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Biking & Hiking Trails
Northwest Indiana and parts of Eastern Illinois contain more than 125 miles of biking and walking trails, including the scenic trails within the Indiana Dunes. Many of the trail systems in Northwest Indiana run along abandoned railroad tracks and highlight the rich ecological diversity that make up the South Shore region.
Indiana Dunes Trails
The trails at the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks have more than 60 miles of hiking paths, offering a variety of things to see along the way.
View an extensive exhibition of wildflowers and birds on the Heron Rookery Trail at the National Park. Hike through mature forests and along a dune ridge to gaze at Lake Michigan on Trail 9 at the State Park. Or ride your bike along the Calumet Bike Trail that runs through the parks as well as some neighboring communities.
Trail Map
The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission unveiled a comprehensive trail map which includes current and future bike trails, parking locations and major roads. The maps also cover all the South Shore hiking and water trails.
Use the link above to view or download the map. Or request a map by calling 219-989-7979 or stop by the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond. The Welcome Center is conveniently located next to the Erie Lackawanna Trail and Little Calumet Levee Trail.
Emergency Closure: Portions of Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk Trail at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Trail area are closed due to portions of the pavement and boardwalk failing due to previous highwater levels. Closure remains in effect April 15th, 2021 until further notice.
Bark Side of the Dune - Trails at Gabis Arboretum
Dogs on the Trails
Most of the trails allow pets to tag along, as long as they are on a 6' or shorter leash, either at the dunes or places such as Gabis Arboretum.
Biking the Rail Trails
Cycle more than 11 miles along one of the area’s rail trails, Prairie Duneland. This tracks turned-trail experience is paved and runs from Chesterton to Hobart with water fountains along the way. Another rail trail near Lake Michigan’s shore in Whiting is the Lake George Trail, a smooth 3.1-mile trip to Hammond that follows the shorelines of Lake George and Wolf Lake.
Find out more about bike trails in and around the Indiana Dunes here.
More Outdoor Activities
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Would you like more information about the South Shore and the Indiana Dunes? Use the links below to request a visitor's guide be mailed to you, download our Indiana Dunes brochure, join our e-newsletter list or sign up for text alerts.
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