Baldy Trail Arcadia Michigan

There is no shortage of places to view Lake Michigan from a high bluff. This post will share another hike with incredible vistas of the lake, Baldy Trail near Arcadia, Michigan. Here’s a link to further info.

The trailhead is located just north of Inspiration Point Scenic Overlook described in my previous post, right on M-22. There are a number of trail options. We chose a roughly 2.2 mile loop taking in Baldy Dune and another scenic overlook. I’ve highlighted our trail in blue.

The Trail

The trail, for the most part, is wide and easy. It passes through mostly wooded areas full of wild flowers.

Flowers Along the Way

There were lots of wild flowers along the trail. I particularly liked this combination of the wood fern and wood lily in the decaying stump.

Here is a selection of some of the other flowering plants we saw.

The trees are also amazing. Here is a multi-trunked beech tree.

As we approached the Baldy Dune, the flowers changed. These Bellflowers were growing in very sandy soil.

First View of Lake Michigan

We finally reach the top of the dune with another spectacular view of Lake Michigan.

These were some of the flowers blooming at the top of the dune.

Here’s another couple view from the top of the bluff.

Second Part of the Trail

We started back down the dune, back into the woods.

Observation Deck

We arrived at the observation deck for a final view of the lake.

The trail from this deck back to the trailhead is wide and easy and has boardwalk switchbacks to make the trail quite easy. It is only 0.5 miles back the trailhead, so if you are looking for an easy hike ending with a great view, this is a good option.

We had a wonderful morning with our hike. I hope you can explore some the great places around northern Michigan.

Mark