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Mount Baldy Trails @ Indiana Dunes National Park

Mount Baldy - Indiana Dunes National Park
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
0.75 ml
Duration
1 hr
101 Rice Street (U.S. Highway 12), Michigan City, IN 46360

The Beach Trail hike (unrestricted access) is short hike with a steep climb down loose sand to the beach. Be sure to plan accordingly as the only way out is up the steep trail. Do not bring large cooler and other beach items as the climb up from the beach is difficult.

Trail Features: Views, Lake Michigan
Must See Gems: Views from the top of Mount Baldy

Getting There
Trailhead Parking Lot
101 Rice Street (U.S. Highway 12), Michigan City, IN 46360

Trailhead GPS Coordinates
41.706852, -86.929907 (Decimal Degrees)

Need to Know

Hours & Information

  • Hours – Open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
  • Passes are required.
  • Hike Length – 0.75 miles.
  • Hike Time – 1 hour.
  • Difficulty – Moderate to rugged with the approach to the beach being very steep loose sand.
  • Trail Surface – Packed dirt with sections of loose sand. Use caution when hiking the beach trail to Mount Baldy Beach. The dune and shoreline are in a constant state of change from the weather and lake levels. Obey all trail markers and warning signs to be safe. The summit of Mount Baldy remains closed except during ranger-led programs.
  • Facilities – Year-round restrooms and potable water.
  • Pets – Permitted on a leash (6' or shorter).
  • Prohibited – Littering and hunting.
  • Prohibited – Bicycles and motorized vehicles.
  • Prohibited – Removing plants, rocks, shells, and fossils.
  • Prohibited – Glass and fires on the beach.
  • The parking lot is paved.
  • There is a picnic shelter and two additional picnic tables at the parking lot. First come, first served. No advance reservations.
  • Restricted Access. The Summit Trail hike is short with a steep climb up loose sand to reach the top of Mount Baldy. Access to the Mount Baldy Summit Trail requires accompaniment by authorized staff. There are ranger-led daytime and sunset hikes on weekends throughout the summer and at other times of the year. Hike dates and times are available on the park's website calendarFacebook page, or by contacting the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center.

Safety

  • Please stay on the trail and respect closed area signs. Going off trail damages fragile habitat.
  • Ticks are present year-round. Take precautionary measures to prevent bites.
  • Poison ivy can be present on the edges of the trail.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
  • In case of an emergency or to report a crime, call 1-800-PARK-TIP.

Accessibility

  • Trails and picnic shelter are not wheelchair accessible. Restrooms and picnic tables are accessible.

 

Part of the Indiana Dunes National Park

Hiking Trail