Trail

Dune Ridge Trail

Trail
A sandy trail winds through an oak forest. The sunlight gleams through the trees.

The Dune Ridge Trail packs moderate challenge into 0.7 miles through Indiana's most biodiverse habitats. Loose sand and a steep 73-foot climb reward you with sweeping Great Marsh views from a forested dune ridge. The descent through loose sand is steep and technical; expect to grip your trekking poles. This is a short hike that hits harder than the distance suggests.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
0.7
Route Type
Loop (lollipop)
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
73

Trail profile

Distance Miles
0.7
Route Type
Loop (lollipop)
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
73
Estimated Time
30 minutes to 1 hour
Trail Surface
Mixture of loose sand and packed dirt
Trail Features
  • Overlook
  • Birding
  • Fall Colors
  • Wildflowers
  • Wildlife
Trail Highlights
Great Marsh Overlook with sweeping views of wetlands and forests; diverse habitat progression from foredune to oak savanna to forested dune

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
North of U.S. Highway 12 on East State Park Road (300E), Beverly Shores, IN 46301
Parking Lot Size
Paved lot, capacity fills quickly on summer weekends
Parking Fill Time
Full by sunrise on summer weekends
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Not required; direct access from parking lot

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
None required
Fees
$25 per private vehicle (7-day park entrance pass)
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Open year-round; park hours 6:00 AM–11:00 PM daily

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
No water sources on trail. Potable water available at trailhead facilities. Carry all needed water.
Accessibility
Trail is not wheelchair accessible; restrooms at trailhead are accessible

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Ticks
  • Poison ivy
  • Loose sand on steep descent
  • Exposed weather on ridge
  • Off-trail damage to fragile habitat
Hazard Details
Ticks present year-round—take precautionary measures and check yourself afterward. Poison ivy can line trail edges. The descent is steep loose sand; poor footing and falls are real. Exposed ridge offers no weather protection; prepare for wind and sun.
Crowd Level
Moderate to heavy on summer weekends; quieter weekdays and off-season
Peak Crowd Times
Summer weekends
Best Season
Spring or fall
Best Time To Visit
Visit spring or fall when weather is stable and wildflowers or fall colors are visible. Arrive early—before 9 AM—to beat summer weekend crowds that fill the paved lot quickly.
Tips Advice
  • Tighten your boots—loose sand is treacherous on descent.
  • Carry 1–2L water minimum; refill at trailhead before starting.
  • Ticks year-round: wear light colors, check legs and torso afterward.
  • Watch for poison ivy on trail edges; stay on path.
  • Start early to secure parking on summer weekends.
  • Use trekking poles for the steep descent through loose sand.

More details

Park Area
Beverly Shores
Trail Markers
Well established and marked; follow junction signs to loop clockwise direction
Dogs Allowed
Yes, on leash (6 feet or shorter)
Biking Allowed
No, bicycles prohibited
Shade Level
Mostly exposed on ridge; partial shade in oak savanna sections early on the loop
Emergency Contacts
Call 1-800-PARK-TIP for emergencies or to report crime
Map Recommended
1
Bug Season
Ticks present year-round; peak mosquito season unknown
Insider Tips
  • The trail is lollipop-shaped: turn left at the loop junction to hike clockwise.
  • The false flat early on the loop will lull you—the real climb comes next.
  • The steepest, loosest sand is on the descent; control your speed to avoid slides.
  • Stay on established trail to avoid damaging fragile foredune pioneer plants.
  • The Great Marsh Overlook payoff is real—worth every grunt.
Family Friendly Notes
Kids can handle the distance and moderate difficulty, but supervise carefully on steep loose-sand sections, especially the descent. Hand-holding on the steepest pitches is smart. Children should be steady on their feet.
Nearby Facilities
Year-round restrooms and potable water at Dune Ridge Trailhead. Kemil Beach nearby for swimming and beach access.
Review Summary
Hikers value the Great Marsh views and walkthrough of diverse habitats in a short package. The loose sand and steep descent deliver more grit than the 0.7 miles promises—legs and knees feel it. Most hike in spring or fall to catch wildflowers or fall colors and avoid summer crowds.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I really do this in 30 minutes?

Only if you're fit and moving hard. Expect 45 minutes to 1 hour with typical effort. The steep loose sand slows most hikers.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Mostly yes, but tell someone your plan. Stay on trail to stay safe. Ticks and poison ivy are hazards, not safety blockers. Call 1-800-PARK-TIP for emergencies.

Do I need special gear?

Trekking poles for the descent. Sturdy boots for loose sand. Light-colored clothing for tick detection. Sunscreen and a hat—there's little shade on the ridge. 1–2L water minimum.

Are ticks really a problem?

Yes, year-round. Wear light colors, check yourself after the hike, and remove ticks promptly. It's manageable with awareness, not a showstopper.

What if the lot is full?

Arrive early—before 9 AM on weekends, anytime on weekdays. Summer weekends are peak; spring and fall are better.

Is poison ivy bad?

It's on trail edges but avoidable if you stay on the established path. Stay on trail and you'll be fine.

Can my dog come?

Yes, on a 6-foot leash or shorter. Keep dogs on trail to protect habitat.

1966 Hiking Challenge

19 ranger hikes, 66 miles total. Earn your medal. May–September Saturdays at 8 AM.

Calumet Dunes Trail

Half-mile paced loop: accessible, family-friendly, easy dunes entry. Year-round ticks; stay left at junctions.

Cowles Bog Trail (South)

4.7 miles of loose sand, steep dunes, zero water. Bring 2L+, start early. Lake views payoff big.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated June 2026. Report an issue.