Creek Ridge County Park in Michigan City, IN (Blog Hike #1091)

Trails: Norm Pahs, Prairie, Steelheaders Boardwalk, and Woodard Loop Trails
Hike Location: Creek Ridge County Park
Geographic Location: Michigan City, IN (41.66908, -86.85200)
Length: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date Hiked: October 2025
Overview: A mostly flat loop through woodland and wetlands.
Park Information: https://laportecountyparks.org/parks/creek-ridge-county-park/
Hike Route Map:

On The Go Map

Photo Highlight:

Hike Video: (coming September 22, 2026)

Directions to the trailhead: In northwest Indiana, take I-94 to US 421 (exit 34B).  Exit and go north on US 421.  Drive US 421 north 0.3 miles to Kieffer Road and turn right on Kieffer Rd.  Drive Kieffer Rd. east 2.1 miles to the signed park entrance on the left.  Turn left to enter the park, then turn right at the first intersection to park in the large blacktop lot near the dog park.

The hike: Located on the south side of Michigan City less than 2 miles from I-94, Creek Ridge County Park consists of 112 acres of mostly flat ridgetop land overlooking Trail Creek.  The park's roots date to 1992 when Aubrey and Judith Greenberg donated the land to Indiana's Department of Natural Resources.  LaPorte County subsequently leased the land from the State of Indiana to form the park.

            Creek Ridge County Park has some popular amenities including a dog park, a playground, 3 picnic shelters, and a 9-hole disc golf course.  For hikers, the park offers 4 short trails, none of which measure more than 0.5 miles in length.  This hike uses parts of all 4 trails to form a grand loop tour around the park.  While this park is not a hiking destination by itself, it makes a nice add-on if you are visiting nearby Indiana Dunes State Park or Indiana Dunes National Park.

Start of Norm Pahs Trail

            Start on the asphalt Norm Pahs Trail, an ADA-accessible trail that enters the woods across the mowed-grass area southwest of the large parking lot.  The trailhead area features a dense pine forest, but most of this hike passes through broadleaf forest with plenty of oak, hickory, and beech trees.  Where the asphalt trail turns left, continue straight to begin the dirt/grass Prairie Trail as it continues east along the south boundary of the dog park.  All trails at this park are unmarked and unlabeled on the ground, but they are wide and easy to follow.

Hiking the Prairie Trail

            The Prairie Trail forms a loop through the east end of the park, and it is somewhat misnamed: most of the trail passes through young shrubby forest that is a mixture of red cedar and broadleaf trees.  I have read that bugs and mud can be problems on this trail, but the hiking was pleasant if unspectacular on the cool early October morning when I hiked here.  The terrain is very flat with imperceptible elevation changes.  At 0.5 miles, you pass through a pipeline corridor before curving left and returning to the paved Norm Pahs Trail near the park's restroom building.  Turn right twice to begin a short out-and-back on the Steelheaders Boardwalk.

Trail Creek wetlands

            The Steelheaders Boardwalk switchbacks downhill to reach an overlook of Trail Creek and its associated wetlands at 0.7 miles.  This boardwalk gets its name because every year steelhead and salmon migrate up Trail Creek from Lake Michigan.  I did not see any unusual fish on my visit, but the creekside area was still quite scenic.

Hiking the Woodard Loop

            Retrace your steps back up the boardwalk, then turn right twice to begin the dirt Woodard Loop Trail, which forms a loop through the western part of the park.  A red wooden post marks the start of this trail.  The wide dirt Woodard Loop is more scenic than the Prairie Trail: some large maple trees grow here, and some wooden bridges take you over ravines to keep the trail at a relatively constant elevation.  Just past 1.2 miles, the Woodard Loop ends at the park road.  Angle right to return to the large parking lot and complete the hike.

Shades State Park: Trails #1, #6, and Trail to Lover's Leap (Blog Hike #1034)

Trails: Trails #1, #6, and Trail to Lover's Leap
Hike Location: Shades State Park
Geographic Location: southwest of Crawfordsville, IN (39.93691, -87.07575)
Length: 1.9 miles
Difficulty: 8/10 (Moderate/Difficult)
Date Hiked: October 2024
Overview: A lollipop loop through and along deep rock-walled ravines.
Park Information: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/shades-state-park/
Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=974371
Photo Highlight:

Hike Video: (coming date TBD)

Directions to the trailhead: From Crawfordsville, take SR 47 south 9.5 miles to SR 234 and turn right on SR 234.  Drive SR 234 west 4.9 miles to the signed park entrance on the left.  Turn left on the park access road, then turn right at the next Shades State Park sign to enter the park.  Pay the entrance fee and drive the main park road to its end at the large parking lot for the Hickory Picnic Shelter.  Park near the rear of this lot.

