Michigan · National Lakeshore trail

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Ski Trail

in Michigan

Distance The Pierce Stocking Scenic Ski Trail totals 8 miles of trail. This trail is only available during the winter months when the drive is closed to vehicles. Terrain Hilly Vegetation Beech-maple forest Comments The trail includes the Shauger Hill Hiking Trail and the unplowed Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.

It offers views of Lake Michigan and the dunes. For your safety, stay back from the edge of the steep bluff. Pets are not allowed on this section of the trail between December 1 and March 31.

States: Michigan
Trail type: National Lakeshore trail
Centroid nearest city: Grand Rapids, MI · 132 mi · ~3.8 hr drive
Centroid coords: 44.8525°, -86.0405°

About Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

National Lakeshore

This trail is inside Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a national lakeshore managed by the U.S. National Park Service. Conditions, road status, trail closures, and reservation requirements are published on the park's NPS page — check it before driving in, especially in winter or during major weather events.

Entrance fee: $25 per vehicle (verify current rate on the park page). An America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance to all NPS units.

Official NPS trail page: https://www.nps.gov/places/pierce-stocking-scenic-drive-ski-trail.htm

Park homepage: https://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm

Plan your hike

Practical notes

Maps + permits: long-distance trails like this often require permits for through-hiking, backcountry camping, or specific sections (especially in National Parks). Check with the maintaining organisation listed above and the relevant land manager before booking travel.

Water + supplies: water sources vary seasonally on most U.S. trails. Carry a filter and consult current trail-condition reports — through-hiker journals (PCT-L, AT Reddit, etc.) and the maintaining organisation publish regular updates.

When to go: hiking seasons vary widely with elevation, latitude, and snowpack. Through-hikers traditionally start the AT in March-April (Springer northbound) and the PCT in late April (Campo northbound). High-elevation western trails (CDT, JMT, Wonderland) generally aren't passable until July.

If you've hiked Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Ski Trail and have current notes (water sources, trail closures, permit changes), tell us at /contact — we update pages as we learn.

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Michigan