1966 Hiking Challenge: Marquette Greenway - Burns Harbor Trailhead

Beams of light filter through the oak savanna growing on a vegetated dune. Little splashes of pink prairie phlox dot the base of the dune.

Photograph by Zachary Lindeman

The 1966 Hiking Challenge is comprised of 19 hikes that cover 66 miles of trail in the park- celebrating the park’s founding in 1966. The ranger-led hike for this trail meets at the Paul H. Douglas Center's parking lot. For more information, including specific dates and trail locations, visit this Thing to Do and scroll down. Do not worry if you cannot make each of the 19 ranger-led hikes. A check-off sheet will be available at the Visitor Center or the the Paul H. Douglas Center for those who complete the hikes on their own.

Set out from the Marquette Greenway – Burns Harbor Trailhead and enjoy a peaceful, self‑guided hike to the Deer Trail Park Trailhead and back. This stretch of trail offers a refreshing blend of paved pathways, forest shade, and gentle scenery perfect for a relaxed outing at your own pace.

As you begin your journey, the smooth, accessible pavement winds through a scenic woodland corridor where sunlight filters through the trees and birdsong accompanies your steps. The trail’s gentle grades make it easy to fully appreciate the calm, natural beauty surrounding you.

A highlight of this hike is crossing the beautiful bridge over Salt Creek. Pause for a moment to watch the water move beneath you—clear reflections, rippling currents, and lush wetland plants create a serene snapshot of the local ecosystem. It’s one of the Greenway’s most peaceful spots.

Along the way, keep an eye out for deer trails, woodland wildflowers, chorus frogs, and the mix of forest, wetland, and dune‑influenced landscapes that make this area so unique. Whether you’re seeking quiet reflection, a scenic workout, or simply a beautiful walk immersed in nature, this out‑and‑back route offers a memorable experience for all ages.

Take your time, enjoy the journey, and let the Marquette Greenway guide you through one of the park’s most charming natural corridors.

REMINDER: Information found on this page is specific to the 1966 Hiking Challenge

• Please visit Hiking at Indiana Dunes National Park for general information and maps of all of the park's hiking trails.

BE PREPARED

• Please visit Trail Safety for tips and reminders to ensure your adventure is both safe and enjoyable
• Ranger-led hikes occur rain or shine and are only canceled in inclement weather such as high winds or thunderstorms when conditions are unsafe

Getting There

Trailhead Parking Lots
Marquette Greenway - Burns Harbor Trailhead parking lot (on Navajo Trail)

Trailhead GPS Coordinates
41.611901, -87.128208 (Decimal Degrees)

Need to Know

• Hours – Open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
• Hike Length – 4.1 mi (Marquette Greenway - Burns Harbor Trailhead parking lot (on Navajo Trail) to Deer Trail Park lot and back.)
• Hike Time – 2.5 hours.
• Difficulty – Easy; paved.
• Trail Surface – Paved
• Facilities – None.
• Pets – Permitted on a leash (6' or shorter).
• Prohibited – Littering and hunting.
• Prohibited – Removing plants, rocks, shells, and fossils.
• Prohibited – Glass and fires.
• Parking lot is paved.

 

HIke from the Marquette Greenway - Burns Harbor Trailhead parking lot (on Navajo Trail) to Deer Trail Park trailhead and back.