BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//wp-events-plugin.com//7.4.8//EN BEGIN:VEVENT UID:33608@panoramanow.com DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260725T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260725T080000 DTSTAMP:20260608T171252Z URL:https://panoramanow.com/events/walk-bike-skate-or-run-trails-in-northw est-indiana-2022-04-12/ SUMMARY:Walk\, Bike\, Skate Or Run Trails in Northwest Indiana DESCRIPTION:These past several months have been challenging. Many of us hav e taken refuge out of doors\, or found hope and inspiration in the splendo r of nature by admiring spring flowers and wildlife from our windows (or c omputers).  \;\n\nOur natural world unceasingly supports and inspires us when we need it most. Health and Wellness have been proven to improve w ith outdoor activities in both adults and children alike.\n\nLittle Calume t River and Mnoke Prairie Trail\n1966 HIKE IS ON JULY 25TH 2026\nDescripti on: Moderate\nDistance: 3.9 miles\, Time: 1hour 41 min.\nLocation: Bailly / Chellberg Parking Lot\, 618 Mineral Springs Rd. Indiana Dunes National P ark \, Chesterton\n \; \; \; \; Little Calumet River and M noke Prairie Trail is a 3.9 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Chesterton\, Indiana that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking\, walking\, nature trips\, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this tra il but must be kept on leash. The Calumet River Trail \;follows the Li ttle Calumet River and then turns toward prairie and woodland. \; Can be muddy after a rainfall.\n\nBarker Woods\nDescription: Easy\nDistance: 1 mi. Time: 29 min.\nLocation: 444 Barker Road\, Michigan City\n \;&nbs p\; \; \; This Trail is right inside Michigan City\, however once you get to the end you will realize the unique natural setting totally ove r 30 acres with very photographic scenes. The woods are an old-growth fore st\, dedicated as a nature preserve since 1975.The trail begins at the Sav e the Dunes offices with a parking lot and there is a kiosk at the trailhe ad to sign in.\n\nMoraine Nature Preserve\nDescription: Easy\nDistance: 2. 5 mi Time: 1hr. 41 min.\nLocation: East Co. Rd. 750 N. Valparaiso\n \;  \; \; \; Moraine Nature Preserve is a 2.5 mile lightly traffi cked loop trail located near Valparaiso\, Indiana that features a great fo rest setting. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking\, walking\, nature trips\, and bird watching. There are severa l tree roots to cross over. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Can be muddy in the Spring and Fall after heavy rains. F ine in the Summer and Winter.  \;Read Our Full Article HERE!\n\nHeron Rookery Trail:\nDescription: Easy\nDistance: 3.2mi. Time: 1hr. 18 min.\nLo cation: Indiana Dunes National Park\, \; 1336 N. Co Rd. 600 E. Michiga n City\n \; \; \; \; Heron Rookery Trail is a 3.2 mile mod erately trafficked out and back trail located near Michigan City\, Indiana that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also a ble to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Beautiful flowers in the Spring. There is a parking lot at each end of the trail. Can be muddy afte r a rainfall.\n\nGlenwood Dunes Trail\nDescription: Moderate\nDistance: 6. 7mi Time: 2hr. 49 min.\nLocation: U.S. 20 and School House Rd. Indiana Dun es National Park\n \; \; \; Glenwood Dunes Trail is a 10.8 kil ometer moderately trafficked loop trail located near Chesterton\, Indiana that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking\, walking\, snowshoes and horses and is accessible year-round. Horses are also able to use this trail. This trail begins at Furnessville off of Highway 20 and \; Brummitt Road and goes north of Highway 20.