Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Hugging the coastline of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park is a biodiverse region full of beaches and easy to moderate hiking trails that pass over ponds, through forests, and into the coastal sand dunes. The Indiana Dunes Succession Trail is one of the best (and most popular) hikes in the park.
In this article you will find 7 things to know about hiking the Dune Sucession Trail as well as some general information to help you plan your visit. You can also see more information on our Complete Guide to Indiana Dunes National Park.
Indiana Dunes Succession Trail Overview
Distance: 1 mile Elevation Gain: 75 feet Difficulty: Easy
The West Beach – Dune Sucession Trail follows a series of stairs and boardwalks up into the sand dunes and down to West Beach. From here the trail loops back to the parking lot. If you are planning to spend the day at West Beach, many people take this trail as either the route to or from the beach.
The trail takes about 30 minutes to complete round trip and while it is considered an easy hiking route, the trail does climb a series of stairs and passes through an area with moderate to deep sand that can be challenging to walk through.
7 Things to Know about Hiking the Indiana Dunes Succession Trail
You can find complete walking conditions for the West Beach Dune Succession Trail below but here are 7 things you need to know before you head out on this route.
- The Dune Succession Trail is short and generally easy but does include a series of stairs and a short section of walking through deep sand. If you are just planning to visit West Beach, the easier way to get to the beach is on the walking trail section of the trail.
- Ecological Succession: The trail showcases the ecological process of dune formation and succession, with vegetation changing as you move from the shore to the inland dunes. The best views are from the top of the stairs back towards the lake.
- The Indiana Dunes Succession Trail is exposed. If you are hiking in the summer, make sure you have sunscreen and bring water even for the short hike. In addition, the sand can get hot in the summer, so wearing shoes is recommended.
- There is a fee to get to West Beach and the Dune Succession Trail as they are both inside of Indiana Dunes National Park. You can pay the fee right at the entrance gate or use your America the Beautiful Pass. See more about visiting the National Park on the NPS Site.
- Preserve and Respect: As with all national park trails, it’s crucial to stay on marked paths and refrain from picking or disturbing the vegetation to protect the delicate dune ecosystem. The trail is easy to follow and well marked. Make sure to stay on the trail and follows signs, especially near the beach.
- The best way to visit the Dune Succession Trail is to include a visit to the popular West Beach. You will find a snack bar and bathrooms at this site.
- This is a great hike for kids, especially since you can break up the walking with a beach visit.
Map of the Dune Succession Trail
Best Time to Hike the Dune Succession Trail
The best time of year to hiking in Indiana Dunes National Park is during the spring and fall months. Summer can be a great time to visit, especially if you plan to going to West Beach. Depending on the weather conditions, it is also possible to hike the Dune Succession Trail in the winter.
Details of the Dune Succession Trail Hike
We did the Dune Succession Trail in a clockwise direction, starting with the walk to the beach and finishing with the climb up the stairs and over the Dunes. Most people did this walk in the opposite direction, but there is really no right or wrong direction to do this hike.
The easiest part of the hiking trail is the direct walk to the beach. This is a wide path with easy walking. You will pass through the small building to get to West Beach. From the beach, turn right and follow the path along the base of the sand dunes. The trail leaves directly from the beach – make sur eyou follow the signs so you don’t accidently walk on the sand dunes where there is not trail.
The first part of the hike from this direction is through some deep sand as you pass over and through the first set of dunes from the beach. After a short distance, walking becomes easier and you enter a small wooded area before reaching the first boardwalk area. For the next section of the hike the entire trail is over boardwalk and stairs.
The stairs climb steadily up the large done with several platforms to take in the views.
After reaching the top of the large dune, the trail descends directly down stairs and ends back at a short trail to the parking lot.
Common Questions about Hiking the Dune Succession Trail
How long does it take to hike the Dune Succession Trail in Indiana Dunes?
The Dune Succession Trail is relatively short, approximately 0.75 miles long. Most hikers can complete the loop in about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on their pace and how much time they spend enjoying the scenery and interpretive signs.
Is the Dune Succession Trail suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
Yes, the Dune Succession Trail is considered an easy hike and is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. The trail is relatively flat and well-maintained, making it accessible to families with children and beginner hikers.
What can I expect to see along the Dune Succession Trail?
The Dune Succession Trail offers a unique opportunity to witness the ecological process of dune formation and succession. As you hike the trail, you’ll encounter different dune habitats, starting with beach grasses near the shoreline, progressing to shrubs, and eventually reaching oak trees further inland. Informative signs along the trail explain the stages of ecological succession and the plants’ adaptations to survive in this dynamic environment. Additionally, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding dunes, providing a beautiful and educational experience.
