12 Can’t-Miss Stops Along the Famous Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in Sleeping Bear Dunes Michigan [with Map]

About Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

One of the most scenic drives in the country, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has one amazing stop after another.

12 Can’t-Miss Breathtaking Stops Along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in Michigan

Scenic Drive Stop #1: Covered Bridge

The original wood covering was constructed to protect the wooden bridge from the weather because it was less expensive to install the roof than to rebuild the bridge.

Scenic Drive Stop #2: Glen Lake Overlook

Located not far from the Glen Lake overlook, Picnic Mountain is a nice area to stop and refuel before heading to the dunes.

Scenic Drive Stop #3: Dune Overlook

The first breathtaking vistas on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive tour can be found at the third stop. Atop a 200-foot-high sand dune, visitors may see Lake Michigan, the Manitou Islands, Pyramid Point, Sleeping Bear Bay, and other sights from the viewing platform.

Scenic Drive Stop #4: Cottonwood Trail

A short walk leads to the beach, where visitors may spot some rare birds including piping plovers, snowy egrets, great crested flycatchers, and American bitterns.

Scenic Drive Stop #5: Dune Ecology

Visitors are encouraged to think about the dune environment and the extreme conditions dune plants must face, such as wind, limited water storage, high sunlight and heat, and sand accumulation.

Scenic Drive Stop #6: Leaving the Sand Dunes

During the fall months, this is one of the best fall scenic drives in Michigan due to the brilliant fall colors on display.

Scenic Drive Stop #7: Beech-Maple Forest

After a period in the sun, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive spends some time in the shade as it enters the wooded forest.

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12 Can’t-Miss Stops Along the Famous Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in Sleeping Bear Dunes Michigan