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DLT t - New Buffalo to Warren Dunes / Bridgman

HardMichigan · United States

GPX
Distance
24.9 km (15.5 mi)
Elevation gain
81 m (266 ft)
Typical time
6 hr 19 min
Difficulty
Hard
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
216 m (709 ft)

About DLT t - New Buffalo to Warren Dunes / Bridgman

DLT t - New Buffalo to Warren Dunes / Bridgman is a 24.9 km hiking route in Michigan, United States. It climbs roughly 548 m (1,798 ft) along the way. Most people take around 6 hr 19 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. This is a demanding day. The climbing is sustained and the descent is long enough to punish tired knees.

Desert light at the start and end of the day is the best reason to plan around the heat.

Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. 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 29.9 km away, which is where most people base themselves.

In short, DLT t - New Buffalo to Warren Dunes / Bridgman suits fit hikers with a habit of long days and an eye on the forecast. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Hard24.9 km81 m

Numbered marks every 5 km

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

Elevation

Elevation profile

Ascent
+81 m
Descent
−78 m
High
216 m (709 ft)
Low
176 m (577 ft)
171 m184 m196 m208 m221 m0.0 km6.2 km12 km19 km25 km

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • Desert

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
47/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
53/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
73/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
18/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
10/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
62/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Start at first light. A long day is far more pleasant when you are not racing the sunset on the descent.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Carry at least one litre of water per two hours and avoid the middle of the day entirely.
  • 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

  • This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
  • 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
  • Trekking poles for the descent
  • Offline map and compass
  • Head torch and spare battery
  • Extra warm layer
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Real food, not just snacks

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. 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

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