The hike: The steep rock-walled ravines that make Shades State Park famous among hikers today have been attracting people's attention for centuries.  Ancient peoples used the ravines as strongholds when attacked, and a government survey in 1815 used the series of natural springs in these ravines as landmarks.  In 1886, the Garland Dells Mineral Springs Association purchased the land and opened a health resort called The Shades.  The resort's name was short for "Shades of Death," a nickname this land earned probably because it was so unsuitable for food production.  In 1916, Joseph W. Fritz gained control of the Association, and in 1947 his heirs sold the land, which was bought later that year by the State of Indiana to form the state park.

            The steep ravines also ensured that settlers were deterred from trying to farm the land, thus guaranteeing the land's virgin timber was not clear-cut.  The big old trees still welcome visitors today, and the forest makes for great hiking.  On a personal note, with this hike I completed my goal of visiting and hiking in every Indiana state park.  While Indiana does not have many state parks, most of the parks it does have are fantastic, and I wished I had not waited so long to come here.

            In terms of amenities, Shades State Park offers a quiet 105-site campground and several picnic shelters, but the ravines remain this park's main attraction.  Hiking trails lead into all 6 ravines, and proving that you completed a difficult 4.5 mile hike known as the 6-Ravine Challenge earns you the right to buy a special sticker for $1.  The hike described here explores 2 of the park's ravines, and it lets you experience the scenery of the ravines without the difficulty of the 6-Ravine Challenge.

Trail at rear of parking lot

            From the rear/east side of the parking lot, head down the gravel road that leads to the Hickory Picnic Shelter, then angle right to walk between the picnic shelter and the playground to begin Trail #1.  The trail becomes single-track dirt as it continues east through ridgetop forest that features large beech and maple trees.  The terrain is flat and the hiking pleasant.

Sugar Creek, as seen from Prospect Point

            At 0.3 miles, you reach Prospect Point, which offers the best ridgetop view on this hike.  This point sits at the very end of the ridge, and Sugar Creek can be seen 140 feet almost directly below you.  No signs of civilization can be seen from this overlook, so take some time to enjoy this spot.

Steep stairs beside Silver Cascade

Top of Silver Cascade

            Trail #1 now turns south to tread along the edge of Sugar Creek's ravine.  At 0.4 miles, you reach a trail intersection.  All 3 trails at this intersection are called Trail #1, which is somewhat confusing.  You want to turn left and descend a long, steep wooden staircase to reach Silver Cascade.  Silver Cascade is a long cascading low-volume waterfall at the mouth of Red Fox Ravine.  A spur trail takes you to the middle of the waterfall, so the water cascades both above you and below you.  This is a very scenic spot, and I was amazed by the cool temperature of the ravine compared to the ridge.

Hiking up the ravine

            Trail #1 continues by heading up the creekbed in Red Fox Ravine.  The trail crosses back and forth over the creek, so you will likely get your feet wet and muddy here.  Some hemlock trees live in this ravine, and vertical rock walls rise on either side of the creek.  Though the going is challenging, this ravine is the most scenic section of this hike.

Devil's Punch Bowl

            At 0.7 miles, you reach a tight rocky spot in the ravine called the Devil's Punch Bowl.  Climb some wooden stairs to exit the bowl and reach a trail intersection.  Trail #1 continues across the wooden bridge to the right, and you could go that way if you wanted a shorter hike.  To also visit the Lover's Leap overlook, turn left and climb gradually to reach the parking lot for the Dell Picnic Shelter.  Turn left to walk around the cul de sac near this parking lot, then angle north to begin the Trail to Lover's Leap.

Lover's Leap Overlook

            The Trail to Lover's Leap heads out the northern edge of another ridge, and at 1.1 miles it reaches its namesake overlook.  Honestly, this overlook is underwhelming because trees obstruct any broad views, but I still enjoyed looking down into the ravine I had hiked up just a few minutes ago.  Retrace your steps to the Dell Picnic Shelter parking lot, then angle right to begin the combined Trails #6 and #9 as they head across a sunny earthen dam that forms a small pond.

Trail #6 in Red Fox Ravine

            At 1.55 miles, Trails #6 and #9 part ways.  Turn right to stay on Trail #6 as it makes a gentle entrance into Red Fox Ravine near the ravine's head.  The trail heads down the ravine, and while the going is not as wet and muddy as Trail #1 you hiked earlier, a few rugged areas still need to be negotiated.  At 1.8 miles, you climb slightly to intersect Trail #1.  Turn left to cross Red Fox Ravine on a wooden bridge, then climb slightly to close Trail #1's loop near the Hickory Picnic Shelter.  A left turn and short walk out the gravel road returns you to the parking lot to complete the hike.

Prophetstown State Park: Trails #3 and #2 (Blog Hike #1033)

Trails: #3 and #2
Hike Location: Prophetstown State Park
Geographic Location: north of Lafayette, IN (40.51341, -86.80383)
Length: 5.6 miles
Difficulty: 4/10 (Moderate)
Date Hiked: October 2024
Overview: A double loop along 2 rivers and through large prairies.
Park Information: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/prophetstown-state-park/
Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=974284
Photo Highlight:

Hike Video: (coming date TBD)

Directions to the trailhead: Near Lafayette, take I-65 to SR 43 (exit 178).  Exit, go south on SR 43 for 0.3 miles, then turn left on Burnetts Road.  Drive Burnetts Road its entire length of 0.4 miles to 9th Street and turn right on 9th Street.  Drive 9th Street south 0.5 miles to Swisher Road and turn left on Swisher Road.  Swisher Rd. deadends at the park entrance.  Pay the entrance fee, then drive the main park road to the parking lot at its very end, a total of 5 miles from 9th Street.  Park here.

The hike: Established only in 2004, Prophetstown State Park is the newest state park in Indiana.  The park occupies 2000 acres at the confluence of the Tippecanoe and Wabash Rivers near Lafayette, and it protects a nice combination of restored prairie and woodland habitats.  The park is named for 2 Shawnee brothers, Tenskwatawa and Tecumseh, who founded a Shawnee village here in 1808.  Tenskwatawa, also known as The Prophet, was the spiritual leader of the village, while Tecumseh was the military leader.  The circumstances that led to the destruction of their village will be described later in this blog entry.

            Like most new state parks, Prophetstown State Park has new and fantastic amenities, which include a 100-site developed campground, numerous picnic areas, a 2.4 mile paved bike trail, and 4 hiking trails totaling 10.8 miles.  The park also features The Farm at Prophetstown, a living history museum that demonstrates how farming was done in the 1920's, and a Native American Village that replicates a Shawnee council house and medicine lodge.  The hike described here is a double loop that combines two of this park's trails, Trail #3 and Trail #2, each of which forms an independent loop.  These loops explore both the prairie and woodland habitats, and thus they offer a good overview of this park's natural scenery.

Circle of Stones Monument

            Before hitting the trail, take a detour to the south (far) side of the parking lot to view the Circle of Stones Monument, which is also known as the Monument to the Confederated Tribes.  This monument is a circle of 15 large rocks, each of which bears the name of an ancient people that lived in Indiana.  Shawnee are among the peoples represented here, and this park is the perfect place for this kind of monument.

Trailhead at rear parking lot

            Begin by heading east on the concrete trail marked as Trail #2, but turn sharply left to begin a narrow dirt trail as an overlook platform comes in sight; we will visit the overlook platform at the end of this hike.  When you reach a gravel road, turn right to cross the dam that forms the park's fishing pond and quickly intersect Trail #3.  Turn left to stay on the gravel road and begin a clockwise journey around Trail #3.

Hiking along the wooded hillside

            Just shy of 0.5 miles, Trail #3 leaves the gravel road to the right.  Intersections such as this one are marked by wooden posts bearing trail numbers.  Turn right to stay on Trail #3.  For the next 1.1 miles the trail heads east through a narrow wooded corridor along a low but steep hillside.  Oak and hickory trees dominate this hillside.  A golf course and subdivision lie uphill to the left, while a wetland sits downhill to the right.  Numerous steep but shallow ravines need to be dropped into and climbed out of, and this section of trail is one of the hilliest sections in the entire park.

Crossing a ravine

            After curving right to descend the hillside, you intersect an asphalt bike trail at 1.6 miles.  Dirt Trail #3 continues straight, and we will go that way after taking a quick detour to the left to reach a bench overlooking the Tippecanoe River.  Less than 2500 feet from its mouth at the Wabash River, the Tippecanoe flows deep and slow here.  This bench is perched atop the steep river bank, and it makes a nice place to stop, rehydrate, and have a snack near the quarter-point of this hike.

Tippecanoe River

            Back on Trail #3, the trail enters a riverside forest that features some large sycamore trees and a dense understory of honeysuckle.  At 2.2 miles, take a short spur trail that exits left and leads to the sandy bank of the Wabash River.  The old Prophetstown founded by Tenskwatawa and Tecumseh was located just upstream from here, but the village lasted only about 3 years.  In 1811, Indiana Territory Governor William Henry Harrison became concerned about the number of people settling at Prophetstown and led 1050 troops toward the village.  Worried about an attack, the villagers at Prophetstown decided to strike first, and on November 7, 1811 they engaged Harrison's troops in the Battle of Tippecanoe.  The battle lasted just 2 hours.  The villagers were forced to retreat and abandon Prophetstown, after which Harrison's troops burned the village to the ground.

Wabash River

            The trail parallels the Wabash River for 0.6 miles before curving right to head through a prairie, where a large number of butterflies greeted me.  A spur trail exits left to a wetland, but you will get a better view of that wetland at the end of this hike.  At 3.1 miles, you intersect the asphalt bike trail again.  Turn left to quickly close Trail #3's loop, then turn left to walk back across the dam that forms the fishing pond, then turn right to begin a counterclockwise journey around Trail #2.  Some benches overlook the fishing pond, and I enjoyed a rest and water break here while watching a heron across the pond.

Heron at fishing pond

            Trail #2 continues west through fantastic restored tallgrass prairie.  4.2 miles into the hike, you reach an intersection with Trail #1, which forms a loop around the park's developed campground.  You could also hike Trail #1 if you wanted to add more distance to this hike, but I chose to turn left and stay on Trail #2.

Hiking Trail #2 through the prairie

            The campground comes into view on the right as the trail climbs moderately to cross the main park road you drove in on.  You pass through a picnic area to reach another trail intersection at 4.6 miles.  Turn left to begin the final leg of Trail #2.

View at wetland overlook platform

            The mowed-grass trail heads east through more excellent prairie before angling right to enter the woods just past 5 miles.  The trail surface turns to dirt and the trail narrows before it climbs to reach a wetland overlook platform at 5.5 miles.  This platform offers a fantastic view over the wetlands to the east, and I saw at least 30 mallard ducks in this wetland.  This platform is also the one you saw at the beginning of this hike, so walking up the concrete path that exits this platform returns you to the parking lot to complete the hike.

Tippecanoe River State Park: Trails #4, #5, and #3 (Blog Hike #1029)

Trails: Trails #4, #5, and #3
Hike Location: Tippecanoe River State Park
Geographic Location: north of Winamac, IN (41.11547, -86.57486)
Length: 3.8 miles
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy/Moderate)
Date Hiked: September 2024
Overview: A nearly flat loop partially along the Tippecanoe River.
Park Information: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/tippecanoe-river-state-park/
Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=972834
Photo Highlight:

Hike Video:

Directions to the trailhead: From the intersection of US 35 and SR 14 in Winamac, take US 35 north 4.25 miles to the signed state park entrance on the right.  Turn right to enter the park, pay the entrance fee, and drive the main park road to the large gravel Riverside Picnic Area and Nature Center parking lot, where this hike begins.

The hike: Draining 1.25 million acres across 14 counties, the Tippecanoe River is one of the largest rivers in northern Indiana.  The river forms northwest of Fort Wayne as it draws water from multiple kettle lakes, and it flows west/southwest for 182 slow and winding miles before emptying into the Wabash River near Lafayette.  The river's name comes from the Miami/Illinois words for "buffalo fish," a testament to this river's abundance of aquatic life.

            Tippecanoe River State Park sits on the river's west bank near the midpoint of its course, and it protects 7 miles of its namesake river.  The park was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) as a Recreational Demonstration Area, a depression-era program that bought-up old farmland that had low farming potential but high recreation potential.  The park was transferred to the State of Indiana, and it became a state park in 1943.

            Today the park retains its rustic and remote feel.  The river is popular for canoeing but too dangerous for swimming.  The park offers a 112-site developed campground, a nature center located on the river, 13 miles of bridle trails, and 10 hiking trails totaling 10 miles.  This hike combines 3 trails to form a loop that stays close to the river and features the oxbow lakes, wetlands, and forests that still give this land high recreation potential today.

Trailhead at picnic area

            Pick up Trail #4 as it leaves the rear of the parking area, passes through a mowed-grass picnic area, and crosses a wooden bridge with stone supports.  The single-track dirt trail winds incessantly through dense brushy forest with large black walnut trees as it heads in the general direction of north.  At 0.3 miles, you reach an oxbow lake, or an old river channel that has been cut off from the river's main flow to form a lake.  I saw a heron perched in the lake's shallow waters on the damp morning I hiked here, and the oxbow lake is a very scenic spot.

Oxbow lake

            At 0.6 miles, the Tippecanoe River comes into view on the right for the first of only 2 times on this hike.  For a park named after the river, the trail system does not offer frequent or extended river views, a fact I found rather disappointing.  Next the trail curves left to head away from the river, climbing but only slightly.  The difference between maximum and minimum elevations on this hike is less than 20 feet, and this hike may be the flattest hike with significant distance in Indiana.

Major trail intersection

            Just past 1 mile, you reach a major trail intersection with a bench.  Trail #4 goes left here, and a connector trail goes straight.  You could use either of those options to shorten this hike, but our hike turns right to begin heading northbound on Trail #5.  The next part of the hike goes through a pine planting that may date to this park's WPA days.  Thus, the going is easy, quiet, and scenic.

Hiking through a pine planting

            Ignore a short-cut trail that exits left and stay with Trail #5 as it forms a short loop.  Pass the other end of the short-cut trail, and reach this hike's best Tippecanoe River view at 2.25 miles.  The winding river is wide and slow here, as it is for most of its distance.  The river view may not be as wide as you would like, but the riparian scenery is still very pleasant.

Tippecanoe River

            2.4 miles into the hike, you reach another trail intersection.  Trail #5 turns right here to head for the northern part of the park, but you want to turn left to head south toward Trail #3.  The next 0.9 miles head almost due south in an almost straight line.  First you join Trail #3, then you cross Trail #5, then you leave Trail #3 and join Trail #4.  While not the most interesting hiking, the terrain remains flat and the going remains easy.

Hiking near the campground

            At 3.25 miles, the trail curves left as you begin tracing the perimeter of the main campground, which comes into view on the left.  3.6 miles into the hike, you reach the park road that leads to the trailhead parking area.  Turning left and doing a 0.2 mile road walk returns you to the parking lot to complete the hike.

Potato Creek State Park: Trails #1 and #2 (Blog Hike #1028)

Trails: #1 and #2
Hike Location: Potato Creek State Park
Geographic Location: southwest of South Bend, IN (41.55547, -86.35683)
Length: 3.8 miles
Difficulty: 5/10 (Moderate)
Date Hiked: September 2024
Overview: A loop hike along Lake Worster and over 2 low hills.
Park Information: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/potato-creek-state-park/
Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=972710
Photo Highlight:

Hike Video:

Directions to the trailhead: From South Bend, take US 31 south to SR 4 (exit 239).  Exit and go west on SR 4.  Drive SR 4 west 5.7 miles to the state park entrance on the right.  Turn right to enter the park, pay the park entrance fee, and drive the main park road all the way to its end at the Nature Center on the north side of the lake.  Park in the parking lot in front of the Nature Center.

The hike: Consisting of 3830 acres of reverting farmland, Potato Creek State Park owes its existence to one Mr. Darcy Worster.  Worster's efforts to dam Potato Creek and establish a recreation area began in the late 1930's, and he often sent hand-crafted folk art "insects" to state legislators to "bug" them about the project.  In time, the park swarmed to life.  The lake was built in 1977 and named after Worster, and the site became a state park in 1983.  The creek and park are named for the "Wild Potatoes," which was the English settlers' name for the native people who lived here when they arrived.

            While this park does not have a long and rich history as parkland, it does have some first-rate amenities.  The park offers a 287-site developed campground, a horsemen's camp with 3 bridle trails, 7 picnic shelters, some cabins, and the usual aquatic recreation on 327-acre Worster Lake.  For hikers, the park offers 8 trails totaling over 10 miles.  This hike combines 2 of the park's longest trails to form a loop through the northeast quadrant of the park.  This loop passes both lakeside and hilltop areas, and thus it offers a nice sample of all of the scenery this park has to offer.

