The best walks and hikes around Beverly Shores

The Glenwood Dunes Trail offers a captivating journey through ancient landscapes within the Indiana Dunes National Park. This moderate 11.3-mile (18.2 km) hike, with 157 feet (48 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 4 hours and 38 minutes, guides you over ancient dune ridges now covered in oak forests, through wetlands, and across varied terrain including packed dirt, loose sand, and boardwalks. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking a diverse natural experience with opportunities for wildlife viewing and stunning fall colors.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with year-round restrooms and potable water available at the Glenwood Dunes and Calumet Dunes trailheads. You can connect to the system from the Dunewood Campground or the Dune Park South Shore Railroad Station, but be sure to bring a trail map due to the 13 junctions. While leashed pets are permitted in some areas, they are not allowed on the equestrian sections of the trail.

What truly sets the Glenwood Dunes Trail apart is its historical geological significance, traversing some of the oldest sand dunes in the park, formed approximately 12,000 years ago. This extensive and interconnected loop system is popular not just for hikers, but also for runners and cross-country skiers, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Porter County, Indiana.

The Mount Baldy Beach Trail offers a distinctive hiking experience within the Indiana Dunes National Park, leading you through an oak woodland before opening up to the vastness of Lake Michigan. While the trail itself is a short 0.4 miles (0.7 km) with only 10 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, don't underestimate the effort required for the steep, sandy descent to the beach and the challenging climb back up. You'll encounter dynamic sandy terrain and panoramic views, with the highlight being the impressive Mount Baldy Sand Dune and the expansive Lake Michigan Beach.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with year-round restrooms and potable water available at the trailhead. This trail is dog-friendly, allowing leashed pets (6 feet or shorter) to join you. Given the strenuous nature of the sandy climb, it's wise to leave large coolers or heavy beach gear behind. The trail is accessible throughout the year, offering different experiences depending on the season, though the sandy sections remain a constant.

Mount Baldy is a remarkable natural feature, known as one of the largest moving dunes along the southern Lake Michigan shoreline, shifting several feet inland each year. This constant movement creates a unique and ever-changing landscape, with visible layers of vegetation, sand, and even clay exposed along the shoreline due to erosion. While the summit is generally closed for safety, the trail provides direct access to the beach, allowing you to walk along the dynamic Lake Michigan shoreline.

The Dunes Long Trail: Long Beach to New Buffalo offers a captivating journey through a remarkably diverse landscape along Lake Michigan. You'll transition from sandy beaches to towering dunes, then wind through lush forests, open prairies, and serene wetlands. The ever-present views of the Lake Michigan shoreline are a constant draw, and on clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the Chicago skyline across the water.

This moderate 11.7-mile (18.9 km) point-to-point hike involves about 99 feet (30 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes. While much of the terrain is manageable, be ready for some significant inclines and soft sandy sections, particularly around the dunes, which can make the going a bit rugged. Parking for the Dunes Long Trail trailhead in Long Beach can fill up, so an early start is advisable.

What truly sets this trail apart is its exceptional biodiversity; the broader Indiana Dunes region is one of the most biodiverse places in North America. You'll find a unique combination of habitats supporting over 350 bird species and more than 1,100 flowering plant species. Keep an ear out for the

The Dune Ridge Trail offers a delightful, easy hike through Indiana Dunes National Park, showcasing an incredible variety of habitats within a short distance. You'll traverse a mix of loose sand and packed dirt, moving from sandy foredunes to an oak savanna, with the journey culminating in panoramic views of the Great Marsh from the dune's summit. This 0.7-mile (1.1 km) route, with only 41 feet (13 metres) of elevation gain, is a quick 18-minute adventure that feels much grander than its stats suggest.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is family-friendly and allows leashed pets, making it a great option for many. While rated easy, be prepared for some steep sections with loose sand, which can add a bit of a workout. The trail is accessible year-round, with autumn offering vibrant fall colors and winter providing potential glimpses of Lake Michigan through bare trees. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.

What makes this trail truly special is its exceptional biodiversity, allowing you to experience multiple distinct ecosystems—from pioneer plants in foredunes to the rich flora of oak savannas—all within a concise loop. It's a prime example of why Indiana Dunes National Park is considered one of the most biologically diverse national parks, offering opportunities for birding, wildflower spotting, and observing various wildlife.