The Best Hiking in Northwest Indiana

Looking to get outside this summer in Merrillville? The best hikes in Merrillville and the surrounding areas are here!

Barker Woods

Description: Easy

Distance: 1 mi. Time: 29 min.

Location: 444 Barker Road, Michigan City

     Although this trail is located inside Michigan City, as you reach the finish you will notice the distinctive natural landscape that spans 30 acres and has many photogenic sights. An old-growth forest that has been designated as a nature preserve since 1975 makes up the woodlands. A parking area and trailhead kiosk are located near the Save the Dunes headquarters, where the path begins.

Moraine Nature Preserve

Description: Easy

Distance: 2.5 mi Time: 1hr. 41 min.

Location: East Co. Rd. 750 N. Valparaiso

     Moraine Nature Preserve is a 2.5-mile circular route with little traffic that is close to Valparaiso, Indiana, and has a wonderful woodland environment. The track is suitable for hikers of all experience levels and is frequently used for nature excursions, walks, and bird watching. There are a number of tree roots to navigate. This route is open to dogs, but they must be restrained by a leash. After significant rainfall in the spring and fall, it could be muddy. In both the summer and winter, fine.

Little Calumet River and Mnoke Prairie Trail

Description: Moderate

Distance: 3.9 miles, Time: 1 hour 41 min.

Location: Bailly / Chellberg Parking Lot, 618 Mineral Springs Rd. Indiana Dunes National Park, Chesterton

     The Little Calumet River and Mnoke Prairie Route, a 3.9-mile circular trail with modest traffic and river views close to Chesterton, Indiana, is classified as being of average difficulty. The route is open all year long and is mostly utilized for hiking, walking, nature excursions, and bird watching. This route is open to dogs, but they must be restrained by a leash. The Little Calumet River is followed via the Calumet River Trail before turning onto a meadow and a forest. muddy if there has been rain.

Heron Rookery Trail:

Description: Easy

Distance: 3.2mi. Time: 1hr. 18 min.

Location: Indiana Dunes National Park,  1336 N. Co Rd. 600 E. Michigan City

     A 3.2-mile, moderately trafficked out-and-back route with a river that is suitable for hikers of all abilities may be found close to Michigan City, Indiana. The path is open all year long and provides a variety of exercise possibilities. This route is open to dogs, but they must be leashed at all times. Beautiful springtime blooms. The route has parking areas at both ends. muddy if there has been rain. 

Glenwood Dunes Trail

Description: Moderate

Distance: 6.7mi Time: 2hr. 49 min.

Location: U.S. 20 and School House Rd. Indiana Dunes National Park

    Glenwood Dunes Path, a 10.8-kilometer circular trail with a lake outside Chesterton, Indiana, is classed as moderate and has moderate traffic. The trail is open all year round and is mostly utilized for hiking, walking, snowshoeing, and horses. This route may be used by horses as well. The Furnessville to Highway 20 trailhead is located off of Brummitt Road and Highway 20.

    Because there are too many trail splits and junctions to include here, bring a trail map. Take care when crossing highways as you trek counterclockwise from the trailhead. Take the short detour to avoid the Calumet Dunes Paved Trail near the east end of the circle (Note that it is a short hike to the Calumet Dunes parking lot if restroom or potable water is desired). Following the cutoff, continue on the path west along U.S. Highway 12 before turning south at the trail's westernmost point. The Glenwood dunes Extension Trail shouldn't be used. Instead, return north on the circular route before heading east to the parking area.

Indiana Dunes Trail 9

Description: Moderate

Distance: 3.8 mi Time: 1hr. 41 min.

Location: 1600 N 25 East, Chesterton, $7 fee, Indiana Dunes State Park

   Among the most popular paths Indiana Dunes Route 9 is a 3.8-mile, lightly trafficked circular trail that is suitable for hikers of all levels and is situated close to Chesterton, Indiana. The path is best utilized from April to September and is generally used for hiking, trail running, and wildlife excursions. This trail features multiple blowout places, different heights, and a view from the ridge. Park at the Wilson Shelter or the Nature Center. This route is open to dogs, but they must be leashed at all times.

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