by Andie Renner-Miller
We did this hike back when it was snow covered as it was listed as a good hike to do in the snow. This preserve was a good reminder that it doesn’t need to be warm out to take a good hike. We found only one area that may be difficult for some to cross. A very deep, yet very small water crossing that even in summer may be difficult for some. It was literally one step to get over, however, givin the deepness of the crack, some may find it a hard step. We did not get wet taking this step, but with the slippery ground, it was an awkward step.
This preserve is just north of Valparaiso in Porter County. The road into the preserve is narrow. This can be an issue in a couple of areas as it drops right off on the side into a pond. Be aware of any traffic going the opposite direction. The road is also in poor condition with some deep potholes in areas. There is one good size parking lot and what looks to be a one or two car pull off on the opposite side. It wasn’t plowed so we couldn’t tell for sure.
The website says there are no defined trails, but we found a very well kept 2.5 mile loop trail that goes on both sides of the parking area. Be careful when going up to the back side of the trail as it looks like it keeps going along the power line when it goes off to the right. The trail was covered in snow, but wide and easy to follow. There were a few depressions that I’m sure are muddy puddles the rest of the year. Lots of wildlife tracks and trails.
This trail is kid friendly. Dogs must be on leash. Since this is a preserve everything is protected, so be mindful of the Leave No Trace philosophy. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints and only leave those on the trail. I definitely recommend bug spray in the warmer months.
No one is responsible for your hike but you. Please be prepared. Always know the weather and area conditions. Always let someone know where you will be and when you plan to return. Have food and water and emergency provisions on hand. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, the quality tactical jacket is maybe the best choice. My hike will be different from your hike every time so please judge an area based on your comfort and skill level, not mine. Do you research and most importantly, hike Safe, hike fun!
https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/moraine-nature-preserve/
About The Author –
Andie Renner-Miller is a member of the La Porte County Indiana Hiking Club on Facebook. She also manages the LaPorte County Events Facebook Group as well.
Note from the Editor –
According to a review online this trail can be muddy in the Spring and Fall during the Rainy Season.
RELATED ARTICLES . . .
Indiana Dune’s Mount Baldy Closed Thru Mid – June 2026
The Mount Baldy Access Site will be closed from late March to mid-June 2026 as the Indiana Dunes National Park Service undertakes a key project to manage sand movement and stabilize the shoreline. Over the years, windblown sand has covered parts of the parking area and sanitation facilities. This effort is designed to…
Marquette Greenway Trail Opened To Indiana Dunes National park
Another recently completed Next Level Trails project was the Marquette Greenway in Portage. This new section closed a gap in the Marquette Greenway system by constructing 0.94-miles of trail through part of Indiana Dunes National Park, including a pedestrian bridge over Salt Creek.
This new section of the Marquette Greenway closes a gap in the Marquette Greenway system Continue Reading. . .
Tallest Sand Dune In Indiana Discovered
As an Indiana Master Naturalist, scientist, inventor, historian, and photographer local resident Ron Seman has hiked the Indiana Dunes for over fifty (50) years. He leads FREE adventures everyday of the year in all weather with individuals, veterans, active military, first responders, those in recovery via school groups, organizations, Artistic Recovery and corporations for team building and he is always on the lookout for standout nature. Recently he found a STAND UP in nature. It took over three years of hypothesizing, researching, and measuring and he will be revealing the tallest sand dune in Indiana’s history!
Continue Reading. . .
Indiana Dunes Hiking Adventures
In the Indiana Dunes Region, Chicago scientists and the public come together for a 4 day BioBlitz. A Biodiversity Blitz, or BioBlitz, is a rapid assessment of what lives in a particular area at a given point in time. Biodiversity, the variety of living…
Summer Bucket List: 6 Activities To Try Before Summer Ends
As the peak of the summer season approaches, that bittersweet feeling of embracing the warm weather and anything-goes mentality starts to kick in.
After a carefree summer with salt in the air, those end-of-summer blues may hit you in the feels hard. However, you can end the season with a bang with these six activities to try before summer ends. Continue reading. . . .
See Our Indiana Dunes Video,
narrated by indiana Dunes Naturalist Ron Seman talking about: about His Hiking Adventures at the Indiana Dunes! #Beachesandbeyond Learn about #ShirleyHeinze Land Trust #BioBlitz; Indiana Dunes National Park; #Monarch Butterflies #Migration; Salamanders; Wolf Lake Hammond In; Heron Rookery; Native Plant Sale at Friends of Indiana Dunes, Inc. Office (New Location) Porter County Parks and Recreation; Great Lakes Marsh Marsh in Miller Beach; Ambler Flatwoods Hiking Trail and Sandhill Cranes at Miller Beach, Gary, IN.
