pierce scenic drive pierce scenic drive scenic route western united_states roadway scenic gentle curves located state highway empire runs miles forest dunes areas providing access scenic lake michigan shoreline surrounding park land markers roadway national_park_service printed guide drive vehicles trip addition use road year road built 1960s finished road building experience wanted share beauty area operated facility death purchased national_park_service added park 1980s year program reconstructed roadway added number features visiting tourists morning named beautiful place america viewer poll website publicity award increased traffic roadway route description road mile loop driven hiking roadway permitted encouraged traffic roadway starts entrance day highway south parking lot inside entrance visitors wish bike road drive continues way road entrance gate turning northward way road numbered locations road listed drive covered bridge point drive steep hill area location includes heavily forested areas sand plains growth rock stop picnic area point tourists view islands park sleeping bear bay drive approaches stop fourth trail emerges forest sandy area stops noted guide heads inland beech maple forest roadway turns shore lake bluff lake michigan feet water views visitors miles south clear day locations considered especially hazardous heights involved noted half dozen visitors rescued falls community special road vehicle effect rescues base cliffs penultimate stop drive provides stop drive descends maple pine forests coming starting point area follows old logging road forest canopy drive called best way lake michigan elevations nation fascinating landscapes park pass fee required pass holders free guide scenic drive available visitor center empire michigan entrance gate road open cars generally middle april november operating season road open starting minutes sunset late december drive cross country ski trail park service combines roadway form mile system trails ratings speed limit mph vehicles drive increase previous year history road named spent youth working michigan walk lake michigan near empire experience building roads began building road dunes difficult terrain early 1960s according beauty dunes built road order share visitors road originally known opened public operated scenic drive death charging car equivalent end area roadway park created road park purchased park service later changed honor man starting national_park_service reconstructed drive paved time bicycle lane added service moved entrance road built observation platforms original section road closed susceptible drifting sands dunes built covered bridge maintained increased vertical clearance feet inches renovations drive completed august named beautiful place america designation came social media campaign capitalize website poll park awarded title attendance increased pierce scenic drive featured morning broadcast mile long lines cars waiting drive september uncommon sight day september points interest entire roadway
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive