Hiking

Hikers on the Mount Baldy trail.

NPS Staff - Edwin Alcox

A wide variety of hiking trails traverse the various habitats of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The varying lengths and difficulty levels make it easy to choose the trail that's right for you; from a short easy stroll to a challenging all-day trek. Many of the trails are open all year and the hiking experience can change with each season so come out often. Trail maps are available at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center. Here are some highlights of the park's trails:

 

Bailly Homestead & Chellberg Farm Trail - Moderate; two loops; 2.5 miles through beautiful woods and old fields; connects the historic areas. Southeast of the homestead, the Little Calumet River Trail will add 2.2 miles. Excellent for spring wildflowers and fall colors. Directions & Map

Calumet Dunes Trail - Accessible, paved 8/10 mile. Follows the Calumet Dunes Ridge behind the Calumet Dunes Interpretive Center. Directions & Map

Cowles Bog Trail - Moderate to rugged; two trail heads; 3 loops; 5 miles. Features include interdunal ponds, marshes, stand of northern white cedars, forested dunes, foredunes, and open beach. A great way to experience several different habitats. Excellent for fall colors. Directions & Map

Dunewood Trace - Easy to moderate; 1.8 mile linear trail. Follows along wet woods between the Dunewood Campground and Kemil Road. Ends near the Calumet Dunes Interpretive Center. Directions & Map

Glenwood Dunes Hiking and Horse Trail - Moderate; two trail heads. Series of loops, up to 6.4 miles. Horseback riding permitted March 16 through December 14. Trail winds through climax black oak forested dune ridges, wetlands, and reclaimed prairie. Pets are prohibited. The linear Glenwood Dunes extension will add 1.2 miles. Directions & Map

Great Marsh Trail - Easy; Two trail heads. Two parking lots. Features a wheel chair accessible paved portion that connects directly to the observation deck. 1.26 mile Directions & Map

Heron Rookery Trail - Easy to moderate; 2 mile (one-way) linear trail running parallel to the river on the south side. Forested watershed, reclaimed farmland, excellent bird watching, and spring wildflowers. CAUTION: The trail can be eroded in spots; watch your footing. REMEMBER: The north side of the river is a bird sanctuary. Entry to the north side of the river is prohibited. Directions & Map

Tolleston Dunes Trail - Moderate; two loops; 3 miles. Trail skirts the edge of a marsh and crosses through an oak savanna. Excellent for bird watching. Directions & Map

Miller Woods Trail - Easy; 1.5 mile trail around a lovely wetland and through Miller Woods. Features include wetlands and black oak savanna. Directions & Map

Pinhook Bog Trail - Easy; 0.75 mile trail through Indiana's only "true" bog. Available by ranger-guided tour only. Open houses are being offered on August 27 and September 24 from 12:00pm - 3:00pm. Meet in the Pinhook Bog Parking Lot. Tour details can be obtained at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center at [phone] or by calling [phone].

West Beach Trail - Easy to moderate; two loops, 2.5 miles. The Dune Succession Trail adds a moderate extra mile starting at the beach. Dunes, woods, prairie, Long Lake, and ponds. Directions & Map