\ n \; \; \; Bring a trail map as the route has too many trail j unctions and cut-offs to fully describe here. From the trailhead\, hike in a counterclockwise direction and take care when crossing roads. At the ea st end of the loop\, take the short cut-off to avoid the Calumet Dunes Pav ed Trail (Note that it is a short hike to the Calumet Dunes parking lot if restroom or potable water is desired). After the cut-off\, follow the tra il west along U.S. Highway 12 before heading south the western-most point of the trail. Do not take the Glenwood dunes Extension Trail. Instead\, fo llow the loop trail back to the north and then east to the parking lot.\n\ nIndiana Dunes Trail 9\nDescription: Moderate\nDistance: 3.8 mi Time: 1hr. 41 min.\nLocation: 1600 N 25 East\, Chesterton\, $7 fee\, Indiana Dunes S tate Park\n \; \; \; One of the most favorite trails Indiana D unes Trail 9 is a 3.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near C hesterton\, Indiana that offers scenic views and is good for all skill lev els. The trail is primarily used for hiking\, trail running\, and nature t rips and is best used from April until September. This trail has a view fr om the ridge\, various elevations and several blowout areas. Park at the N ature Center or the Wilson Shelter.  \;Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. \; \; \; \;\n\nCowles Bog Trail\nDescription: Moderate\nDistance: 4.3 mi Time: 1hr. 52 min.\nLocati on: 2752 US Hwy 12 Town of Pines\, Indiana Dunes National Park\n \;&nb sp\; \; \; Cowles Bog Trail is a 4.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Dune Acres\, Indiana that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Path travels along the edge of a wetland with abundant plant and wildlife diversity. At roughly the one-mile mark\, you will reach the loop trail junction. The preferred direction around the loop is counterclo ckwise. Take the trail to the right. The trail will now run through black oak savanna and between interdunal ponds filled with aquatic life. Dr. Hen ry Cowles conducted much of his early work in plant ecology and succession in the early 1900s\, remains an important focus for scientific study toda y. The trail is primarily used for hiking\, running\, nature trips\, and s nowshoeing and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this tr ail but must be kept on leash.\n\nCoffee Creek Long Loop &\; Short Loop \nDescription: Easy\nDistance: 3.1 mi Time: 1hr. 19  \;min.\nLocation: Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve\n \; \; \; \; These trail s have several options along the way to change your distance and benches t o sit. There is a nice parking lot and pond with a Large fountain that has several nice lookout spots.  \;Crosses over several nice boardwalks a nd bridges. Can be muddy in the Spring and Fall after heavy rains. Fine in the Summer and Winter. The Short Loop is 1.3 mi\, time is 33 minutes.\n\n Bluhm West Woods and Lincoln Memorial Trail\nDescription: Easy\nDistance: 1.2 mi Time: 1 hr.\nLocation: 3855 S. 1100 West\, Westville\, Bluhm County Park\, LaPorte Indiana\n \; \; \; This trail has several benc hes along the way and you’ll also discover a working windmill and a beau tiful pond. There are some urban areas\, but makes for a great family hike . Keep to the right to travel the looped trail.\n\nIndiana Dunes Trail 8\n Description: Rugged \nDistance: 1.5 mi Time: 1hr. 3  \;min.\nLocation: 1600 N 25 East\, Chesterton\, Cost $7 for in state. Indiana Dunes State p ark\n \; \; \; \; Trail 8 is 1.4 miles and rugged. \; Parking available at Nature Center or Wilson Shelter.Trail 8 is the offici al beginning of the 3 Dune Challenge and goes to the beach with 3 incredib le vistas along the way. It’s rugged when you get to climb Mt Jackson wh ich is a 176 sand dune. Then you’ll be climbing Mt. Holden which is 184 feet but the view is spectacular. Finally there are 101 steps from the sta irs to Mt. Tom. Take Trail 4 back or the finish goes to the beach.\n\n\nIm agination Glen\nDescription: Moderate\nDistance: 6.9 mi Time: 2 hr. 55 min .