The Aligator Hill Trail – Easy Loop – October 21, 2012
One of our favorite hikes from 2012 was the Alligator Hill Trail on our fall camping trip to Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. After a weekend with on and off rain showers Sunday was nice and sunny. Before heading home we decided to take advantage of the nice weather and hike the 2.7 mile “Easy Loop” at the Alligator Hill Trails.
At the trailhead there are kilns that were built by Pierce Stocking in the 1950s. He used these to make the waste from his sawmill into charcoal that was bagged and sold in stores through out Michigan.
Alligator Hill Trail Map – If the map does not show up above click here
We did the 2.7 mile loop that is marked as the “Easy Trail” on the map.
Climbing up the hill through the golden tunnel of trees. The trails here are on old roads that are wide and flat making for easy walking. One thing that is unique to this trail system is that it is also open to equestrians. So you have to watch your step.
Resting about half way up to the lookout.
Fall colors along one of the old golf fairways that are said to be the left from a resort that was built here in the 1920s.
The panoramic view of Sleeping Bear Bay from the Islands Overlook. North and South Manitou Islands were mostly hidden by the fog out over the lake on this afternoon.
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Resting on the bench at the overlook.
Happy to be free from the straps in the backpack carrier.
From the overlook it is 1.3 miles back to the parking area on the Easy Trail.
Leaves carpeting the trail on the way back.
Directions to the Alligator Hill trailhead >>
For more on this hike see: Hiking Michigan (State Hiking Guides Series)
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Best Hikes with Children in Michigan
With 3 small children this has become one of our favorite hiking guides. This is really a good book for anyone looking to get out and find short, but interesting hikes all over the state. Like all of the books written by Mr. DuFresne there are well written trail descriptions and nice maps of each outing.
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