Alligator Hill Intermediate Loop

The first 1.5 miles rise toward Islands Lookout; after the viewpoint, follow the intermediate route around the ridge and back through the Easy Trail approach. The loops share junctions, so keep the numbered-post map handy. The shorter Easy Loop from this same entrance is about 3 miles and also reaches the lookout. The Big Glen Lookout spur is separate and adds about 1.6 miles round trip.

There is a bench overlooking Lake Michigan, with North and South Manitou Islands and Sleeping Bear Point in view. On a clear day, South Fox Island may appear too, and freighters sometimes pass through Manitou Passage. If one is moving through, include it with some shoreline and water in the frame so the passage feels as wide as it is.

The paths are wide, unpaved, and well marked. The approach follows an old road bed through maple-beech woods, then the intermediate circuit rolls over the hill. The forest was heavily damaged by a windstorm in 2015; the changed canopy opened habitat for different birds and small mammals, and you can see the forest recovering.

The old roads, driveways, and fairways here belonged to a planned Day Forest Estates development and golf club. The plans ended during the Great Depression, and the golf club closed in 1942; its roads and fairways became the backbone of today’s trails. Concrete charcoal-kiln cells by the trailhead are a separate reminder of the area’s logging days.

A park pass is required for trail use. There is a vault toilet at the Stocking Road lot, but no drinking water. The paths are shared with Nordic skiers and horseback riders; bicycles are not allowed. Dogs need a six-foot leash and are prohibited here from December 1 through March 31, when the trail is designated for cross-country skiing. The forested trails can be unsafe in windy weather because trees may fall.