Glenwood Dunes Trail - 6.8mi Easy Loop

Golden grasses spread out across the field. The leaves on the trees are green, gold, and red.

Navigate 13 trail junctions through interconnected dune loops with minimal elevation gain—a navigation puzzle, not a fitness test. Packed dirt and sand sections offer zero shade; full sun exposure dominates open dune areas. The 6.8-mile main loop suits all fitness levels, but successful completion demands a detailed trail map and attentive route-finding. Extensions to nearly 15 miles expose different park sections and are optional.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 6.8
Route Type: Loop with optional extensions
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 129

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 6.8
Route Type: Loop with optional extensions
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 129
Estimated Time: 4 hours for main loop; 6-8 hours with extensions
Trail Surface: Packed dirt with sand sections and some boardwalk
Trail Features: Fall Colors
Wildlife
Interconnected loops
Dune ecosystem
Trail Highlights: Extensive loop system connecting multiple dune environments; optional extensions to Dunewood Campground and Dune Park South Shore Railroad Station

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: 1475 North Brummitt Road, Chesterton, IN 46304
Parking Lot Size: Large paved lot accommodating horse trailers
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle required or available

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required
Fees: $25 per private vehicle (valid 7 days); motorcycle $20, organized groups $15 per person
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Horseback riding closed Dec 15-Mar 15 unless sufficient snow (3+ inches) exists. Trail remains open year-round 6am-11pm daily.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Potable water available at Glenwood Dunes and Calumet Dunes trailheads. No water on trail—carry all you need.
Accessibility: Trail surface is rooty/sandy—not wheelchair accessible. Restrooms at trailhead are wheelchair accessible.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Ticks (year-round)
Poison ivy (trail edges)
Mosquitoes and biting flies (summer peak)
Complex navigation (13 junctions)
Sun exposure (no shade)
Changing weather
Hazard Details: Ticks present year-round—check yourself post-hike. Poison ivy grows on trail edges; don't touch. Mosquitoes and biting flies severe June-August. 13 trail junctions create navigation complexity; map reading essential. Open dune sections offer zero shade and intense sun exposure. Weather changes rapidly; prepare for shifts.
Crowd Level: Moderate, busier on weekends and fair-weather days
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends, May-October, and fair-weather days
Best Season: May-October for optimal conditions and stable weather
Best Time To Visit: Arrive by 6-7 AM to navigate 13 junctions safely in daylight. May-October offers stable weather and minimal conflict with cross-country skiing season. Summer brings peak mosquitoes—spring and fall are superior. Winter closes horseback riding (Dec 15-Mar 15) but welcomes skiers with 3+ inches of snow.
Tips Advice: Bring the official trail map—13 junctions will fold you without it.
Carry 2-3L water minimum; dune sections offer zero shade.
Hike counter-clockwise as recommended for safety with equestrians.
Check yourself for ticks post-hike, especially spring-fall.
DEET mandatory June-August; mosquitoes and biting flies peak.
Avoid touching poison ivy at trail edges.
Wear light colors on open dune sections for heat reflection.

More details

Park Area: Chesterton area
Trail Markers: Well-worn path but complex with 13 junctions. Bring detailed trail map.
Dogs Allowed: Permitted on leash (6' or shorter) everywhere except equestrian portion; prohibited on equestrian loop for safety
Biking Allowed: No. Bicycles and motorized vehicles prohibited.
Shade Level: Minimal to none. Fully exposed dune sections with intense sun. Zero shade relief.
Emergency Contacts: In case of emergency or to report a crime, call 1-800-PARK-TIP
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Snow rare in this region. If snow depth reaches 3+ inches, horseback riding closes but cross-country skiing opens.
Mud Season: Spring (March-April); trail can be muddy from snowmelt and spring rain
Fall Colors Peak: September-October
Bug Season: Peak insect activity June-August. Mosquitoes and biting flies severe in summer.
Insider Tips: Counter-clockwise is the recommended direction; safer with equestrian traffic.
The short cut-off at the east end avoids the Calumet Dunes paved trail.
Start early for daylight across 13 junctions.
Parking lot accommodates horse trailers; popular with equestrian users.
Trail connects to Dunewood Campground (4.4 miles) and Dune Park station (2.6 miles)—good for multi-day exploration.
Family Friendly Notes: Easy-moderate difficulty suits older children (8+) with hiking experience. Younger kids may struggle with navigation (13 junctions) or 6.8-mile distance. Sandy sections fatigue short legs faster. Poison ivy and tick precautions essential with kids. Equestrian and dog traffic adds management complexity.
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms and potable water at Glenwood Dunes and Calumet Dunes trailheads. First-come picnic shelters with grills at Glenwood Dunes lot. Dunewood Campground (4.4 miles via connector trail) has restrooms and water. Extensions reach Dune Park South Shore Railroad Station (2.6 miles west).
Review Summary: Hikers praise the varied loop options and low elevation gain but consistently note that map navigation is essential with 13 junctions. Popular with equestrians and cross-country skiers. Trail is well-maintained year-round.