Alligator Hill Trail

Alligator Hill Trail comes equipped with beautiful views of both Lake Michigan and Big Glen Lake. Alligator Hill has a total of nine miles of trail, which are divided into different loops, the hike is very hilly and passes through beautiful Michigan forests.

The 1.5 mile hike from the Stocking Road trailhead to the Islands Lookout on top of Alligator Hill is a relatively gentle uphill walk through Maple-Beech forest on an old road bed. The view from the Lookout is outstanding. On a clear day, you can see North and South Manitou Island and Sleeping Bear Point. Quite often South Fox Island will also be visible. There is a bench at the lookout, so you can take some time to relax and enjoy the view before continuing your hike. From this vantage point you will often see a freighter making its way through the Manitou Passage.

For more information on the Alligator Hill Trail, feel free to visit the National Parks Service’s website.

Cool things to do: hike the trail, run the trail – which is very hard, ride the trail -horses are also allowed. Search the undergrowth for signs of different animal life. Do not bike the trail. Stop in Glen Arbor before or after your hike to check out the great shops, grab a bite to eat, or just walk around town.