Last updated: December 15, 2022
Place
Grand Sable Dunes Trail
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Trailhead is located off the Sable Falls parking lot, at the far eastern end of the park.
Significance:
The Grand Sable Dunes are one of the major features of the park.
Amenities
7 listed
Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead, Water - Drinking/Potable
The Grand Sable Dunes Trail is a 0.6 mile round-trip, fairly level trail that leads from the Sable Falls parking area on the eastern end of the park through an old homestead field and forested dune ecosystem to the top of open dunes. A short walk from the top of the dunes leads to a fantastic view of Lake Superior.
The trailhead is approximately 1 mile west of Grand Marais along Alger County Road H-58. Park at the Sable Falls parking area. To access the trail, walk the short path from the parking lot towards Sable Falls. Near the top of the falls is the intersection with the Grand Sable Dunes Trail. Pets are not allowed on the dunes trail.
A flush toilet and drinking water are available seasonally at the Sable Falls parking lot.
The Grand Sable Dunes Trail can also be accessed by walking the Sable Creek Trail from the Grand Sable Visitor Center parking lot, which is about 1 mile west from Sable Falls on H-58. The trailhead begins near the vault toilet in the parking lot. Walk the trail 0.8 miles east to the intersection of the dunes trail. Pets are also not allowed on the Sable Creek Trail. The vault toilet in the parking lot is open year-round.
Safety: The trail is fairly easy but there are a couple of short sections where you will be walking up some sand slopes. Once at the top of the dunes, all walking will be in sand. In summer, be prepared for heat, wind, and no shade at the top. Return along the trail - do not go down the steep dune face to Lake Superior.
The trailhead is approximately 1 mile west of Grand Marais along Alger County Road H-58. Park at the Sable Falls parking area. To access the trail, walk the short path from the parking lot towards Sable Falls. Near the top of the falls is the intersection with the Grand Sable Dunes Trail. Pets are not allowed on the dunes trail.
A flush toilet and drinking water are available seasonally at the Sable Falls parking lot.
The Grand Sable Dunes Trail can also be accessed by walking the Sable Creek Trail from the Grand Sable Visitor Center parking lot, which is about 1 mile west from Sable Falls on H-58. The trailhead begins near the vault toilet in the parking lot. Walk the trail 0.8 miles east to the intersection of the dunes trail. Pets are also not allowed on the Sable Creek Trail. The vault toilet in the parking lot is open year-round.
Safety: The trail is fairly easy but there are a couple of short sections where you will be walking up some sand slopes. Once at the top of the dunes, all walking will be in sand. In summer, be prepared for heat, wind, and no shade at the top. Return along the trail - do not go down the steep dune face to Lake Superior.