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Indiana Dunes National Park Great Marsh Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 108 Google reviews · Running trail in Chesterton, Indiana · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 1.3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Indiana Dunes National Park Great Marsh Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Easy, 1.3-mile route with a marsh overlook of a wetland habitat for herons, cranes & other birds.
What runners say about Indiana Dunes National Park Great Marsh Trail
“It’s an easy, mostly flat loop trail that takes you through some beautiful wetland habitat.”
“We hiked the marsh this morning along with 51 other hikers, birders and dog walkers.”
This is a great little down and back trail with a dead end fork and small loop. We had the trail to ourselves for most of the hike. The trail is on the narrow and a bit wild, but that's what makes it enjoyable. Would recommend if you're looking to get away from the crowds for a bit.
This walking trail takes from 20 minutes to an hour. 1.7 miles long. It has some great views of the wetland complex. It is free and home to a variety of birds ranging from Gray blue herons to sandhill cranes. Stop at the great marsh observation deck and enjoy a beautiful view for a few moments. #CityExperts.
The Great Marsh Trail offers good trails, including a short portion appropriate for persons wheel-chairs and mobility-challenged. Bird life is abundant in season as are wildflowers and other wildlife. A good hike.
In case youre wondering, just north of here at the next trail entrance is the only 3 parking spaces you dont need a national park pass for. So if youre a random local like me who is absolutely not paying the federal goverment money for access to what was previously open to me by default for simply living around here,…
Trail conditions & character
“It’s an easy, mostly flat loop trail that takes you through some beautiful wetland habitat.”
“We hiked the marsh this morning along with 51 other hikers, birders and dog walkers.”
“It’s an easy, mostly flat loop trail that takes you through some beautiful wetland habitat.”
“In case youre wondering, just north of here at the next trail entrance is the only 3 parking spaces you dont need a national park pass for.”
“It’s an easy, mostly flat loop trail that takes you through some beautiful wetland habitat.”
“It is easily accessible and has a special trail that is handicapped accessible.”
Plan your run at Indiana Dunes National Park Great Marsh Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance1.3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(219) 395-1882
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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