Log Slide Overlook
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Hiking TrailScenic LookoutFamilySunsetOutdoorPhotography SpotOcean ViewFreeMust-SeeCoastGeology
Overview
A breathtaking high-elevation viewpoint situated atop the massive Grand Sable Dunes near Grand Marais. Historically used by 19th-century lumberjacks to slide giant logs down into Lake Superior, it now offers visitors a jaw-dropping panoramic overlook of towering 300-foot sand cliffs and turquoise water.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration45-90 minutes
Best TimeEarly October transforms this colossal glacial moraine cliffside into a breathtaking fall foliage masterpiece. Standing 500 feet above the crashing waves of Lake Superior, positioning yourself on the wooden observation deck between 5:00 PM and sunset is essential; the fading sun blankets the infinite open water completely unhindered, silhouette-framing the historic Au Sable Light.
Getting ThereHidden away within the wild coastal backcountry of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, 7 miles west of Grand Marais. Driven travel via road trip is mandatory. Navigate west from Grand Marais along County Road H-58 W for 15 minutes, turn onto the designated Log Slide access spur, and follow it straight to their spacious paved free lot.
Travel Tips
- The overlook perches 175 feet above Lake Superior atop unstable dunes; do not attempt to slide down the near-vertical sand face to the shoreline, as ascending back requires hours of extreme physical exertion.
- The 200-yard trail consists of packed gravel, but high winds deposit deep, soft sand drifts across the path, stalling standard strollers or narrow wheelchair casters without all-terrain setups.
- The trail margins and surrounding North Country Trail intersections host dense patches of native poison ivy; leaving the established boardwalk or walking barefoot near the dune scrub is a severe health hazard.
Reviews
Positive
- Standing on the edge of a massive, towering perched dune cliff looking down at Lake Michigan yields unmatched visual awe. A truly epic wonder!
- The forest path from the lot to the deck is wide and flat, fully transitioning into an accessible wooden boardwalk for easy wheelchair access to cliff edges.
- The deck edge features thick, sturdy wooden railings accompanied by engaging historical plaques detailing how loggers slid timber down the dunes.
- Requires zero separate admission fees, remaining completely free to the public; experiencing cliff lakeside vistas here offers unbeatable value.
Heads up
- Adventurous tourists slide down the near-vertical, hundreds-of-feet dune to the water, but scrambling back up takes hours of exhausting effort.
- The final access road is a long dirt path that kicks up heavy dust; the overlook zone lacks any restrooms, requiring a prior stop miles away.
- As the spot grew famous, the narrow wooden deck became packed with tourists jostling for photo angles, marring the wild, serene wilderness ambiance.
- High cliff winds can make you unstable on your feet; furthermore, there are absolutely no commercial stalls selling bottled water or sun care products nearby.