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Trail 9

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.7 (62)
  1. Areas
  2. IN
  3. …Northern Indiana
  4. Indiana Dunes State Park
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“Perhaps the best trail in Northwest Indiana with incredible views of Lake Michigan. ”

Rafi Wilkinson
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Map Key

3.6

Miles

5.8

KM

Lollipop

684' 209 m

High

606' 185 m

Low

99' 30 m

Up

100' 31 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Views

Pets permitted on a leash (6' or shorter). Swimming is permitted only at the Pavilion when lifeguards are present (Memorial Day through Labor Day).

Overview

This is the definitive trail in the dunes. It combines hiking through mature forests and along the top of a dune ridge overlooking Lake Michigan. The views are incredible. The gem of this trail is Beach House Blowout, a huge bowl of sand. The trail winds along its narrow edge affording views in every direction.

Need to Know

There is an entrance fee to the State Park. Everyday mid-April through mid-November. Weekends only in the winter. $7 per car for Indiana residents, $12 per car for out of state. $2 walk-in and bike fee.

Description

Park at the Nature Center parking lot. The trailhead is well marked. The preferred route is to stay on Trail 9 for its entire length. At the base of Beach House Blowout, stay low (to the right) to hike the loop in a counter-clockwise direction. This will keep you low through the forest on the way out.

At the farthest point, the trail will turn to the left and climb up the dune. Lake Michigan will come into view. The trail returns along the ridge line culminating at Big Beach House Blowout. The views and topography are incredible. The trail literally falls off the back out the blowout and returns to the Nature Center using the same trail.

History & Background

The Indiana Dunes State Park was established in 1925 and contains 2,182 acres of land. The park is home to the tallest sand dunes in the area and approach 200 feet in height. The park contains a diverse range of beach, forest, and wetland habitats. As a result, this is an incredible spot for birding. There are three miles of pristine beaches along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Visit the State Park website for information on programs, camping, and other activities.

Contacts

Land Manager: Indiana DNR - Indiana Dunes State Park

Shared By:

Rafi Wilkinson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 62 votes

#1

in Indiana Dunes State Park

#138

Overall
  4.7 from 62 votes
5 Star
73%
4 Star
26%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Indiana Dunes State Park

#1

in Indiana

#138

Overall
10 Views Last Month
18,601 Since Jan 29, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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4%
46%
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21%
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Photos

Beach House Blowout panorama.
Jan 29, 2016 near Beverly…, IN
View of Lake Michigan on Trail 9.
Sep 14, 2022 near Beverly…, IN
Awesome view of Lake Michigan at Beach House Blowout on Trail 9.
Jan 29, 2016 near Beverly…, IN
The views from the dune ridge are incredible!
Jan 29, 2016 near Beverly…, IN
Hiking along the ridge of of the Beach House Blowout.
Jan 29, 2016 near Beverly…, IN
View during my hike in mid August.
Sep 14, 2022 near Beverly…, IN

2 Comments

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 64 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 28, 2024
Anonymous
Dec 9, 2023
Rafael Jiménez
Oct 1, 2023
Lisa Cole
Sep 29, 2023
Cindy Shields
Jun 6, 2023
John H
Mar 30, 2023
Rick Meyer
3.9mi — 2h 44m
Sep 17, 2022
Sarah Weatherly
Walked down last beach turn off and then took the last bit of ten to the end 4.4mi — 1h 59m
Aug 23, 2022
Kaitlyn Hendrickson
4.3mi

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