One of the most popular paddling destinations in Michigan is the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The scenery along this stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline includes large sand dunes, sandy beaches, and dense wooded terrain. The area is also popular due to the frequent and convenient access points. This trip starts at the access area south of Empire on Esch Road and heads north up the coast all the way to Glen Haven Cannery. The one-way trip is a great way to see a variety of the diverse terrain that Sleeping Bear Dunes has to offer. The day trip covers relatively easy waters but winds on Lake Michigan can make for some challenging waters so be cautious and paddle during favorable conditions.