Cottonwood Trail

Overview

A compact dune sampler with a lot of payoff, the Cottonwood Trail is a signed loop from Stop 4 on the one-way Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Expect a 1.4–1.7 mile total loop across soft, rolling sand on the Sleeping Bear Plateau—over 400 feet above Lake Michigan. It’s moderate on paper but can feel strenuous thanks to the deep sand and sun exposure. Wooden posts with green tops mark the route.

What You’ll See

This is perched dune country: wind-blown sand laid over ancient glacial deposits. You’ll cross open dune fields and "blowouts," with hardy plants like bearberry, buffaloberry, beachgrass, and namesake cottonwoods inching the sand toward stability. Views pop in multiple directions—golden dunes, Glen Lake, the D.H. Day farm area, and, in spots, Lake Michigan with the Manitou Islands. There are nine interpretive stops keyed to a brochure that explains the geology and ecology as you go—grab it at the trailhead for a richer walk.

Trail Experience

Underfoot is mostly loose sand with some moderate ups and downs. There’s virtually no shade and it can be windy on the plateau, so the short distance still demands respect. Families do fine here because the loop is brief, but strollers and wheelchairs won’t work in the sand. Stay on the signed path—this is a fragile, ecologically sensitive area, and social trails (tempting side tracks in the sand) damage vegetation and accelerate erosion.

Best Time to Hike

Spring and fall bring cooler air and wildflowers or color, making the sand slog more comfortable. In summer, go early or late for softer light and bearable temps. Winter is possible, but snow can bury posts and make route finding and footing tricky, with high wind exposure on the plateau.

Tips

Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes—there’s no shade and the sand is the workout. Pick up or download the interpretive brochure at the trailhead. Pets are allowed on this specific trail only—keep them leashed to protect the dunes. The scenic drive is one-way and slow; plan the approach and expect the small lot at Stop 4 to fill on busy days. If you want the view without the walk, the nearby overlooks on the drive deliver—but this loop often has fewer people and adds context to what you’re seeing.