Trailhead at Nature Center

            From the front of the Nature Center, look for the wooden sign that says "To Trails," and follow the arrow to enter the woods.  The narrow trail descends and quickly reaches the shore of Worster Lake.  Turn left to begin heading counterclockwise around Trail #1.

            Several old roads run in a north-south orientation through this part of the park, and the trail joins the first of those old roads at 0.2 miles.  After heading north and slightly uphill for 0.2 miles, the trail curves right to leave the old road.  Numbered yellow trail markers mark this park's trail, and they help you at points like this one.  Near 0.5 miles, you reach this hike's best view of Worster Lake.  The lake was calm and serene with no wildlife visible when I came here on a dreary morning in late September.

Lake Worster

            Past the lake overlook, I saw 3 deer before I reached a trail intersection at 0.7 miles.  Trail #1 continues straight, and you could go that way if you wanted to shorten this hike.  Despite the fact that rain was approaching from the west, I turned right to begin Trail #2.

Yellow trail marker at start of Trail #2

            The first part of Trail #2 passes through a lowland forest that features a large number of black walnut trees.  Wooden bridges take you over the wettest areas, and I saw many common woodland birds on this part of the hike.  1.4 miles into the hike, you intersect another old road.  Going right on this old road leads to Trail #4 and the southern part of the park, but Trail #2 turns left to begin heading north on the old road.

Hiking Trail #2

            After 0.2 miles of gradual climbing, Trail #2 turns right to leave the old road; look for the yellow trail markers to be sure you do not miss this turn.  The next mile contains the vast majority of this hike's elevation change as the trail passes over 2 low but steep hills.  Some wetlands are also passed, and this section is the most interesting part of this hike.

Stairs climbing Steam Boat Hill

            2 miles into the hike, you reach the top of the wooden stairs that climb Steam Boat Hill.  Some large beech trees live here, but dense woods preclude any views.  A steep descent into a saddle is followed by a steep climb to the top of Vargo Hill, which at 885 feet of elevation is the highest point in this park.  A wooden observation platform is located here, but again the only view is through dense woods.  Some benches encourage you to sit and rest having completed the hardest part of this hike.

Vargo Hill observation platform

            A moderate winding downhill section brings you to the end of Trail #2 at 2.6 miles.  Angle right to continue counterclockwise around Trail #1, which embarks on a meandering and gently rolling course.  Several mountain bike trails cross the hiking trail, but you want to follow the yellow markers for Trail #1.

Hiking Trail #1

            3 miles into the hike, you cross the road that leads to the park manager's house.  At 3.2 miles, angle left where the trail to the park's campground goes right.  The balance of the hike heads south through dense brushy woods, and a moderate rain began to pelt me when I hiked here.  The trail exits the woods near a playground, and angling left across the mowed grassy area returns you to the Nature Center to complete the hike.

Indiana Dunes State Park: Campground/Mt. Tom/Beach Loop (Blog Hike #1027)

Trails: Beach Trail and Trail #4
Hike Location: Indiana Dunes State Park
Geographic Location: north of Chesterton, IN (41.66038, -87.06283)
Length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: 7/10 (Moderate/Difficult)
Date Hiked: September 2024
Overview: A short but steep loop over Mount Tom and along Lake Michigan.
Park Information: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/indiana-dunes-state-park/
Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=972595
Photo Highlight:

Hike Video:

Directions to the trailhead: In northwest Indiana, take I-94 to SR 49 (exit 26B).  Exit and go north on SR 49, which deadends at the park entrance.  Pay the entrance fee and drive to the main beach parking lot, where this hike begins.

The hike: Towering over the southern tip of Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes comprise over 17,000 acres of sand dunes.  The dunes were created when wind off of Lake Michigan deposited sand on previously existing dunes, trees, or whatever it contacted.  The wind created an amazing patchwork of bare sand and forested areas, tall dunes and low swales.

            The dunes have shifted over the years, and the scenery you see today is a complex result of all of those shifts.  When Lake Michigan retreated after the last Ice Age, sand become deposited further north on the new dry land.  The older more southern dunes became vegetated, and later the dunes shifted and covered up the vegetation.  In some places the dunes have shifted again to uncover the trees, thus revealing "tree skeletons" in deep swales called blowouts.

