pierce stocking scenic drive

I visited with my family in Fall 2014 and we had a wonderful time. The weather wasn't great, so it wasn't too crowded. I would imagine this place is packed in the summer time and would recommend going as early in the day as possible to avoid crowds and heavy traffic. We took our time driving through and stopping to explore each viewpoint. In all, we were probably there for an hour or so. I'd recommend giving yourself enough time to walk around the dunes but you could probably drive straight through the entire park in 20 minutes or so. The views here are stunning and are accessible for people of all ages, but be careful because it can be very windy/chilly on the lakeshore and there's a lot of sand at some lookout points. Despite these minor drawbacks, if you're in the area, this is a stop that shouldn't be missed.

Every time we are in the TC area we visit the drive at Pierce Stocking. It is truly Gods Country but I have one complaint.... We read on the Internet that they were opened year round and after a 40 minute drive out this week (February) we found the park closed. Please add the dates opened on your website so others don't waste the drive out.

About 10 minutes from the huge dunes that attracts a myriad of tourists every year, there is another wonder to admire: The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. First we went through a covered bridge and enjoyed driving in the woods. At times we could admire the coast from far, but then we ended at the main attraction, where we could walk right next to Michigan Lake and even stand on a platform over Michigan Lake. The dunes were outstanding and the sun rendered everything beautiful. The trek in the dunes had been fabulous, but the scenery at Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is out of this world! Truly fabulous! We stayed here for about an hour.

The views from the top overlooking the giant dunes and Lake Michigan are breath-taking! I recommend you go on a clear day that is not too windy (lots of sand!).

During our first visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes we did the dune climb, and then I suggested to my partner that we do the Scenic Drive before we leave and drive home. I had googled the distance and figured it wouldn't take that long and would be a neat way to see more of the park. Boy was I wrong. I really think they should give clearer estimates on how LONG it will take before you begin the drive. It was some of the longest and slowest 7 miles or so of my life. Yes there were some pretty views, but we had just done the Dune Climb, and didn't feel like we got any better views from the lookouts on the drive. Some points of the drive itself were pretty, but that got boring after the first mile or two. Honestly, the reason I didn't give this attraction a worse rating is because if people aren't able to hike the dunes, this drive and the overlooks make the dunes accessible and allow everyone to experience the beauty. So in that way, it's a great thing. But, if you are an active person who enjoys hiking, climb dunes, walking along beaches, etc, I recommend exploring the park in those ways and skipping this scenic drive -- trust me, you won't be missing out on anything.

This is one of my favorite attractions! I usually time it so that I will be able to watch the sun set on Lake Michigan! Don't pass over the stops, park and get out of the car and enjoy them! There are so many different stops with amazing views! I enjoy reading the booklet they give you as well, there is a lot of interesting information in there about the area and each individual stop! Soak in the beauty while on the drive and while out of the car at the stops! If you are brave go ahead and do the dune climb but plan accordingly, it is a steep hike back to the top and it will take some time, don't forget to bring water!

This is a great scenic attraction near the Sleeping Bear Dunes. There's lots of beautiful views of the dunes and Lake Michigan. There's also little traffic and it's definitely worth going if you're near the dunes.

We enjoyed the sand dunes, the trees, and birds. There wasn't much traffic and we could take our time on the road.

My mom, sister and I drove through this park on our way to Pyramid Point. There are a lot of great stops and photo opportunities. When you pay your enterance fee you get a map with all of the points of interest marked out. Not all of them were worth stopping for in our opinion but they definitely might be for someone not from Michigan. We stopped at the ones that appealed to us and got some great photos. Some of the stops were very busy and parking was hard but just be patient. People are coming and going all the time.

This drive has a map available with numbered attractions to stop and learn about. It is very hilly, a bit strenuous for a biker, and busy with cars driving, but I've seen bikers there too. Bring a camera, nice covered bridge- you must go, as the treat at the end- the view- is spectacular. Loved by all ages.

We started a this drive and it was pretty because of the fall colors. We stopped at every scenic view area - then we reached the lake front stop - it was a GORGEOUS VIEW of Lake Michigan!! It was a great deck area and I will definitely go back

A nice scenic drive with multiple spots to stop for nice photos. The map-guide explains the significance of each stop. The overlook at the dunes is very picturesque and offers great views. It's the spot they show in all the commercials and ads for the park. Bring your camera.

Scenic, short drive up to the dunes, beautiful forest and story book winding road. great place for a bike or ride

Being mobility-challenged, this was a perfect way for me to see a lot of the park without having to do too much walking. Cannot recommend it highly enough!

The drive is beautiful but not yet amazing. the amazing view is at the lake shore dune where is a good place to see the sun set. the dune is very high and if you climb down to the beach is actually hard to get back, so I and my girlfriend climbed down to halfway. it's a good romantic place, not many people climb down the dune, but really worth it.