The Iconic Trail in Indiana Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

Indiana Dunes National Park is Indiana's first and only national park. Of all the incredible parks and recreation areas in the Hoosier State, this one might be the most special one, making it absolutely worth driving from wherever you might be (in the Midwest and/or outside of it!) to experience it. While you're here, you'll have the chance to indulge in some of our state's most iconic routes and hiking trails.

Of the amazing hiking trails in Indiana, the Indiana Dunes probably have some of the most impressive. After all, the dunes are incredibly iconic in and of themselves, thanks to the completely different terrain from the rest of the state. Ask any stranger if there are sand dunes in the Midwest and see what they say; I suspect most folks have no idea.

Enter the Mt. Baldy Beach Trail, just under one mile of challenging (but rewarding) hiking with incredible beach views. Truly, some of the intensely beautiful views of Lake Michigan on this hike look and feel like something out of a Caribbean paradise rather than a park in Indiana. But hey, here we are, and it's glorious. On particularly clear days, you can catch glimpses of the Chicago skyline across the water.

The trail is simple but not easy. You'll begin in the parking lot at the trailhead. From there, find your way to the staircase, which is right up along the entry road. Once you reach the top, you'll find that the trail veers right and meanders around the western side of Mt. Baldy (which is a dune, not a mountain, for the record). Follow the trail until you reach the edge of the dune, where you'll make your final descent down to the beach.

This is the hard part. The sand is loose and soft, and thanks to its nature, folks find it nigh on impossible to bring things like coolers and equipment down. The National Park Service strongly advises against trying to bring these things, and so do I. Let's enjoy nature without all the bells and whistles, at least while we're immersed in this particularly delicate ecosystem.

If you find getting down to the beach challenging, and for many, it is—you're definitely not going to like the way back up. What goes down must come....up? Climbing back up the dune is tough, even for seasoned hikers, but I promise the entire experience is worth it. Mount Baldy is an impressive 126 feet. The dune is constantly moving, and pretty fast. While most geological processes take centuries, Mt. Baldy is meandering inland at an amazing four feet per year.

Indiana Dunes National Park offers much more than just a climb up Mount Baldy. Visitors can explore more than 50 miles of hiking trails. Birdwatchers will be thrilled by the diverse species that pass through during migration seasons. Or, go kayaking or fishing on Lake Michigan. The beaches themselves are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply relaxing.

After a day of adventure, refuel at the nearby towns. Locals rave about Bartlett’s Fish Camp, serving up delicious American fare with a creative twist. Alternatively, grab a hearty burger and craft beer from Shoreline Brewery in Michigan City, just a short drive away.

You'll find the amazing trailhead parking lot at 101 Rice Street (U.S. Highway 12), Michigan City, IN 46360. For a map and more information about the hike itself, check out the official Mt. Baldy Beach Trail AllTrails listing. If you're serious about hiking and would like to take it to the next level, check out the perks of getting AllTrails Plus. I'm personally obsessed with it.

Do you have a favorite, totally iconic hiking trail in Indiana to share with me? Let me know in the comments! Feeling inspired? Try planning your own Indiana trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.