            Indiana Dunes State Park was established in 1925 as Indiana's 4th state park, but it comprises only 2182 acres of the Indiana Dunes: the rest is protected by the National Park Service as adjacent Indiana Dunes National Park.  The state park offers a pavilion and beach on Lake Michigan, a 140-site developed campground, a nature center, some picnic shelters, and 16 miles of hiking trails that explore the dunes.  The park's most famous hike is its Three Dunes Challenge, which involves climbing the park's three tallest dunes.  Fearing I might be too old and fat for the Three Dunes Challenge, I chose to take the "One Dune Challenge" by hiking a loop to the top of Mount Tom, this park's tallest dune, and then returning with a Lake Michigan beach walk.  I enjoyed this hike, and it provides a taste of dunes hiking without pegging the distance or difficulty meters.

Start of Beach Trail at beach parking lot

            Start at the inland (southeast) corner of the parking lot and pick up the Beach Trail as it heads east on a plastic boardwalk.  Take a minute to read an historical marker about the Battle of Le Petit Fort, a minor Revolutionary War battle that occurred here on December 5, 1780.  A band of about 30 Patriots led by Lieutenant Tom Brady was being chased westward by a British detachment until they chose to make a stand in these dunes.  The stand did not go well for the Patriots: 4 were killed, 2 were wounded, and 7 were taken prisoner.  Thus, these dunes have interesting human history as well as stunning natural scenery.

Beach Trail boardwalk

            The boardwalk heads east along the inland side of the dunes through a wetland formed by Dunes Creek.  The wetland is sufficiently lush and green that I could hear more birds and wildlife than I could see.  At the east end of the boardwalk, the Beach Trail continues east/southeast on a fairly level dirt/gravel track.

Start of Trail #4

            The Beach Trail's main function is to connect the beach to the campground, and at 0.4 miles you reach the campground at the trail's east end.  To continue this hike, angle left and walk east first on the campground road and then through a small picnic area.  Just past 0.5 miles, you reach the start of Trail #4, which is marked by a black wooden post.  Turn left to begin Trail #4.

Climbing on Trail #4

            Trail #4 is our route over Mount Tom to the beach, and it starts as a gradual climb on a sandy dirt path.  As you climb the dune, the grade gets steeper, and the sand gets softer.  Thus, the going gets harder.  When you reach the start of the wooden stairs, you have begun the final push to the summit.

Stairs near top of Mount Tom

            At 0.8 miles, you reach the summit of Mount Tom.  Mount Tom is the tallest dune at Indiana Dunes, and it is named for Revolutionary War American Lieutenant Tom Brady, who I mentioned earlier.  You can see the Chicago skyline from here on a clear day, and you can also see the steel mills of East Chicago and the power plants of Michigan City.  Despite the development, the view from this dune is stupendous with plenty of green trees and the blue lake, so take some time to sit on the bench, rest from your climb, and see what you can see.

View from Mount Tom

            Continue east on Trail #4 as it descends some steep wooden stairs.  At the base of the stairs, you reach a trail intersection at a saddle in the dunes.  Trail #8 goes straight to head for Mount Holden, another large sand dune.  This hike turns left to remain on Trail #4 and head for the Lake Michigan beach.

Approaching Lake Michigan

            The somewhat narrow trail descends on a soft sandy track through dense, brushy forest.  After a brief climb to top the lakeside dune, Trail #7 enters from the right as Lake Michigan comes into view.  At this point the lake is well below you, and a steep sandy slide brings you down to the beach.  Turn left to begin the beach walk.

Hiking along Lake Michigan

            This beach walk is as spectacular as any along Lake Michigan.  The wild and scenic dunes rise to the left, and a constant breeze blows off of the lake.  Chicago is a major freight center, and I saw several barges on the lake heading to or from port.  I also saw numerous gulls, ducks, and Canada geese along the water.  At 1.4 miles, you approach the park's pavilion.  Angle left to return to the parking lot and complete the loop.

