Pinhook Bog Trails @ Indiana Dunes National Park

The Pinhook Bog Trail System features two very different habitats. The Upland Trail highlights a rich beech and maple forest growing on top of a glacial moraine formed about 15,000 years ago. The Bog Trail leads to a bog in a depression in the moraine created when a large piece of ice broke off the melting glacier. The bog features an incredible habitat with unique plants.

Trail Features: Bog, Unique Plants, Wildflowers, Wildlife
Must See Gems: Pinhook Bog

Getting There
Trailhead Parking Lot
946 North Wozniak Road, LaPorte, IN 46350

Trailhead GPS Coordinates
41.621214, -86.850227 (Decimal Degrees)

Need to Know

Hours & Information

• Hours – The Upland Trail and parking lot are open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. The Bog Trail has Restricted Access. The bog is only open during ranger-led open houses on summer weekends. Program dates and times can be obtained by calling the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center at (219) 395-1882. Information can also be found on the park's website calendar and Facebook page.
• Passes are required.
• Hike Length – Upland Trail: 2.1 miles. Bog Trail: 0.9 miles.
• Hike Time – Upland Trail: 1.5 hours. Bog Trail: 1 hour.
• Difficulty – Easy to moderate with some elevation change.
• Trail Surface – Upland Trail: Packed dirt. Trail can be very wet and muddy. Bog Trail: Packed dirt with a section of floating boardwalk that submerges when walked on. Wear waterproof boots.
• Facilities – Seasonal porta potty. No potable water.
• Pets – Upland Trail: Permitted on a leash (6’ or shorter). Bog Trail: Prohibited for habitat protection.
• Prohibited – Bicycles and motorized vehicles.
• Prohibited – Littering, hunting, and removing plants.
• Hiking off the boardwalk on the Bog Trail is strictly prohibited.
• There are two picnic tables at the parking lot.
• The parking lot is paved.

Safety

• Please stay on the trail and respect closed area signs. Going off trail damages fragile habitat.
• Wear adequate footwear. The Upland Trail can be very wet and muddy. The Bog Trail has a floating boardwalk that submerges when walked on. Wear waterproof boots.
• Ticks are present year-round. Take precautionary measures to prevent bites.
• Poison ivy can be present on the edges of the trail.
• Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
• In case of an emergency or to report a crime, call 1-800-PARK-TIP.

Accessibility

• Trails and picnic tables are not wheelchair accessible.

Part of the Indiana Dunes National Park