The best walks and hikes around Long Beach

Step into a diverse natural wonderland on the Louise Landau Nature Trail, an easy 4.6-mile (7.5 km) hike that takes just under two hours, around 1 hour and 52 minutes, to complete. You'll traverse dense forests, cross boardwalks over wetlands, and discover picturesque vernal pools, all with a gentle 36 feet (11 metres) of elevation gain. The highlight for many is the "Pine Tree Trail," a captivating section where evergreens form a magical tunnel, making it a truly unique experience within the Ambler Flatwoods Nature Preserve.

Planning your visit to this Michigan City gem is straightforward. The trail is generally flat and suitable for most, but be prepared for exposed tree roots and potential standing water, especially after rain; waterproof boots are a smart choice. Dogs are welcome to join you on this family-friendly route, though leash rules may apply. There's even a dedicated bench about halfway through the main trail for a peaceful break.

This trail is a standout feature of the 420-acre Ambler Flatwoods, known for its hundreds of plant species, including many rare ones in the Chicago Region. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like deer, wild turkeys, frogs, and turtles. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore varied ecosystems, from flatwoods to sandy savannas, making it one of Michigan City's best-kept secrets for nature lovers.

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.

If you're looking for an easy hike that feels genuinely unique, the Ambler Flatwoods North Loop is a fantastic choice. This 0.9-mile (1.5 km) route, with a mere 7 feet (2 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 22 minutes to complete and winds through a dense forest often called a "tunnel of trees." You'll experience a rare boreal flatwoods ecosystem, complete with mossy ground, tall ferns, and the chance to spot unique plant species and wildlife.

Planning your visit is straightforward for this easy trail. Be aware that the flatwoods can be wet and muddy, especially after rain, so appropriate footwear is recommended. Many sections have boardwalks to help with this. Spring offers an added bonus, as vernal pools become active with amphibian life, making it a great time to explore.

This trail stands out for its unique boreal flatwoods ecosystem, a natural community found nowhere else in Indiana. It's home to at least 39 state-listed rare plant species, making it a significant natural preserve. The Ambler Flatwoods North Loop is perfect for families, beginners, or anyone seeking a short, distinctive nature walk in Laporte County.

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 DLT: Mt. Baldy to Long Beach Trail offers a captivating journey through the dynamic landscapes of Indiana Dunes National Park, providing hikers with ever-changing scenery. You'll traverse shifting sand dunes, packed dirt paths, and even some street sections, all while enjoying sweeping views of Lake Michigan. The trail's unique character comes from its blend of coastal beauty and the geological wonder of Mount Baldy, a constantly evolving "living dune." Expect a moderate hiking experience, but be ready for some challenging loose sand sections, particularly on the Beach Trail.

Planning your visit requires a pass for Indiana Dunes National Park, so make sure to secure one before you go. While the overall 7.7-mile (12.5 km) route has only 61 feet (19 metres) of elevation gain, the steep, sandy climbs and descents on the Beach Trail demand good fitness and sturdy footwear. The estimated duration for this hike is around 3 hours and 8 minutes, making it a solid half-day adventure. Note that access to the very top of Mount Baldy is typically restricted to ranger-led programs.

This trail is notable for its unique geological characteristics, particularly the Mount Baldy dune itself, which stands out as a distinctive feature in the region. It's important not to confuse this Indiana trail with the much more strenuous Mount Baldy (Mount San Antonio) hike in California, which is a high-elevation mountain trek. The combination of sand dunes and expansive lake views creates a truly captivating natural environment, offering a different kind of challenge and reward compared to typical forest or mountain trails.