Glenwood Dunes Trail

Parking is available at the Glenwood Dunes trailhead. You'll find year-round restrooms and potable water at both the Glenwood Dunes and Calumet Dunes trailheads. Picnic shelters are also available at the Glenwood Dunes parking lot.

Yes, passes are required for entry into Indiana Dunes National Park, where the Glenwood Dunes Trail is located. You can find more information on passes at nps.gov.

Yes, pets are permitted on a leash (6 feet or shorter) in most areas of the trail. However, dogs are prohibited on the equestrian portion for safety reasons.

The trail offers different experiences throughout the year. Fall is excellent for observing vibrant fall colors. In winter, when there's sufficient snow, it becomes a popular spot for cross-country skiing. The trail is open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

The trail features a varied surface, primarily consisting of packed dirt, with sections of loose sand and boardwalks. You'll traverse ancient dune ridges, mature woodlands, and some parts meander through prairie before re-entering forested areas. Wetlands, including swamps and vernal ponds, are also present.

The main loop is approximately 6.8 miles long and typically takes around 4 hours to complete. However, the trail system features interconnected loops ranging from less than a mile to over 15 miles, allowing you to choose a route that matches your desired distance and challenge.

The Glenwood Dunes Trail is generally considered easy to moderate, with some changes in elevation. Its interconnected loop system allows hikers to select shorter, less challenging routes, making it suitable for a range of abilities, including beginners.

The diverse habitats, including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands, provide opportunities to observe various wildlife. The trail is also noted for its rich diversity of plant life, especially in the low-lying areas between the dunes.

Yes, the Glenwood Dunes Trail is part of an extensive network. It connects to the Dunewood Trace Campground Trail and the Glenwood Dunes Extension Trail, and also links to the Calumet Dunes Paved Trail. Sections of the route also pass through the Calumet Trail and the Duneland Loop.

With 13 trail junctions throughout the system, it's highly recommended to bring a trail map to help with navigation. This will allow you to plan your route effectively and explore the various interconnected loops.

The trail is popular with hikers, runners, horseback riders (from March 16 to December 14), and cross-country skiers. Horseback riding is prohibited on the equestrian portion when there's enough snow for skiing to prevent accidents. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail.