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 that 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. 

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

One rail trail is near Lake Michigan’s shore in Whiting - the Lake George Trail is a smooth 3.1-mile trip to Hammond that follows the shorelines of Lake George and Wolf Lake. You can also cycle more than 11 miles along another area rail trail, Prairie Duneland. This tracks turned-trail experience is paved and runs from Chesterton to Hobart with water fountains along the way. Stop into Trailblazers Bike Barn in Hobart, right off of the Oak Savannah / Prairie Duneland Trail, for all your bike needs as well as to take a break for some health drinks and refreshments. 

Find out more about bike trails in and around the Indiana Dunes here.

 



 

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