Paul H. Douglas (Miller Woods) Trail

The featured hike is essentially an out and back trail. Starting from the Paul H. Douglas Center, take the trail north or counterclockwise around the wetland complex. Look for wildlife including beavers. The trail will run west along the top of the wetland. At the trail junction, take a right and follow the trail to the north. The trail from this point is an out and back to the beach. The trail features beautiful scenery with small interdunal ponds nestled among oak savanna covered dunes teeming with wildflowers in the spring and summer. Once you cross the bridge over the Grand Calumet River, the landscape changes dramatically into a world of towering sand dunes. The trail winds around and through the dunes all the way the shore of Lake Michigan. After enjoying the lake, follow the trail back to the junction at the wetland complex. Follow the trail to the right along the wetland back to the Paul H. Douglas Center. The trail surface is mostly sand with some sections of packed soil, gravel or boardwalk. The hike will take longer than you think due the loose footing of walking in the sand. The trail starts in relative shade but ends in the full sun. Please bring plenty of water, sun protection and dress in layers. The weather on the beach can be dramatically colder or hotter than in the woods. The Paul H. Douglas (Miller Woods) Trail winds through several habitats including wetlands, globally rare black oak savanna, open dunes and beach. The views of the lake and the dunes are incredible. The oak savanna's native grasses and wildflowers, including lupine, thrive in the sunlight and open forest floor. Please stay single file on the narrow trail to protect yourself from the abundant poison ivy along the trail edges as well as the fragile lupine habitat. - The trail system and parking lot are open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. - The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education is open daily, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the Monday of Labor Day weekend. The center is open daily, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, for the remainder of the year. - Free (no access fee). - The parking lot is paved and has 40 spots. - Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not allowed. - Pets are permitted on a leash (6' or shorter). - Trail surface is mostly loose sand with some sections of packed dirt and there is a boardwalk over the marsh. - Stay off marram grass. - Respect closed area signs; help us restore the dunes. - Year-round restrooms and potable water are available in the Paul H. Douglas Center during open hours. - No littering, hunting, disturbing wildlife or picking plants. - Stay on the trail to protect the wildlife and yourself. - Prevent tick bites and related diseases by using insect repellent. Conduct a thorough inspection for ticks after your hike.