Skip to content

DLT r - Long Beach to New Buffalo

ModerateIndiana · United States

GPX
Distance
13.5 km (8.4 mi)
Elevation gain
297 m (974 ft)
Typical time
3 hr 15 min
Difficulty
Moderate
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
Not recorded

About DLT r - Long Beach to New Buffalo

DLT r - Long Beach to New Buffalo is a 13.5 km hiking route in Indiana, United States. It climbs roughly 297 m (974 ft) along the way. Most people take around 3 hr 15 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. It sits firmly in moderate territory: enough climbing to feel like a proper day out, never enough to become a slog.

Sea air, exposed headlands and constantly changing light make this feel different in every weather.

It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Michigan City, about 12.2 km away, which is where most people base themselves.

In short, DLT r - Long Beach to New Buffalo suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Moderate13.5 km297 m

Numbered marks every 5 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • Coastal

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Not consistently
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Generally usable
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
51/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
30/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
40/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
46/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
25/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
62/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Check the tide table if any part of the route runs along the beach.
  • Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • Cliff edges may be unfenced and undercut. Keep well back from the drop, especially in wind.
  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Golden hour along the cliffs is the obvious call, and a slow shutter on the water at the base of the rocks adds movement. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

No one has reviewed DLT r - Long Beach to New Buffalo yet. Be the first.

Sign in to review

Trails near DLT r - Long Beach to New Buffalo

Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.

Easy

Harbert Road Preserve

Michigan · United States

Distance
3.1 km
/ 1.9 mi
Elevation gain
68 m
Typical duration
45 min
Hard

Glenwood Dunes Trails

Indiana · United States

Distance
16.6 km
/ 10.3 mi
Elevation gain
366 m
Typical duration
4 hr 4 min
  • Desert

Keep exploring

All hiking in IndianaHiking in United StatesHiking near Michigan CityHiking near PortageHiking near South BendCoastal trailsModerate trails