Hi there!
The Clay Cliffs loop is an easy-going trail for a Leelanau Peninsula overlook for beautiful Lake Michigan views!
It’s a hiking trail in Clay Cliffs Natural Trail.
If you are looking for a somewhat short hike in the Leelanau Peninsula that will give you grand views, Clay Cliffs is one of your hiking options in the area!
Highlights of the Clay Cliffs Natural Area hiking trail
It’s a hike through a forest
It’s a hike through meadows
You get views of Lake Leelanau
And best of all…
You get views of Lake Michigan!
It will be best to do this hike on a sunny day, or at least when the sun is peeking out a little, so you can see the colors of the lake at its best!
At the time I was at the Clay Cliffs overlook, there was a little sunlight that was coming through the clouds.
About the Clay Cliffs hiking trail
According to the Leelanau Conservancy:
1.5 mile trail system on flat and hilly terrain.
There is a viewing platform above the bluffs, with breathtaking views from 200 feet above Lake Michigan.
On the trail to the bluff there are views of Lake Leelanau to the east.
Please remember the Clay Bluffs are fragile and off limits.
Please appreciate the view at a safe distance.
Giving yourself around 30 minutes on this trail should be good.
More about the Clay Cliffs Natural Area, again according to the Leelanau Conservancy:
Clay Cliffs is a stunning forested drumlin created by an accumulation of earth and stones deposited and sculpted by glaciers.
The dramatic 200 foot cliff is truly unique and comprised of clay lenses, sand, and gravel cut by fierce wave action.
From the observation platform, you can see panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Fox Islands, though there is no path down to the water’s edge.
In addition to the 1,700 feet of protected Lake Michigan bluff, an equal amount of shoreline on North Lake Leelanau is available for scenic enjoyment, wildlife viewing, and fishing.
The trail leads you to bluff edge through fields and mature hardwood forests that are home to fantastic wildflowers, songbirds, and raptor.
Hiking the Clay Cliffs Loop in summer 2020
What the people of Leelanau Conservancy would like you to know when visiting the Clay Cliffs Natural Area:
Maintain a space of at least 6 ft from anyone not in your household.
All trail loops are currently one way, counter clockwise
Always keep dogs leashed
Look out for fragile plants and small animals when stepping off trail to let others safely pass.
Please consider donating to the Leelanau Conservancy to help keep natural places like the Clay Cliffs protected and open to the public.
Distance from the Clay Cliffs Natural Area
The Clay Cliffs Natural Area is located in the Leelanau Peninsula, which is the northern part of the lower peninsula of Michigan, kind of near Traverse City.
- Traverse City: Around 40 minutes
- Mackinaw City (and bridge to the UP): 2.5+ hours
- Detroit: 4.5 hours
- Chicago: 5.5+ hours
See this map on google maps.
Camping near Clay Cliffs Natural Area
There is no camping available directly at Clay Cliffs.
But there is a campground at nearby Leelanau State Park, and this is a campground that is basically right on Lake Michigan. There’s also a historic lighthouse located here, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse.
Leelanau State Park is around a 25 minute drive from Clay Cliffs, and the state park is located at the far northern tip of Leelanau Peninsula, as far you can go!
See more info about the state park camping.
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And now…
A bit of what you’ll see with a hike on the Clay Cliffs loop trail!
aka… PHOTOS!
There’s a road to the parking lot of the Clay Cliffs Natural Area right off one of the main roads of the Leelanau Peninsula.
If you’re driving from the north, it’s a bit easy to miss, so be sure you’re paying attention when google maps tells you you’re approaching it.
It’s best to have offline maps downloaded prior to your trip to the Leelanau Peninsula, as data connection (and phone service) may be spotty. The Google Maps app has offline maps that you can download for free. GPS will still work just fine in this area which can make offline maps a good way to get around.
Once you’re in the parking lot, you’ll see the trail.
Stop to read the information about Clay Cliffs Natural Area and the Leelanau Peninsula!
You can see the trail map here too, although the trail is pretty easy to follow as there are signs along the way.
And then, start the hike through the forest! Photos as seen in the direction I did the trail!
And then, you’ll soon come across the Lake Michigan lookout!
These people were one of the very few groups I saw while visiting Clay Cliffs Natural Area. This might be a good trail choice if you’re looking for hikes with less people! I did this hike on a Monday.
When you are at the lookout, you might see a trail that runs along the lakeshore. It’s requested that you stay off the trail because of erosion.
Once you’ve gotten in views of Lake Michigan, you can continue the loop.
This will take you through a field where you can see Lake Leelanau. There’s a bench here to take in the views of the open field too. This could also be a good spot to stop for some snacks!
And after a short hike through the field, you’ll continue the hike back into the forest and back to where you started to complete the loop!
And that’s a bit about what you can see on the Clay Cliffs loop trail!
For more stunning Lake Michigan views when you’re visiting Leelanau County, also be sure to do one of the best hikes Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore!
There is also a historic lighthouse on the Leelanau Peninsula that’s located not too far from Clay Cliffs!
HAPPY HIKING THE CLAY CLIFFS LOOP IN LEELANAU!
Top places to visit in Michigan:
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Upper Peninsula Michigan
- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
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