enjoy the trail. There are a couple of steeper segments, but these climbs are almost immediately rewarded by swift descents, and benches and picnic tables along the trail offer a place to rest and take in the sounds and sights of the cool forest or bask in the warm beach sun.

The SBHT is managed and maintained by Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes and an excellent map of the trail which can show trailheads, parking, water, steep climbs, etc. 

Bar Lake Trailhead

The Bar Lake Trailhead is currently the most southwestern trailhead of the SBHT within the park. The parking lot is gravel with a short gravel spur to the asphalt trail. There is a vault toilet at the trailhead.

This 6.8-miles between Empire and the Dune Climb zigs and zags around sand hills and through lush forests. This section has steeper hills than other sections of the trail. While most of the terrain is fairly easy, there are a couple of steeper hills in this segment. One hill in particular will have all but the fittest walking their bikes to its summit. But once that summit is reached, a nice downhill lets you coast for a bit.

Trail Etiquette

• Show consideration for other trail users
• Stay on trail to be respectful of plants and wildlife
• Stop at road crossings
• Ride single file when other users are present
• Ride slow and steady
• Wear a helmet while skating or riding
• Stay to right and alert others by saying "on your left" when passing
• Do not block trail - please move to the side when stopped on trail
• Keep pets on a leash
• Dispose of all trash and animal waste in trash receptacles
• Trail users need a park pass
• Some of the SBHT passes through or in front of private property. Be careful and respectful of the rights of these property owners