Looking for Northern Indiana Riding Destination Suggestions

[IllinoisRider]

The family and I are planning a camping trip at the Indiana Dunes State Park soon, and I'm wondering what trails in the area are the best for riding singletrack.  I'd prefer to stay within and hour or so of the dunes.  I've already ridden Imagination Glen and will ride it again, but I'm wondering what else is worth riding.

I checked out http://www.indianaoutfitters.com/mtn_biking/index.htm and it looks like Rum Village and Chicken Noodle are worth checking out. Has anyone ridden these places and have reviews?  Any other suggestions?

[jfelt]

I have ridden both. It has been a long time since Chicken Noodle so they must have built more trail because I don't remember nearly what the description says.

Rum Village is actually a fun and interesting ride. It is not real long but is almost like a playground with the way it was built.

[undercover]

Rode Timber Ridge few years back, it was a blast. Lots of good stuff.

[twntysxthstwoodsmn]

  If you have a fat bike the dunes are incredible.  Blasting down those dunes is crazy!   A CX or road bike is a better option for more saddle time and less driving. 

  Chicken Noodle and Bluhm Park are been there done that kinda trails.  Not bad but I didn't feel the need to go back (that was 5 years ago though).  Just ride IG a few times if you bring a mountain bike with. 

   Hiking around in the Dunes Park is also quite the workout.  Its a beautiful place.  Be sure to make reservations.  Thats the only way to get a spot.    Dunewood campgrounds (first come, first serve) is a nice camping spot with more private camp spots but there can be some rif raf there during the weekends and its a drive from the beach. 

   Theres also this pizza guy with a 1950s Studeabaker truck at that corner (US12 & Broadway).  If hes there, get some pizza.  Totally worth it.

[IllinoisRider]

Rode Timber Ridge few years back, it was a blast. Lots of good stuff.

Thanks, I'd love to check that place out, but I'm trying to stay within an hour of the Indiana dunes in case the wife calls and needs/wants me back for something.

[undercover]

Thanks, I'd love to check that place out, but I'm trying to stay within an hour of the Indiana dunes in case the wife calls and needs/wants me back for something.

I-94 E and U.S. 12 E 60.2 mi, 1 hour 7 mins according to all knowing google.
I do not remember the exact place for trail head, You do park in a retirement house parking lot.

[IllinoisRider]

We must not be talking about the same place then.  I am thinking of the place in Northern MI where they run Iceman race.  That's a lot farther than 60 miles.

Where is the place you are thinking about located?

[undercover]

barrien springs

http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-states-trails/trails-michigan/trail/berrien-springs/prd_168510_4555crx.aspx

[IllinoisRider]

Awesome, thanks.

[jfelt]

"TimberRidge" (goes by a number of names) trail is awesome. I am partial because I helped build portions of it over the years. Not a lot of distance to it but a lot of fun and some good climbs. I am not sure if they have removed them but there were also a couple of crazy (er dangerous) wood jumps that were built off of the top of a ravine that would make one think twice. Or me think many more than that.

If you want more of a detailed description of the trail or exactly how to get there let me know. There are no trail signs and it feels a little pieced together because there has never been one consistent authority on building the trail. It was a project by some locals and students 15 or so years ago that has been added onto by random teams.