The best road cycling routes in Porter County

Tackle the difficult 85.1-mile Kingsbury, Knox & North Judson loop from Wanatah, a road cycling route through diverse Indiana landscapes.

Cycle the moderate 43.7-mile Duneland Loop through Indiana Dunes National Park, enjoying diverse scenery and 804 feet of elevation gain.

The Trailblazers Bike Barn loop from Porter offers a delightful journey through Porter County's varied scenery, guiding you past local park areas on mostly well-paved roads. This easy 21.5-mile (34.5 km) road cycling route is perfect for a relaxed outing, with a gentle 121 feet (37 metres) of elevation gain that makes it accessible for nearly everyone. You can expect to complete this loop in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, enjoying a mix of natural and developed landscapes along the way.

To plan your ride, simply head to Porter, the starting point for this popular loop. While specific parking information for the start isn't detailed, the route's integration into the Porter County Bikeway System suggests straightforward access. This easy ride is suitable for most seasons when the weather is agreeable, making it a flexible option for a casual spin.

This loop is a favorite among local road cyclists, partly due to its association with the Trailblazers Bike Barn, a community hub for cycling in the region. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for a family-friendly cycling experience or a beginner road cycling route that provides a taste of Porter County's charm without demanding significant effort.

The Chase Street Conservation Area – Oak Savannah Trail loop offers a diverse road cycling experience through Northwest Indiana's unique ecosystems. You'll pedal through remnants of oak savannas, past wetlands teeming with wildlife, and under the shade of woodlands, with picturesque views over Lake George. This moderate 48.6-mile (78.2 km) route, with 482 feet (147 metres) of elevation gain, provides a substantial ride that takes around 3 hours and 1 minute to complete.

When planning your trip, be aware that while much of the route is paved and smooth, certain sections, especially near Dune Park, might include varied terrain. Specifically, the Calumet Bike Trail is not suitable for road bikes due to gravel and potential standing water, so check your specific routing carefully. The trail is generally accessible and enjoyable during warmer seasons, but it's always wise to check local conditions, especially after rain, as some wetland areas can flood.

This loop integrates a significant portion of the Oak Savannah Trail, which follows an old railway corridor, making it relatively flat and direct. It's a crucial link in the region's trail network, connecting to other major paths and passing through the Hobart Prairie Grove within the Indiana Dunes National Park. The area is rich in natural beauty, offering opportunities to spot diverse plant species and wildlife like birds and butterflies.

The Oak Savannah Trail – Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail loop offers a diverse road cycling experience through northwest Indiana. You'll pedal through ecological gems like the Hobart Prairie Grove, part of the Indiana Dunes National Park, and enjoy views of Lake George, known for its lily pads and waterfowl. This 70.0-mile (112.6 km) loop, with a gentle 624 feet (190 metres) of elevation gain, provides a smooth ride on mostly paved surfaces, though some sections of the Erie-Lackawanna Trail can be a bit bumpy.

To tackle this moderate route, which typically takes around 4 hours and 31 minutes, you'll want to ensure you have good fitness for the distance. Parking is readily available at Dune Park, making it a convenient starting point. Amenities like restrooms and water fountains are found along the Erie-Lackawanna Trail, and the Oak Savannah Trail also has facilities at its western trailhead, so you can plan your stops.

Both the Oak Savannah Trail and the Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail are prime examples of the "Rails to Trails" initiative, repurposing old railway corridors into multi-use paths. This heritage means a largely flat and consistent grade, making it ideal for road cycling. The Oak Savannah Trail, in particular, is celebrated for its journey through ecologically diverse corridors, including savannas, prairies, and wetlands, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and local community glimpses.

The Mount Baldy – Lake View Beach loop from Beverly Shores offers a fantastic road cycling experience, winding through the diverse landscapes of Indiana Dunes National Park. You'll enjoy frequent views of Lake Michigan and get to admire the impressive Mount Baldy, a 126-foot shifting sand dune, from the road. The route also passes through wooded areas and might even offer glimpses of the historic Century of Progress Homes, making for a varied and engaging ride.

This moderate 31.1-mile (50.0 km) loop, with a gentle 353 feet (108 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 2 hours and 11 minutes to complete. Lake View Beach in Beverly Shores is a great place to start, offering parking and amenities for a convenient break. The trail is mostly well-paved, making it suitable for road bikes, though some sections might be unpaved.

Recognized as one of the best road cycling routes in Indiana Dunes National Park, this loop stands out for its combination of natural beauty and smooth riding surfaces. It's a popular choice for local cyclists, providing a unique opportunity to explore the distinctive dune environment and lakeside scenery without venturing onto sandy hiking trails.

This easy 21.9-mile (35.2 km) road cycling loop, with a gentle 342 feet (104 metres) of elevation gain, offers a diverse ride that takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes. You'll pedal through a fascinating mix of oak forests, wetlands, and prairies, with the unique sand dunes and stunning Lake Michigan shoreline providing memorable vistas. Keep an eye out for distant views of the Chicago skyline as you navigate this engaging route.

Starting from the Travel Inn in Burns Harbor, you'll find a mix of paved and crushed limestone surfaces, though some sections of the broader park trail system might be unpaved and require dismounting if you're on a racebike. The park's extensive interconnected trail network allows for flexible routing, and e-bikes are generally permitted. Plan your visit during the spring or fall for the most pleasant riding conditions.

Indiana Dunes National Park is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and unique geological features, including towering sand dunes and diverse ecological zones. The park's 37-mile trail system offers a wide array of cycling experiences, making it a standout destination for road cycling routes near Burns Harbor, IN. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the region.