\nLocation: Imagination Glen Park\, 2275 McCool Rd\, Portage Indiana\n&nb sp\; \; \; There are Two sections of this trail\, both are loops. You have the front side and the dark side. All trails have narrow paths ma de for mountain biking. There are also a lot of wood obstacles throughout the woods made for more extreme mountain biking. It's very pretty and foll ows a river throughout. Can be muddy in the Spring and Fall. Maps are sugg ested due to several crossing trails.\n\nCalumet Trail\nDescription: Easy\ nDistance: 14.8 mi Time: 3hr. 44 min.\nLocation: Chesterton\, Indiana\n&nb sp\; \; \; \; This gravel trail follows the South Shore Railro ad tracks and is underneath large power lines. There is no shade. The trai l can be impassible (i.e. wet shoes) due to standing water along much of t he trail that can be 4-6" deep in spots. The trail is not suitable for roa d bikes. \;The west trailhead parking lot connects to the Porter Brick yard Trail and the Cowles Bog Trail System (no bikes allowed). There is ac cess to the Dunes Kankakee Trail and Indiana Dunes State Park trail system at the South Shore Dunes Park train station. At East State Park Road (Kem il Road or 300E)\, there is access across U.S. Highway 12 to the Glenwood Dunes Trail System (no bikes allowed) and the Calumet Dunes Trail (no bike s allowed). At Broadway Avenue (Beverly Shores)\, there is access to the G reat Marsh Trail (no bikes allowed) and the national park’s Dunewood Cam pground. At the east trailhead\, the parking lot on U.S. Highway 12 is clo se to the Mount Baldy Trail System. Can be muddy in the Spring and Fall.\n \nIndiana Dunes Trail 10\nDescription: Moderate to Rugged\nDistance: 12.4 km Time: 3 hr 15  \;min.\nLocation: Indiana Dunes State Park\, Fee: $7 per car instate\n \; \; \; \; Park at either the beach or at the Nature Center. The preferred direction is counter-clockwise. The f irst half of the hike is on flat to rolling trail in the forest. The footi ng is good with a mixture of sand and packed dirt. The trail is never crow ded\, even on summer weekends.\n \; \; \; \; At the furthe st point east\, the trail will turn north and climb over a steep vegetated sand dune. Footing is loose sand. Once to the lake\, the trail back to th e beach Pavilion runs along the beach. The beach is amazingly pristine. Ta ke plenty of water as this hike will take longer than it appears due to th e loose sand. This trail has long stretches of Lake Michigan.\n\nTrail 2 t o Trail 10 via Waverly Road Loop\nDescription: Easy\nDistance: 9.7 km Time : 2hr. 29 min.\nLocation: Indiana Dunes State park\n \; \; \;& nbsp\; Trail 2 to Trail 10 via Waverly Beach Loop is a 6 mile moderately t rafficked loop trail located near Chesterton\, Indiana that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hi king\, walking\, nature trips\, and bird watching and is accessible year-r ound. This trail can be muddy in the Spring and Fall. \; \; \;  \;\n\nBeach Trail to Waverly Beach\nDescription: Easy\nDistance: 1.6 km Time: \; 25 min.\nLocation: Indiana Dunes State park\n \; \ ; \; \; Beach Trail to Waverly Beach is a 1 mile moderately traffi cked out and back trail located near Chesterton\, Indiana and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking\, walking\, natur e trips\, and bird watching and is accessible year-round.\n\nBarnett Hill and Mount Morse Via Trail 9 &\; Trail 10 Loop\nDescription: Easy\nDista nce: 6 mi Time: 2hr. 35  \;min.\nLocation: Indiana Dunes State park\n& nbsp\; \; \; \; Barnett Hill and Mount Morse Via Trail 9 and T rail 10 Loop is a 6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Che sterton\, Indiana that offers scenic views and is good for all skill level s. The trail is primarily used for hiking\, walking\, nature trips\, and b ird watching and is accessible year-round.\n\nMeadowbrook Nature Preserve\ nDescription: Easy\nDistance: 2.1 mi Time: 54  \;min.\nLocation:   \;\n \; \; \; \; Meadowbrook is a high quality forest and a natural habitat for migratory birds. Located at the home of the Shirley Heinze Land Offices\, there is a parking lot and restrooms. More info and map here. http://www.heinzetrust.org/meadowbrook.html\n\nGreat Marsh Trail \nDescription: Easy\nDistance: 1. Mi. Time: 34 min.