Shakamak State Park: Trails #2 and #1 (Blog Hike #1018)

Trails: #2 and #1
Hike Location: Shakamak State Park
Geographic Location: southeast of Terre Haute, IN (39.17727, -87.24125)
Length: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: 5/10 (Moderate)
Date Hiked: May 2024
Overview: A loose loop around Lake Shakamak passing some old coal mines.
Park Information: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/shakamak-state-park/
Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=962296
Photo Highlight:

Hike Video:

Directions to the trailhead: From Terre Haute, take US 41 south 17.5 miles to SR 48 and turn left on SR 48.  Drive SR 48 east 9.5 miles to the state park entrance on the right.  Turn right to enter the park, pay the park entrance fee, then turn right and left at the first 2 intersections, respectively, to park in the large blacktop parking lot for the playground and swimming pool.  The trailhead for Trails #1 and #2 is on the right about halfway down this parking lot.

The hike: Opening in 1929, Shakamak State Park protects 1766 acres of fairly flat land 30 miles southeast of Terre Haute.  The park was developed in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), who built many of the picnic shelters, trails, and other buildings still used today.  The park's name comes from the Delaware or Kickapoo name for the nearby Eel River, and it translates to "river of the long fish."

            The park is most famous for its 3 lakes: Lake Lenape, Lake Shakamak, and Lake Kickapoo, all of which are formed by dams on the same waterway.  Fishing is particularly good here, but the park also features a 174-site developed campground, several cabin areas, numerous picnic shelters, and 7 hiking trails totaling over 13 miles.  The route described here combines 2 of the park's most popular trails as it explores the northern section of the park, and it forms a loose loop around Lake Shakamak while also exploring this area's coal mining history.

Trailhead at large parking lot

            The signed trailhead for Trails #1 and #2 is on the north side of the large parking lot near its midpoint.  Turn right at the first intersection, then continue straight where Trail #1 turns left to cross a narrow inlet of Lake Shakamak on a wooden bridge.  These turns start you on a counterclockwise journey around Trail #2.  The large number of lotuses in this inlet would make a great flower show in late summer.

Lotus colony in Lake Shakamak

            Soon you cross wooden trail bridge #201, i.e. the 1st bridge on Trail #2, before climbing gradually.  The difference between maximum and minimum elevations on this hike is only about 50 feet, but the numerous small ups and downs make this hike more challenging than you might expect for this part of Indiana.  At 0.3 miles, you cross the main park road before paralleling it for several hundred feet.

Crossing a creek

            For the next 0.4 miles the trail parallels an unnamed creek with a steep but shallow ravine.  When you cross the creek on a wooden footbridge, look to the left for a coal mine demonstration site.  Although this demonstration mining shaft was built for the park by the CCC, before this park was established miners would crawl into shafts like this one and dig out the coal.  Numerous interpretive signs describe these old coal mines and the people who worked them.

Demonstration coal mining shaft

            Traffic noise from SR 48 comes within earshot from the right as the trail curves left to climb out of the first ravine and enter a second one.  The trail alternates between ravine bottom and rim, creating more down and up than you might prefer.  At 1.3 miles, you cross the park road for a second time.

Intersecting Trail #1

            Near 1.5 miles, you reach the end of Trail #2 at an intersection with Trail #1, which goes straight and right.  You could continue straight if you wanted a hike of only about 2 miles, but this hike turns right to do a full circumnavigation of Lake Shakamak, which reappears to your left at this point.  Some large hickory trees live near Lake Shakamak, and I did some good wildflower viewing including violets and asters when I came here in early May.

Sweet violet

            For the next 1.75 miles the sometimes narrow trail stays within sight of Lake Shakamak as it passes around 3 of its 4 arms.  Only minor ups and downs are encountered, and the lakeside hiking is pleasant if unremarkable.  At 3.25 miles, the trail climbs gradually away from the lake and soon crosses the cabin access road.  The terrain here is flat and the woods scenic.

Hiking along the lake

            At 3.6 miles, you pass a collection of picnic shelters.  If these shelters are not reserved, they make nice places to rest and have a trail snack.  At 3.8 miles, you come out at the cabin and boat ramp road, where the trail seems to end.  Turn left here, then in a few hundred feet angle right to leave the road on a gravel trail that leads to the dam that forms Lake Shakamak.

Hiking across Lake Shakamak's dam

            The trail surface turns to asphalt as you head east across the dam.  Lake Shakamak appears to the left, and Lake Kickapoo appears downstream to the right.  After crossing the dam, turn left to continue Trail #1; the asphalt Pedestrian Path goes straight here.  Quickly Trail #1 comes out at the west end of the large parking lot that contains your car, and a short walk across the parking lot concludes the hike.