Pop Up Trail 9 Indiana Dunes State Park, Moderately Challenging Sunset Hike

Join me for an impromptu hike of the majestic trail 9 at the Indiana Dunes State Park! This trail presents remarkable views and provides an exhilarating work out. This trail features elevation changes, loose footing on sand and roots to navigate, and a narrow ridge on top of a dune with amazing views of a blowout.

We'll go counter clockwise so we'll go down the steepest part instead of up. Hope you can skip out of work early today and join me! -Eileen

Fee Information: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/rates-and-fees/entrance-fees/

to view photos from previous hikes at this location, see

2011 https://www.meetup.com/ricks-hiking-fun-group/photos/2083681/

2016 https://www.meetup.com/ricks-hiking-fun-group/photos/27016780/

2023 https://www.meetup.com/ricks-hiking-fun-group/photos/34149767/

Difficulty:
Moderate. The total distance is about 4 miles, with some steep ascents and loose footing.

Map of the Route:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/indiana-dunes-trail-9-and-10-loop-5344887--2
Details
• Dogs on a leash are allowed
• Bring some water, and maybe a snack
• Bathrooms are in the Nature Center, Other bathrooms are a few minutes walk away.

Starting Location
We'll gather in front of the Nature Center deep in the Indiana Dunes State Park.
Nature Center, Chesterton, IN 46304

Entrance
Unlike most of our hikes, this one is in part of the State Park. National Park passes are not accepted.
If you don't have a pass, at the gate it costs $7 for residents and $12 for non-residents.