arcadia dunes cs mott nature preserve

Just north of the town of Arcadia (MI) is the 3,888 acre Arcadia Dunes (C. S. Mott Nature Preserve). At the BaldyTrailhead, we walk about 2 miles through the forest following the sign posts to the Lake Michigan Overlook. A portion of this ridge trail parallels the Lake and the trees do obscure the view a bit. However, once we arrived at the Overlook we saw a beautiful “bird’s eye” unobstructed view of Lake Michigan. A sign at the trail head indicated that a portion of this trail (to the Lake Michigan Overlook) is slated to become handicap accessible. We discovered there are several trailheads and lots of hiking to do here. I guess we will have to come back and continue exploring this beautiful preserve.

hiked here in September on our way home from Northport, loved walking through the woods and then over to the views of Lake Michigan from Old Baldy.

I'm hesitant to even post this review, since the trails of this nature preserve are so pristine, beautiful, and under-utilized. I felt like we drove to the middle of nowhere to get there--however long you think it will take to drive from your hotel, double that time. We hiked the 1+ mile trail to the dunes, and it was amazing. The scenery was phenomenal, and there were only a handful of other people there. I only recommend tumbling down the dunes to the water if you are in good shape, because it is a really, really long hike back up. My 7 year old and I barely made it up, and then I had to carry her for the mile hike back to the car. There are no facilities other than a port-a-potty at the trailhead, so be prepared.

Great views of the lake from Old Baldy. Most of the trails to the view spots are pretty easy. Some of the trails are very scenic, some less so. If you enjoy your time please check out the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy as they are the folks behind this preserve and many others in the area -www.gtrlc.org Not great for strollers or wheelchairs today but an improved path is planned.

Great views of lake Michigan and many trails to hike.St. Francis trail is a challenging 10 mile biking trail through the woods.Very fun. Take off as bugs are really bad this year.

Great for hiking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Many beautiful vistas. The wild flowers in the spring are stunning, especially trillium.

We are always looking for a new hike in northern Michigan! This one is located just south of Frankfort and north of Arcadia. The hike is really enjoyable and the views at the end are just stunning. High about Lake Michigan is where you end atop a sand dune. We took lunch and were the only people there, felt like we found a unspoiled view all to ourselves!

A beautiful hike that leads you to a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. The views are amazing! Not to be missed

Absolutely gorgeous!!! The dunes are awesome, it is peaceful and quiet. Felt like an undiscovered place.

I agree with the other reviews. This is truly one of the best views of Lake Michigan, but also one of the most beautiful trails. We had been up on Bruce Peninsula hiking and have hiked many places along lake MI....I think this is my favorite trail.

The Arcadia Dunes trail system has three loops of trails east of M-22 including one of nearly ten miles in total length. The trails east of M-22 traverse gently rolling woodlands with beautiful flowers in season and excellent fall colors. These are very popular with hikers, runners and mountain bikers on weekends but during the week you might hike for hours without seeing anyone. "Pete's woods" trail on the east section of the Preserve near Swamp Road is our favorite trail for spring wildflowers in late April through early June.In summer our guests often demand the traditional hike up to "Old Baldy" sand dune on the west side of M-22. You can do the easy hike from the parking lot on M-22 (2 mile +/- round trip) or drop off hikers on Watervale Rd. for the more rigorous 4 mile hike to the top and down to the beach. The view of Lake Michigan and Lower Herring Lake from the top is one of the most beautiful and expansive in the mid-west.Trail maps and information are available from the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy gtrlc.org.

Hike or bike to your hearts content. There are miles and miles of beautiful trails traversing open meadows, winding through dense woodlands, and skirting apple and cherry orchards. The project is relatively new, so some trails are marked (blazed) better than others, check on-line for maps. The trails immediately north of Arcadia, The Dunes and Chestnut Trail, are well marked and, because the are well used, are easy to follow. On the Chestnut Trail you will find a 2 mile and 10 mile loop, both are great. These are only two of the many possible trails. With over 5000 acres, there is plenty of room for all.