GABIS ARBORETUM TRAILS

Hitting 6 miles of hiking trails is the best way to discover all the sights of the Gabis Arboretum. A gentle stroll around one of the ponds is perfect for unwinding after a picnic lunch. Alternatively, you could pick up the pace and hit one of the more challenging trails.

Whichever trail you choose, the surroundings are so unique. Gabis Arboretum has the state’s largest collection of oak trees hailing from all over the world. Bluebird Trail is the longest at 1.63 miles and takes you through prairie, wetland, and woodland environments. The quiet 0.62-mile Cardinal Trail is a serene woodland path, perfect for getting away from the action. Keep your eyes peeled for American woodcock and ring-necked pheasant on the 0.96-mile Woodcock Trail. The trails are a mix of grass and mulch, so wear sensible shoes as they can get slippery after it rains!

The Gabis Arboretum is located at 450 West 100 North in Valparaiso. Admission is free for Gabis Arboretum members, Purdue Northwest students, cyclists, and hikers arriving on foot. Otherwise, prices start from $10 per carload. Visit daily between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.

LEMON LAKE TRAILS

Lemon Lake’s excellent amenities make it fun for the whole family. The 402-acre space has five disc golf courses, a large dog park, and several playgrounds for the kids. A variety of walking trails caters to all fitness levels.

When you’re visiting with kids, the 1-mile trail around the lake lets them stretch their legs without overwhelming them. It’s all paved, so it’s perfect for parents with strollers. For an even bigger challenge, explore the unpaved trails winding through Lemon Lake’s wooded areas. Dogs are free to walk with you, but keep yours leashed outside the dog park.

Lemon Park is located at 6322 West 133rd Avenue in Crown Point and is open from 7 a.m. to sunset all year round. Parking fees apply whenever a gatekeeper is on duty. Active military and disabled veterans can access Lemon Lake for free.

STONEY RUN COUNTY PARK TRAILS

Stoney Run County Park is another picturesque park offering hikers plenty of choices. Admire the open meadows, deep ravines, and tranquil ponds as you explore this 316-acre space.

The Perimeter Trail, which runs along the Stoney Run County Park’s border, is the easiest option. You’ll share this mostly flat 5.6-mile trail with horseback riders. Leashed dogs are also permitted on this and other Stoney Run County Park trails. It’s prettiest during spring when the wildflowers bloom. It’s also unpaved and can get muddy after rain. Other trails, including the 1.4-mile nature trail and 1.7-mile nature trail, are shorter but more challenging. Entering the forest will boost your chances of spotting white-tailed deer and rabbits. Make sure you pay tribute to the fallen at the park’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Stoney Run County Park is located at 9230 East 142nd Avenue in Hebron. Its trails are open year-round between 7 a.m. and sunset and admission is free.

GRAND KANKAKEE MARSH COUNTY PARK TRAIL

Another Hebron treasure, the Grand Kankakee March County Park trail offers hikers a different kind of view. This 4.2-mile gravel trail runs alongside the historic Kankakee River. The river is home to ducks, herons, and painted and soft-shell turtles that often sun themselves on logs near the river’s edge. You might also see herds of deer, muskrats, and beavers here if you keep quiet enough. Given the abundance of local wildlife, dogs are only welcome if they’re kept on a leash.

For an extra challenge, continue past the park where the trail actually runs for 10.1 miles along the river’s edge. However, the parts beyond the park aren’t as well-kept, so stay alert. The hill climbs on the trail’s west end are particularly challenging. Parts of the path can also become flooded and slippery after rain, so make sure you wear appropriate shoes.

Grand Kankakee Marsh is located at 21690 Range Line Road in Hebron and is accessible between 7 a.m. and sunset all year round. Admission is free for everyone except hunting parties.

HERON ROOKERY TRAIL

Hiking enthusiasts are spoiled for choice in the Indiana Dunes. The Indiana Dunes State Park and Indiana Dunes National Park have more than 60 miles of trails between them. Short half-mile trails suit leisurely walks with children. For a greater challenge, hit one of the longer 10-mile trails. For nature lovers, the Heron Rookery Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park is the pick of the bunch.

The trail’s name pays tribute to the great blue herons that once nested there. At one point, there were more than 100 nests, but most of these birds have since moved on. Bird watchers won’t be too disappointed, though. The area is now home to kingfishers, woodpeckers, and warblers.

The 3.3-mile dirt and clay track follows the Little Calumet River to the small County Road parking lot. It’s at its prettiest from late March to early June, when trillium, Dutchman’s breeches, and other local wildflowers bloom. It’s a natural trail with no restroom facilities along the way. The path is relatively flat, so it shouldn’t be too challenging for most people, but its unpaved surface isn’t wheelchair friendly. Leashed dogs can walk the trail, but bikes and motorized vehicles are prohibited.

Heron Rookery Trail is located at North County Road 600 East in Michigan City. Access is free between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Allow up to two hours for your hike.

The post Get Outside: These Local Trails in Northwest Indiana are Perfect for Fall Hikes appeared first on Whitcomb Terrace Blog.

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.

State and National Park Fees, Click here

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