Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore - Hiking at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service)

adult and child walking on a trail in the woods

NPS Staff - Edwin Alcox

Hikers on the Mount Baldy trail.

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 Dorothy Buell Memorial 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 Dune Trail – Accessible, paved 8/10 mile. Follows the Calumet Dune Ridge behind the Calumet Dune 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.

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 Dune Interpretive Center. 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

Inland Marsh Trail - Moderate; two loops; 3 miles. Trail skirts the edge of a marsh and crosses through an oak savanna. Excellent for bird watching.

Ly-co-ki-we 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 Ly-co-ki-we extension will add 1.2 miles. 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. Tour details can be obtained at the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center.

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