Treat Farm Trail
Treat Farm Trail is a scenic hiking trail located near Empire, MI, offering a beautiful 1-mile hike through forest and hard-packed sand to an impressive overlook high above Lake Michigan. The trail is dog-friendly and suitable for families with children, boasting good parking availability along the road. Visitors can explore an old farm with several buildings along the way, making it a great spot for those who enjoy combining nature and history. The trail is moderately challenging with some elevation changes, but overall accessible for most hikers. It is part of the National Lakeshore and offers stunning views and a serene outdoor experience.
Reviews
This is a lovely little trail that leads to an old farm and eventually an overlook, but we only went as far as the farm because we were short on time. The hike there wasn’t too bad – a long hill at one point led me to use my inhaler, but I wouldn’t say it was a difficult hike in general. The old farm has several buildings still in good condition, and you can walk freely around them. The only one open to enter was an old shed with a few implements in it, where you could also the woodworking of the building itself – the frame had old hand-hewn posts and stakes, but the walls had a mixture of old and newer wood, and some support beams had clearly been added more recently. I always love wandering around old farms, and this one was really incredible to see.
This is a great hike, and the increased traffic shows that people are noticing! Empire Bluffs Trail is nearly adjacent, but the trail and the views are completely different. Treat Farm Trail reminds me of hiking North Manitou Island.
Wow. Beautiful trail through the forest, leading up to an amazing view high over Lake Michigan. Tons of parking along the road. Part of the National Lakeshore. The trail ends at the lakeshore, but we did see some people taking an additional trail that leads along the bluffs, but we did not go that way. Just an out and back.
Long but fairly easy hike thru’ Forest, then after the Farm hard packed sand to the Lookout that offers great views. Saw some Indian Pipe along the way. Also hiked Empire Bluff after this for the 3rd time because it’s worth it !
Great trail, exactly 1.0 mile from the gate to the cliff. Definitely bring a camera. Don’t mess around near the cliff, Google Earth says it’s 860 feet elevation, and the lake shore is at 580 (280 foot drop).
Check it out on Google Earth 3D
44°47’13″N 86°04’29″W