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Print Friendly MapThe Calumet Trail traverses the south side of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, a unique ecosystem of forest, marsh, dunes, and beach along Lake Michigan.
About the Route
The dirt and crushed limestone Calumet Trail stretches between two interesting natural features: the Cowles Bog, an 8,000-year-old marsh, and Mount Baldy, a 123-foot-tall sand dune.
The route parallels the South Shore Rail Line, which carries passengers from Chicago to South Bend and passes through residential and commercial areas, including a unique and unexpected sight: the Bailly Power Generator.
The 4.5-mile section between County Line Road and Mount Baldy was newly paved in 2024, with plans to have the full 9-mile trail completely paved by 2025.
Connections
At its western end, the trail connects with the Porter Brickyard Trail, a mostly on-route section that traverses the park north-south. Where the Calumet Trail passes the Dune Park station of the South Shore Line, it also connects with the Dunes Kanakee Trail, which takes trail users to Porter Beach.
The Calumet Trail runs between 1050 N Mineral Springs Rd. (Dune Acres) and County Line Rd. (Town of Pines), with parking at either end.
Parking is also available at:
Trail access is available via. public transit via the South Shore Line.
Please see TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
They started paving last fall. From County line rd heading West there is about 2-3 miles paved to Lake Shore County rd.
I was trying to connect from the other trails to the southwest to make it into Michigan City and thought this might be worth trying. I made a bad assumption that since it was in a National Park it must get maintained well. I was wrong and maybe next time I will find another way.
I think for this trail to be viable it will need to be elevated so the water drains off. At the moment it sits so low that it will continue to be a rough gravel stretch with a string of pot holes. But if you enjoy that sort of thing this might be something worth trying.
As a dentist with a penchant for thrilling outdoor escapades, I recently embarked on an adrenaline-fueled gravel expedition like no other: Calumet trail. Allow me to share my firsthand experience and rate this trail a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
From the moment I saddled up, it was evident that this ride would put my skills and endurance to the test. The gravel terrain presented a formidable challenge, demanding unwavering focus and precise control. The relentless rain turned the path into a treacherous, mud-covered rollercoaster, adding an extra layer of intensity to the journey.
Despite the daunting obstacles, I couldn't help but appreciate the breathtaking beauty that enveloped me. Towering trees and verdant landscapes created a stunning backdrop, reminding me of the untamed wonders of nature. Catching glimpses of wildlife along the way added an element of awe to the experience, showcasing the harmonious coexistence between humans and the natural world.
However, let me emphasize that this trail is not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced riders. The technical demands and physical exertion required are not to be underestimated. Prior preparation, both mentally and physically, is vital to fully embrace and conquer this challenging course. A reliable and robust bike, such as my trusted companion, the Sirvelo, is an absolute must for tackling the rugged terrain.
Amidst the hardships, a sense of triumph washed over me with each conquered section of the trail. The sheer satisfaction of pushing my limits and overcoming the obstacles was an extraordinary feeling, fueling my passion for adventurous pursuits.
In summary, Calumet trail is an adventure that beckons seasoned gravel enthusiasts to rise to the occasion. With its demanding terrain, awe-inspiring natural surroundings, and an invigorating rush of adrenaline, this trail earns a solid 4-star rating. So, fellow adventurers, don your gear, prepare for an unforgettable journey, and let this gravel odyssey ignite the thrill-seeker within you, even if you're a dentist like me!
This trail is awesome for a gravel bike ride. My hygienist drove me to the start and raced me on the road, I finished the trail just in time for lunch break and beat the hygienist's car!! Then I got back to my dental work so I can get paid and buy next year's Cervelo.
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