Top 5 Beginner Trails in Michiana
Hiking can be a daunting but very rewarding pastime. Many people want to start hiking, but where? How? Luckily, this guide is just for you!
Michiana may not be as populated with backcountry trails as areas out West, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t absolutely gorgeous sights waiting just for you!
Here are my top 5 beginner trails in Michiana.
Potato Creek Trail 4
Location: Potato Creek State Park, North Liberty, IN
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 80 feet
Difficulty: 2/10
This well-maintained trail leads to the beautiful Worster Lake and winds through the surrounding forest. This easy loop follows dirt trails, making it perfect for beginners. As with most lakes, the beauty also attracts plenty of bugs–bring your bug spray!
Boot Lake Trail
Location: Boot Lake County Park, Elkhart, IN
Distance: 3.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 60 feet
Difficulty: 2/10
This beautiful trail winds between Boot Lake and Buttonbush Lake. The loop is very well marked and easy to navigate. Minimal elevation gain along the dirt trail makes this a great first hike!
TK Lawless Trail 5
Location: Dr. TK Lawless Park, Vandalia, MI
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 180 feet
Difficulty: 3/10
Even with a bit more of an elevation gain than the previous trails, this loop still makes a great first hike! The dirt trail is well marked, easy to follow, and leads to some lovely forested lake views!
Dune Succession Trail
Location: Indiana Dunes National Park, Portage, IN
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 75 feet
Difficulty: 3/10
We can’t talk about great Michiana hikes without talking about dunes along Lake Michigan! This loop will take you up a smaller dune and down to Lake Michigan. These dunes can always be more challenging with sandy trails making footing less stable, but this is still a great beginner trail without the taller dunes you might find up the beach.
Pokagon State Park Trail 3
Location: Pokagon State Park, Angola, IN
Distance: 2.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 160 feet
Difficulty: 3/10
This beautiful trail is very accessible, right off the Indiana Toll Road. This dirt loop boasts a small elevation gain through a marshy forest. As you wind through the forest, you’ll reach the top of Hell’s Point and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Potawatomi Nature Preserve.
What trails are your local favorites? Leave a comment below!
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