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Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 632 Google reviews · Running trail in Arcadia, Michigan · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- 15 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular preserve, featuring 15+ miles of trails through dunes and woodland, plus an accessible lookout point with lake views.
What runners say about Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve
“Excellent and well maintained trails providing a variety of levels from accessible to slightly challenging.”
“The scenic drive called Inspiration Point is a must see, Climb up 10-11 flights of stairs for a scenic view FREE.”
“We hiked over 18 miles here over two days and enjoyed the sights and quiet of the preserve.”
Trails take you to the top of a dune with a beautiful view of the lake. The trails to get to the dune "entrance" are fairly flat and easy. There is a staircase to get up to the dune and a sand trail. You could walk down to the water however it will be extremely challenging to get back up.
Beautiful place to be. about a mile hike to the dunes, Smaller dune hikes and secluded beach. Great views. Worth checking the place. There are tons of small beaches near by. Arcadia bald trailhead leads to the dunes with a small trail hike. Great for picnic and relaxing on the beaches.
Beautiful. Well worth it. Overlook trail is well maintained, and all access so wheelchairs and strollers can see the lake. Rest of the trails are easy until Baldy Dune. Gets warm on sand leading to Baldy Dune. Part leading to the dune has stairs and then all sand. May be difficult for some.
A very nice, easy and well maintained universal access trail to a very beautiful lookout point. The parking is pretty limited. There's a porta potty on the trail, well appreciated. Good signage on the trails so you don't get lost. Stay on trails and watch out for poison ivy. Have a fun hike!!!
Trail conditions & character
“The scenic drive called Inspiration Point is a must see, Climb up 10-11 flights of stairs for a scenic view FREE.”
“A nice smoothly graded path to the overlook that is fully wheelchair/walker/stroller accessible with ample break points to rest.”
“In the late spring the wildflowers in the woods are even better than at Pete's Woods trailhead.”
“The scenic drive called Inspiration Point is a must see, Climb up 10-11 flights of stairs for a scenic view FREE.”
“We hiked over 18 miles here over two days and enjoyed the sights and quiet of the preserve.”
“The trails to get to the dune "entrance" are fairly flat and easy.”
“We hiked over 18 miles here over two days and enjoyed the sights and quiet of the preserve.”
“Very nice boardwalk through part of it, lots of bird sounds, and shade.”
Plan your run at Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- Distance15 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitegtrlc.org
- Phone(231) 929-7911
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Arcadia
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Green Point Dunes
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Cedar Run Creek Natural Area
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Dune Climb
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Expansive dunes for uphill sand climbs with water views & challenging hikes to Lake Michigan.
Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead
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Hiking area offering a 2.8-mi. trail through dunes and forest to a beach on Lake Michigan.