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Dunes Succession Trail

Dunes Succession Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Dunes Succession Trail

Hiking

5.0

(11)

This Highlight goes through a protected area

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Indiana Dunes National Park

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Location: Portage, Porter County, Indiana, United States

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Sue

May 29, 2025

Hiking

The Dune Succession Trail is a fantastic one-mile loop that transitions from bare dunes to oak woodlands, with 250 stairs leading to stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Climbing the stairs to the top can be relatively challenging for some, but the incredible vistas make it well worth the trek!

A🚶🏽‍♂️L🚴🏼‍♂️E🏃🏽‍♂️X

November 4, 2023

Hiking

The Dune Succession Trail (Loop 1) highlights the four stages of dune development within its one-mile length. From the parking lot, follow the road north, toward the lake and look for the trail to pick up to the west of the bathhouse. This scenic, but strenuous, trail includes a climb up 270 stairs for a spectacular view of Lake Michigan and Chicago. Support the restoration effort in the fragile dunes and ponds by remaining on designated trails. Spot the skyline of Chicago 28 miles across Lake Michigan from the lookout point!
nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/wb16.htm

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Dunes Succession Trail

4.8

(4)

hikers

#1.

West Beach 3-Loop Trail

5.58km

01:27

30m

Embark on an easy hike along the West Beach 3-Loop Trail, a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) route that offers a diverse journey through Indiana Dunes National Park. You'll experience varied landscapes, from bare sand dunes to lush wooded areas and even an oak savanna, all while gaining a gentle 107 feet (33 metres) in elevation. The trail combines three distinct loops, providing a unique blend of environments. After about 1 hour and 26 minutes of walking, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the distant Chicago skyline from the top of the Dune Succession Trail. Keep an eye out for prickly pear cactus and various water birds as you explore.

When planning your visit, be aware that while a paved path leads to the bathhouse and beach, the hiking trails themselves are not wheelchair accessible. You will encounter sections with loose sand, which can make walking more challenging. However, the sand often becomes more compact and easier to traverse during the winter months. Consider visiting during cooler seasons for a potentially smoother experience on these sandy stretches.

This trail offers a unique opportunity to witness different stages of dune development, showcasing a wide array of habitats within a single hike. You'll move from newly formed dunes to more established wooded areas, providing a fascinating ecological journey. The route is particularly notable for its 'best of three worlds' experience, allowing you to observe diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including water birds near Long Lake.

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4.7

(3)

hikers

#2.