Leelanau State Park Trails: 7 Things You Need To Know Before Hiking

The Leelanau State Park trails are located in Northport, MI. It is a great location if you are looking for family-friendly trails, beautiful scenic views of Lake Michigan, and private, pristine beaches. Here are some tips that include things we wished we would have known before hiking the Leelanau State Park trails.

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Leelanau State Park Trails

During our recently visit to northern Michigan, we went on a morning hike at Leelanau State Park. With over 1,550 acres to explore, and one and half miles of shoreline, we had a feeling this would be a great spot. Our family loves to find someplace to hike at every new place we visit. While we love all of the fun, “touristy” things, there is something amazing about getting outside to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit. 

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Know Before You Go

Leelanau State Park

🥾 The Leelanau State Park, it is divided into two areas: the trails to the south, and a historic lighthouse to the north. Each areas are separated by only a couple of miles. 

🥾 The trail entrance is not gated so you have to have the state recreational pass on your license plate. If you do not have the recreational pass, there is a money box for you to pay the fee. 

Leelanau State Park Trails

🥾 There are two trails that you can take: the Lake Michigan Trail or the Mud Lake Trail. Both of which total about 8.5 miles. I chose to hike the Lake Michigan Trail because it had both a scenic overlook and access to the shoreline.

🥾 The trails are wide and the terrain was mostly flat with the exception of a couple of hills. We saw plenty of wildlife off in the distance and plenty of flowers that line the trails. The shade from the canopy is a great way to stay cool in the summer heat.

Manitou Scenic Overlook

🥾 The Manitou Overlook observation deck is about 25-30 steps up a wooden staircase. The view from atop the observation deck is spectacular and worth every step up there! It overlooks the Cat Head Bay, Lake Michigan, and the islands in the distance. It is the perfect spot to take in the view, and a few snacks. Anyone who’s ever been on a hike with kids knows that you can never have too many snacks! Am I right?!

Lake Michigan Shoreline

🥾 The trail to the Lake Michigan shoreline is about a 1/2 mile walk from the overlook. In order to get to the water, you have to walk down a sand dune. But you will arrive at an amazing, secluded beach with crystal clear that is great for cooling off. We walked up and down the shoreline, searching for that perfect stone that would skip effortlessly across the the still water.

Resources

🥾 Don’t worry if you are running low on water; there is a hand pump for water at the trailhead. It came in handy after a couple of our water bottles were empty by the time we were done.

Our Experience

When we hiked this trail, my children we between the ages of 12 and 6. They all did outstanding and were begging to go back the next day. If you are headed to northern Michigan, make sure you add the Leelanau State Park to your list!

Where is one of your family’s favorite places to hike?

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