\nLocation: 500 S. Broa dway\, Beverly Shores\, Indiana Dunes National park\n \; \; \;  \; There are two small gravel lots at the trailhead. This trail can b e muddy after a Rainfall. Dogs are not allowed which makes it great for bi rders. You’ll see waterfowl\, ducks\, geese\, and red-winged blackbirds\ , red-headed woodpeckers\, sandhill cranes and herons. Enjoy the Great Mar sh Overlook.\n\nBailly Homestead / Chellberg\nDescription: Easy\nDistance: 1.8 km Time: \; 29 min.\nLocation: 618 Mineral Springs Rd\, Indiana D unes National park\n\n \; \; \; \; There is a parking lot at the end of Howe Rd.\, Restrooms at the Chellberg Farm. This trail cross es over the river a couple of times with a series of boardwalks across wet lands. Can be muddy. Maps are suggested because there are several other tr ails that appear.\n\nSunset Hill Farm County Park\nDescription: Easy\nDist ance: 5 mi. Time: \; 2 hr. (taking all trails)\n(Several short Trails Available.)\nLocation: 775 Meridian Rd.\, Valparaiso\n \; \; \ ; \; The trails are well kept and well marked. Trail 1 borders the Mur ray Woods Nature Preserve that leads to the campground. There are several clearing areas\, and some wooded areas. There are restrooms and dogs are a llowed with a large parking lot. Maps are suggested as there are several t rails to take. Read Our Full Article\, Click HERE!\n\nZona Wildlife Sanctu ary\nDescription: Easy - Moderate\nDistance: 2.1 mi. Time: \; several small trails\nLocation: 601 E. 950 N\, Westville\, IN\n\n \; \;&nb sp\; \; This location has several trails available that are clearly ma rked. This area was once a farm\, but it is a scenic route through the for est. This trail does have a parking lot and is dog-friendly with restrooms . Picnic tables\, benches and interpretive panels are located along the tr ails.\n\nGabis Arboretum\nDescription: Very mild\nDistance: Several trails with various distances. Flat paved trails great for runners.\nLocation: 4 44W. 100N \, Valparaiso\, IN\, 46385 \;\nThese trails are meant for th e novice hiker. Not meant for a "serious" hiking experience. Great for fam ilies with young children. \; Read Our Full Article HERE\n\nTrail 4 to Mount Tom\nDescription: Moderate\nDistance: 2.1 km Time: 41 min.\nLocatio n: Chesterton\, Indiana\n\nDunes Park Train Station to D\nDescription: Eas y\nDistance: 6.1 mi Time: 2hr. 31 min.\nLocation: Chesterton\, Indiana\n\n Bluhm County Park Gust Trail\nDescription: Easy\nDistance: 1.1 mi Time: 28  \;min.\nLocation: Bluhm County Park\, LaPorte Indiana\n\nIndiana Dun es Trail 3\nDescription: Easy\nDistance: 2.3 km Time: 38 min.\nLocation: I ndiana Dunes State park\n\nPartial Source: alltrails.com\, hikingproject.c om\,\nEvery effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained. PanoramaNOW is not liable for damages arising from errors or o utdated information.\nMore Indiana Dunes Related Articles . . . \;\n\n Grand Opening of the Marquette Greenway Trail From Miller Beach to Indiana Dunes\n \; On June 6th\, 2026 the official ribbon cutting of the new 2.7 mile section of the Marquette Greenway trail was opened. Thank you fro m the bottom of our hearts to National Park Service Rafi Wilkerson and Nor thwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commision Mitch Barloga\, and everyone else involved for our magnificent trail.  \;  \;  \;The…\nC ontinue Reading →\n\nIndiana Dune’s Mount Baldy Closed Thru Mid – Ju ne 2026\n \;  \;  \;The Mount Baldy Access Site will be closed from late March to mid-June 2026 as the Indiana Dunes National Park Servi ce undertakes a key project to manage sand movement and stabilize the shor eline. Over the years\, windblown sand has covered parts of the parking ar ea and sanitation facilities. This effort is designed to…\nContinue Read ing →\n\n\nMount Baldy is No Longer Bald\nStory by Friends of Indiana Du nes Mount Baldy is a 126-foot-tall sand dune located at the southern tip o f Lake Michigan\, lying near the eastern end