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Green Point Dunes
4.8 ★★★★★ 219 Google reviews · Running trail in Frankfort, Michigan · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Green Point Dunes' 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.
Nature preserve featuring hiking trails through forested dunes, and scenic views of a lake and beach.
What runners say about Green Point Dunes
“Beautiful woodland hike, nice secluded beach stop down some stairs and several overlooks.”
“Well maintained trails that are well marked.”
“If you can appreciate a short half hour, walk through the woods and arrive at the quiet beach area.”
This hike was great. The views and forest scenes are wonderful. It is posted as 2 miles but it is closer to over 3 if you do it all. Know that this is an intermediate hike with a lot of rugged trail and climbing. My friend accused me of taking them on a hike for Mountain goats.
Of the 3 hikes we took in the Frankfort area, this was by far the best. Over 250 people gave this trail 5 stars on AllTrails and they were not wrong. Best part? Being able to see a sunken vessel offshore…
Hands down, one of the best beaches that I have visited, this is definitely a Hidden Gem. If you can appreciate a short half hour, walk through the woods and arrive at the quiet beach area. Note that there are many well maintained steps and two lookouts along the trail.
You can see a shipwreck from the observation deck. The view was incredible! This place also has many trails great for hiking. Stairs are accessible, so you can make it down to the lakeshore. Great area overall!
Trail conditions & character
“this high dune cliffs are emblematic of the area and are both pristine ecosystems and idyllic geography to gain wide views of the surrounding landscape.”
“5 hours to do the loop and that includes several stops for pictures and to walk around on the beach.”
“Nice elevation changes and the views from both look out points were fantastic.”
“Not only are there little areas with platforms built for great views, there are markers that give you information!”
“If you can appreciate a short half hour, walk through the woods and arrive at the quiet beach area.”
“It's very highly and has lots of roots.”
“Stairs are accessible, so you can make it down to the lakeshore.”
Plan your run at Green Point Dunes
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- 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–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Frankfort
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 632 reviews
Popular preserve, featuring 15+ miles of trails through dunes and woodland, plus an accessible lookout point with lake views.
Empire Bluff Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 1,191 reviews
Popular scenic hiking area offering a boardwalk and views of Lake Michigan.
Dune Climb
4.8 ★★★★★ 5,370 reviews
Expansive dunes for uphill sand climbs with water views & challenging hikes to Lake Michigan.
Cedar Run Creek Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 42 reviews
Quiet park with trails for hiking and snowshoeing, plus lake and creek views.
Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 220 reviews
Hiking area offering a 2.8-mi. trail through dunes and forest to a beach on Lake Michigan.
