Indiana Dunes Hiking

Have you been to the Indiana Dunes National Park? It’s a beautiful place! There are so many trails to hike on, and they all have their own unique views. Of course, there’s no way we can list every trail here. But if you’re looking for an idea of what the park has to offer, then this blog post is for you. We’ll talk about some of our favorite hiking trails at the Indiana Dunes National Park and give you some tips on how long each trail is as well as what it offers hikers like yourself!

Cowles Bog

The first trail we’ll talk about is the Cowles Bog Trail. This trail is a little over 4.5 miles long and takes hikers through black oak savanna, wetlands and beaches full of diverse plant life. There is a steep sand dune on this trail, and once you get to the top you’ll be greeted with a stunning panorama of Lake Michigan. If you’re looking for beautiful views of nature, then this is the trail for you!

West Beach Trails

Next up, we have the West Beach Trails. The 3 loop trail is about 3.5 miles long and takes hikers through sand dunes and the beach. Also in the area, but a much shorter trail, is the Dunes Succession Trail at .9 miles. There’s a lot of stairs on this one, but the views are amazing! Both lead you to the lake, making this a great area to hike and relax by the water, even if it’s just to have lunch.

Great Marsh Trail

A view from the observation deck

If you like birds, you’ll love this trail. The Great Marsh is frequented by herons and egrets as well as many song birds and flocks of ducks. The 1.3 mile trail will lead you past meadows and wet prairie to the observation deck where you can sit and watch the wildlife.

Mt. Baldy Beach Trail

If you’re looking for a hiking trail that will take you up close and personal with the sand dunes, then check out the Mt. Baldy Trail. This is an easy hike that’s only about .75 miles long, but it will give you a great workout climbing back up on your way out!

Heron Rookery Trail

If dunes aren’t your thing, then check out the Heron Rookery Trail. This is an easy 3.3 mile trail that meanders along the Little Calamet River and has some great spring wildflowers! It’s also an excellent location to bird watch (hence its name). There are benches for you to sit by while enjoying nature.

Dune Ridge Trail

If you’re looking for something a little more difficult, but shorter in distance, the Dune Ridge Trail is a great option. This hiking trail is only about .75 miles long, but it’s moderately difficult with some steep areas. From the trail, you’ll get a stunning view over the great marsh and the dunes. You’ll walk through many habitats and see why this trail won Indiana Dunes a spot in the top 5 biologically diverse national parks.

There is so much to see at Indiana Dunes National Park and hiking is one of the best ways to see it all. The hiking provide great views of the park. Wildlife is abundant at the dunes, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for deer, raccoons, and more!

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