of Indiana Dunes National Par k and just west of Crescent Dune . This parabolic dune began forming some 4\,000 years ago and is continually changing because of natural and…\nCo ntinue Reading →\n\n\nEPA to Spend 200 Million Dollars to Clean Up Grand Calumet River\n\n \;  \;  \;While long-term dredging in the I ndiana Harbor Canal (Phase 2) began in 2021\, new major cleanup projects f or both the Indiana Harbor and the Grand Calumet River are set to begin in late 2026\, following a 2026 EPA announcement of over $200 million for se diment remediation and restoration to remove pollutants. (More info…\nCo ntinue Reading →\n\n \;\n\n\nHobart Marsh Plan by the IDEM and Lake Michigan Costal Program\n \;  \;  \;During our research on the effect of the Hobart Data Center on the environment\, we found the Hobart Marsh Plan document worth looking into. This 21 page document was publish ed in 2016\, further emphasizes the importance of the Hobart Marsh Ecologi cal importance. The area location is bounded by Interstate 65 to the west\ ;…\nContinue Reading →\n \;\n\n\nNew Report Published about the Ef fects of Data Centers On the Great Lakes\n \;  \;  \;The Hobar t Indiana Data Center is located closer to Lake Michigan than most folks r ealize. It’s actually 12 miles as the crow flies\, and 16 miles using a 100% waterway\, from Deep River (Hobart) to Lake Michigan. The effect of D ata Centers on the Great Lakes is an important issue that should be…\nCo ntinue Reading →\n \;\n\n \;\n\n\nStudies Say the Bird Populatio n will Die On Lake George (Hobart) with Data Center Operations\n \; &n bsp\;  \;Lake George\, in Hobart Indiana\, is a vibrant stopover and a winter haven for a diverse array of water birds\, from the year-round mut e swans (your ~5 residents) to the seasonal influx of 36 plus trumpeter sw ans in winter. Sandhill cranes forage in the nearby fields and lake shallo ws and there’s an ever-present…\nContinue Reading →\n\nProven Docume ntation that Data Centers Damage Wetlands\n \; \; \; \; Th e Deep River wetlands around Hobart Indiana’s Deep River flows through L ake County Indiana towards Lake Michigan. Deep River wetlands refer not ju st to a single swamp or marsh\, but to a network of wetlands\, riparian co rridors\, floodplains\, forested bottomlands\, marshes\, woodlands\, savan nas\, lakes\, rivers\, ravines\, bottomland forests and prairie habitats t hat are scattered…\nContinue Reading →\n\nIvanhoe South Nature Preserv e Project Completed – Gary Indiana\n—Shirley Heinze Land Trust invites the public to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony beginning at 3 p.m. on Thu rsday\, October 30 at Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve\, located at 750 Colfa x St\, Gary\, IN 46406.  \;  \;  \;This ceremony will celebrat e the many partners and funders who contributed to the project. Attendees will see the new pavilion\,…\nContinue Reading →\n\nOTHER RECREATION S TORIES:\nOutdoor Activities in Nwi\nBowling \; – Valparaiso\nForest park Golf and Creekside Golf – Valpo\nMaintenance Tips for Your RV\nBiki ng – NWIndiana\nBaseball – Gary\nHiking in Northwest Indiana\nHike the Moraine Nature Preserve – Valpo\nHiking At Sunset Hill County Park – Valpo\nWolf Lake Pavilion – Hammond\nFishing Essentials\nHidden Lake Par k – Merrillville\nPortage Lakefront Riverwalk Park\nHammond Bird Sanctua ry – Hammond\nGabis Arboretum – Valparaiso\nMount Baldy – Indiana Du nes\nWhoa Zone Water Park – Whiting\nNorthwest Indiana Fall Colors – L aPorte\nIce Fishing – NWIndiana\nSledding – NWIndiana\nIce Skating – NWIndiana\n \;\n ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://panoramanow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/ 04/Ve0lXQNynkpv73E8QxU8OwO5iS413iW81648241492.jpg CATEGORIES:exercise,hike END:VEVENT BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago X-LIC-LOCATION:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT DTSTART:20260308T030000 TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE END:VCALENDAR