Frankfort, Michigan

Looking for the best hiking in Frankfort? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Frankfort. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Frankfort

  • Frankfort, Michigan

    Elberta Dunes South

    5.0
    1.59 mi / 335 ft gain
    Elberta Dunes South is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Elberta, Michigan.
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  • Honor, Michigan

    Camp at White Pine Campground

    4 mi / 200 ft gain
    This is one of the cheapest ways to stay near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore overnight. You'll have access to the beach right near your campsite. It's remote enough to be quiet, and it's not a very long hike.There are only 6 campsites available, and they come on a first come, first serve ...
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  • Honor, Michigan

    Hike Empire Bluff Trail

    5.0
    2 mi
    This moderately hilly boardwalk hike takes you to scenic viewpoints above Lake Michigan. The Sleeping Bear Dunes do not fail to impress, particularly at sunset.
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  • Honor, Michigan

    Winter Hike Empire Bluff Trail

    1.5 mi / 170 ft gain
    Just outside the village of Empire is where this venture starts. This hike may be the most famous hike in the area. The Empire Bluff Trail provides incredible views of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, South Bar Lake and Lake Michigan! The hike is slightly hilly, and stays primarily in the trees. At ...
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  • Empire, Michigan

    Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook

    0.26 mi / 72 ft gain
    Located along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this lookout towers over Lake Michigan and provides sweeping vistas of the lake and the surrounding lakeshore and peninsula. After parking in the lot, head along the paved path to the overlook. Once the...
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  • Glen Arbor, Michigan

    Hike Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    4.4
    3.5 mi
    There are two approaches to conquering the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You can run to the top (the preferred method for those under the age of 10). Or, you can slowly trek up the side of this seemingly vertical wall of sand, breathing and sweating heavily, cursing each l...
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  • Empire, Michigan

    Hike to Big Glen Lookout

    5.0
    4.4 mi
    Start at the Alligator Hill trail head and make your way up the hill for roughly .1 of a mile until you hit a marker. Turn left at the sign and keep on the trail for another 1.3 miles. You will hit a scenic lookout called Islands Lookout which you can stop and get pictures at. From there you will...
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  • Glen Arbor, Michigan

    Hike the Ghost Forest Trail and the Dunes of Glen Haven

    3 mi
    Park your car at the Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead in Glen Haven, Michigan, once parked find your way to the sign for point of reference with the map. You'll find that the Ghost Forest Trail is a 2.8 mile loop. You can start the loop at the trailhead which is near the bathroom, or at the sign whe...
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  • Glen Arbor, Michigan

    Hike the Sleeping Bear Point Trail

    5.0
    2.8 mi
    The Sleeping Bear Point Trail is a 2.8 mile loop through the sand dunes with amazing views of Lake Michigan and South Manitou Island. There is a 0.5 mile spur hike from the trailhead to the Lake Michigan beach. It is less strenuous than the hike from the Dune Climb to Lake Michigan.   
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  • Maple City, Michigan

    Hike Pyramid Point Trail

    4.3
    2.8 mi / 570 ft gain
    Beginning at the trailhead, the 2.8 mile round trip takes you on a gravel/sand trail up 570 feet. The trail slowly winds uphill until you hit an opening at the top that looks out at the Sleeping Bear Dunes and down on Lake Michigan. 
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  • Maple City, Michigan

    Winter Hike Pyramid Point Trail

    2.8 mi / 570 ft gain
    The trail beings at the parking lot, it takes about 20 minutes to get to the famous overlook, about a 570 foot elevation gain. As you start the trail, after about .4 miles you will find a juncture off to your right, stay straight and it will lead you to the overlook. After you take in the sweepin...
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  • Mesick, Michigan

    Backpack the Manistee River Trail

    4.0
    17.6 mi
    Starting at the Red Bridge River Access Area just off North Coates Hwy (about 8 miles east of Brethren, Michigan) there is a small parking lot opposite of the trailhead where you can leave your car. The trail is part of the North Country Trail (NCT) so it is well marked with signs leading the way...
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  • Mesick, Michigan

    Manistee River Trail Loop

    21.69 mi / 2615 ft gain
    Day 1:  Arrive at Seaton Creek Campground and pay for parking for the number of nights you plan on hiking the loop. For this particular trip, I hiked the loop in 2.5 days and 2 nights.  Hike 1.4 miles from Seaton Creak Campground to a suspension footbridge on the banks of the Manistee River. At...
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  • Harrietta, Michigan

    Manistee River Trail South

    4.63 mi / 663 ft gain
    Manistee River Trail South is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Harrietta, Michigan.
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  • Kingsley, Michigan

    Hike the Rollways on the North Country Trail

    4.0
    3 mi
    Park at the High Rollway Observation Deck in Kingsley. There's actually two parking lots that you will come to on a dirt road. I suggest parking at the eastern most lot (drive straight instead of making a final right turn). There are two primary wooden platform lookouts near the parking lots. Be ...
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  • Leland, Michigan

    Camp on South Manitou Island

    5.0
    South Manitou Island is situated off of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Lake Michigan. The island is only accessible by a two-hour ferry ride, which leaves once a day from Leeland.Upon arriving at the island boat dock, you'll soon realize this isn't an ordinary experience. South Man...
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