Nordhouse Lake

The Nordhouse Dunes Loop offers a distinct Michigan hiking experience, guiding you through a landscape of towering sand dunes, some reaching 140 feet high, and along four miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline. You'll traverse diverse ecosystems, from forested dunes with hardwoods and pines to open sandy stretches, providing a constant change of scenery and a true wilderness feel. Keep an eye out for Nordhouse Lake, which adds another layer of natural beauty to this unique route.

This easy 4.3-mile (7.0 km) hike, with a modest 133 feet (41 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 48 minutes to complete. Be aware that while the overall difficulty is easy, hiking through soft, loose sand can be strenuous in sections, so prepare for a good workout. Parking requires a day-use fee at either the Nurnberg Road Trailhead or the Lake Michigan Recreation Area, and dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.

As the only federally designated wilderness area in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Nordhouse Dunes protects 3,450 acres of ancient dunes and diverse ecosystems, including the world's largest area of freshwater interdunal ponds. The minimally marked trails enhance the sense of getting away from it all, making it a prime spot for wildlife viewing and even stargazing due to minimal light pollution.