For a lot of people Dogs and Hiking fall hand in hand. If you are in the area of Southwest Michigan or Northwest Indiana, the Indiana Dunes National Park boasts over 50 miles of hiking trails. The difficulty levels allow for both novice and experienced hikers to find something that will cater to their needs. The diverse landscape of the park includes pristine beaches, towering sand dunes, lush green forests, and wetlands so alive with wildlife there will be something to see for every person and every dog.
Whether you are walking amongst the trees, down on the beach, or along a boardwalk The Indiana Dunes National Park will open up to show you all of its scenic views. Who better to share them with than your number one companion?
If your pack of “everyone” includes a four-legged family member, the Dunes are a great place to adventure. Most of the park is open to dogs, with some parts even open to horseback riders as well.
Hiking in the summer, spring, and fall can still be fairly moderate temps, which means hikers can enjoy these trails almost all year round! If you are adventuring to the area with your dog, you will need to make sure you pack your bags effectively, and make sure you are prepared for the weather. Prepare for your trip and hike and make sure to include the essentials for you and your furry friends. Make sure you have water, leash, snacks, towels, as well as good hiking shoes/boots.
Wildlife encounters in the park are very common. Make sure pets are always leashed to make sure all wildlife remains undisturbed. Common encounters include deer, many different varieties of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and squirrels. We all know how tempting it must be for our pooches to chase those seagulls on the beach, but we want to make sure that everyone can appreciate what the park has to offer its visitors and leave its wildlife residents in peace. Keep your eyes peeled because many Eagles and Hawks might also call the park home.
Indiana Dunes National Park is a great place to make some beautiful memories! In the lush summer months visitors can enjoy the greenery, sun, and beach. In the Spring visitors can get a glimpse of what’s to come, as everything starts to bud, and you get your first sight of spring flowers. Even in the Fall and moderate Winter days, peaking through the bare trees at the vast lake is awe inspiring to all visitors.
While traveling with a pooch allows for the creation of some of the best memories, finding accommodations can sometimes cause a problem. Goldberry Woods includes some of the best lodging in the area for those who love Hiking and the Dunes. It even offers several options for those traveling with Pets! The Cottages at Goldberry Woods offer space for those traveling with numerous people and pets, while the unique and chic Vintage Campers offer our singles and couples who love the outdoors a great place to rest their heads at night with their furry companions.
If you plan on bringing your dog to the National Park, please see the pets page to read about the guidelines or even how your dog can become a BARK Ranger!
