Gary Indiana HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE


Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Gary, Indiana.



1. Indiana Dunes National Park

Iconic Sand Dunes. Scale dramatic dunes, hike forested trails, and wander through wetlands in this sprawling national park. Discover sweeping Lake Michigan vistas and diverse terrain on over 50 miles of designated hiking paths.

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2. Gibson Woods Nature Preserve

Dune and Swale Habitat. Step into rare dune and swale landscapes with three miles of easy natural trails through woodlands and savanna. Experience peaceful boardwalks, birdwatching, and native wildflowers in a preserved wilderness setting.

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3. Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park

Wetland Wonder. Explore the tranquil marshlands and riverside woods on over 30 miles of flat trails winding through this historic wetland. Marvel at abundant wildlife and peaceful water vistas in a restoration success story.

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4. Lemon Lake County Park

Woodland Escape. Hike primitive, hilly trails through mature forests and open fields for a varied outdoor adventure. Enjoy scenic lake views and quiet natural beauty in this popular county park.

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5. Oak Ridge Prairie County Park

Prairie Panorama. Traverse five miles of natural surface trails through prairie, marsh, and woodlands with sweeping water views. This park is a regional gateway to hiking, birding, and wildflower spotting in Lake County.

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6. Marquette Trail

Scenic Greenway. Embark on a six-mile hike along forested dunes, wetlands, and oak savannas with lake views on this regional greenway. Experience seasonal color and native wildlife on a trail linking Gary to the Indiana Dunes.

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7. West Beach

Lakeshore Adventure. Climb sandy bluffs and hike looping trails through woodlands and wetlands with dramatic Lake Michigan vistas. West Beach offers a true wilderness hiking experience within Indiana Dunes National Park.

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8. Lake Etta County Park

Wetland Walks. Meander along natural trails bordering wetlands and the Little Calumet River, spotting wildlife native to the region. This park blends lakeside scenery with peaceful hiking paths through native vegetation.

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9. Paul H. Douglas Nature Center and Trail

Savanna Discovery. Journey through oak savanna, wetlands, and forests on designated trails starting at the nature center. Encounter educational displays and immerse in preserved wilderness within the Indiana Dunes.

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10. Hoosier Prairie Nature Preserve

Restored Prairie. Stroll designated trails through tallgrass prairie, savanna, and woodland in this protected preserve. Witness rare wildflowers and grassland birds in a vibrant, natural setting just outside Gary.

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