Outdoor Adventures in Northwest Indiana: Top 5 Hiking and Biking Trails
Northwest Indiana, a treasure trove of natural beauty, beckons students to explore its diverse landscapes. With trails winding through lush forests and along serene lakes, it’s an ideal destination for both hiking and biking. These outdoor activities offer a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for students looking to escape the routine. Whether you’re a…
OTHER RECREATION STORIES:
Outdoor Activities in Nwi
Bowling – Valparaiso
Forest park Golf and Creekside Golf – Valpo
Maintenance Tips for Your RV
Biking – NWIndiana
Baseball – Gary
Hiking in Northwest Indiana
Hike the Moraine Nature Preserve – Valpo
Hiking At Sunset Hill County Park – Valpo
Wolf Lake Pavilion – Hammond
Fishing Essentials
Hidden Lake Park – Merrillville
Portage Lakefront Riverwalk Park
Hammond Bird Sanctuary – Hammond
Gabis Arboretum – Valparaiso
Mount Baldy – Indiana Dunes
Edge Adventure Park (Zip Lines) Hobart
Whoa Zone Water Park – Whiting
Northwest Indiana Fall Colors – LaPorte
Ice Fishing – NWIndiana
Sledding – NWIndiana
Ice Skating – NWIndiana
Read Our Latest Blogs Or Find More Articles You’ll Like HERE
OTHER TOPICS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN:
There’s Still Time to Hike the 1966 Challenge at Indiana Dunes!
Join a ranger and hike all the trails in Indiana Dunes National Park. This hiking challenge will take place over the course of the summer with each week featuring a ranger-led hike on a different trail. There will be a total of 19 hikes covering 66 miles to honor the year, 1966, when the park was established. Can’t make…
How To Prevent Fresh Food From Spoiling on Off-Roading Trips
Say goodbye to exclusively canned and dried food on your off-roading trips. Learn how to prevent fresh food from spoiling in the backcountry.
Outdoor Fun: Tips for Safely Hiking With Your Dog
Getting ready to gear up and go on a wilderness adventure with your pooch? Get 4 must-know tips for safely hiking with your dog so that you have the best time.
Outdoor Adventures in Northwest Indiana: Top 5 Hiking and Biking Trails for Students
Northwest Indiana, a treasure trove of natural beauty, beckons students to explore its diverse landscapes. With trails winding through lush forests and along serene lakes, it’s an ideal destination for both hiking and biking. These outdoor activities offer a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for students looking to escape the routine. Whether you’re a…
Learn More About Hiking The Indiana Dunes with this Youtube Video with Ron Seman
Hikers Will LOVE this Video with Indiana Naturalist Ron Seman Talkin about His Hiking Adventures at the Indiana Dunes! Beachesandbeyond Learn about ShirleyHeinze Land Trust; Indiana Dunes National Park; Monarch Butterflies Migration; Salamanders; Wolf Lake Hammond In; Heron Rookery; Native Plant Sale at Friends of Indiana Dunes, Inc. Office (New Location) Porter County Parks and Recreation; Great Lakes Marsh Marsh in Miller Beach; Ambler Flatwoods Hiking Trail and Sandhill Cranes at Miller Beach, Gary, IN
CLICK HERE TO WATCH YOUTUBE
VIDEO
Discover More About the Indiana Dunes:
Chesterton European Market
Century of Progress Tour
Things to Do in Michigan City
Shoreline Brewery – Michigan City
Dunes Learning Center
Chesterton Art Center
Things To Do in Chesterton
Indiana Dunes Becomes a National Park
Songbird Prairie Bed & Breakfast awarded “Best Romantic Getaway”
Chautauqua in the Dunes
Lake Michigan Beaches
Free Beach Shuttles at Indiana Dunes
Birding Festival (May)
Maple Sugar Time (Early March)
Visit Mount Baldy
Outdoor Adventure Festival (Fall)
Apples Festival (Fall)
Local Family Fun Amusement Parks
Things to do in Valparaiso
Things to do in Portage
Discover More About Valparaiso –
• Central Plaza Activity Center – Downtown Valparaiso
• Front Porch Music
• Concerts in Valparaiso
• Valparaiso Chocolate Walk
• Chicago Street Theatre
• Memorial Opera House
Hike the Moraine Nature Preserve – Valpo
Hiking At Sunset Hill County Park – Valpo
• Songbird B&B Awarded Best Romantic Getaway in Indiana!
• Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant
• Porter County Fair
• Central Plaza Ice Rink
• Hayrides at Rogers Lakewood Park
• Visit Ogden Gardens
• Hiking at Sunset Hill County park
• Visit Gabis Arboretum
• Calendar of Events In Valparaiso
• Things To Do In Chesterton
• Things To Do In Michigan City
• Things to do in Portage
• Things to do in Indiana Dunes
OTHER TOPICS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN:
|
|
 Local Amusement Parks |
 Area Birding Articles |
|
 Parks And Recreation |
 Nature Lovers |
 Tourism Information |
 Wine Lovers Tips |
 Health And Wellness |
Aftermath Cidery & Winery ; Bao’s Pastry ; Be Good Juicerie ; Designer Desserts-Valparaiso;
Don Quijote Imports; E&A Jewelers ; Ella Jayms ; FLUID Coffee Roasters – Downtown Valparaiso ; FLUID Coffee Roasters – Valpo South;
Hungry Hound Boutique & Grooming ; Indie Indie Bang Bang ; Journeyman Distillery; Lifestyles ; Market 102 ; Merit Pilates;
Birdie’s ; Old World Market ; Peddlers Pizza Pub ; Pickles Kids; Pikk’s Tavern ; RADIUS-Valpo; Rocket Fizz Valparaiso, Indiana ; Scented Science
Silcott Shoes ; Six Cypress Boutique; The Spice & Tea Exchange; The Press; Toys in the Attic – Valpo Valpo Vintage;
vALPARAISO, INDIANA; ValpoEvents; Valparaiso Events; Things to do in Valparaiso; Downtown Valparaiso; Valparaiso Restaurants; Valparaiso Boutiques
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
