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Natural Monuments

Dunes Succession Trail

Natural Monuments

Dunes Succession Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Dunes Succession Trail

Name: Dunes Succession Trail
Rating: 2

Recommended by 8 hikers

This Highlight goes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Indiana Dunes National Park

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Location: Portage, Porter County, Indiana, United States

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Best Hiking Routes to Dunes Succession Trail

4.8

(4)

hikers

1. West Beach 3-Loop Trail — Indiana Dunes National Park

5.58km

01:27

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.4

(5)

hikers

2. Dunes Succession Trail loop from Ogden Dunes

2.59km

00:41

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

hikers

3. Dunes Succession Trail loop from Ogden Dunes

3.93km

01:01

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Tips

Sue

May 29, 2025

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

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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Details

Informations

Distance 106 m

Uphill 0 m

Downhill 0 m

Weather

Thursday 25 December

7°C

3°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

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Location: Portage, Porter County, Indiana, United States

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West Beach, Indiana Dunes National Park

Dunes Succession Trail

1. West Beach 3-Loop Trail — Indiana Dunes National Park

2. Dunes Succession Trail loop from Ogden Dunes

3. Dunes Succession Trail loop from Ogden Dunes

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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