Upland Trail

Access checked October 9, 2026: Pinhook Upland Trail is partially open, but a destroyed middle boardwalk makes the full loop inaccessible. No replacement date is available. Use only posted open segments and return the way you came; do not cross the damaged boardwalk. Check NPS status before visiting.

Trail

Trail

Access checked October 9, 2026: Pinhook Upland Trail is partially open, but a destroyed middle boardwalk makes the full loop inaccessible. No replacement date is available. Use only posted open segments and return the way you came; do not cross the damaged boardwalk. Check NPS status before visiting. Historical route description, not current full-route availability: A 2.1-mile forest walk across a 15,000-year-old glacial moraine through dense beech and maple. The modest 97-foot elevation gain is deceptive—mud is relentless. The payoff is a view of Pinhook Bog, a National Natural Landmark with carnivorous plants and unique ecosystem. Expect 1.5 hours of steady hiking through wet terrain.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
2.1
Route Type
Partial open segments only; full loop unavailable
Difficulty Level
Easy to moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
97

Trail profile

Distance Miles
2.1
Route Type
Partial open segments only; full loop unavailable
Difficulty Level
Easy to moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
97
Estimated Time
Access checked October 9, 2026: Pinhook Upland Trail is partially open, but a destroyed middle boardwalk makes the full loop inaccessible. No replacement date is available. Use only posted open segments and return the way you came; do not cross the damaged boardwalk. Check NPS status before visiting.
Trail Surface
Packed dirt. Relentlessly wet and muddy. Bog Trail section (ranger tours only) features floating boardwalk that submerges under foot traffic.
Trail Features
  • Bog
  • Glacial moraine
  • Unique plants (carnivorous)
  • Wildflowers
  • Wildlife
  • Pinhook Bog (National Natural Landmark)
Trail Highlights
Access checked October 9, 2026: Pinhook Upland Trail is partially open, but a destroyed middle boardwalk makes the full loop inaccessible. No replacement date is available. Use only posted open segments and return the way you came; do not cross the damaged boardwalk. Check NPS status before visiting. Historical route description, not current full-route availability: Beech and maple forest over a 15,000-year-old glacial moraine. View of Pinhook Bog at the south end of the loop—a National Natural Landmark featuring sphagnum moss, carnivorous plants (pitcher plants, sundew), orchids (pink lady's slipper), and unique bog ecosystem. Geological significance and rare habitat.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
957 N. Wozniak Road, La Porte, IN 46350
Parking Lot Size
Paved lot with typical capacity. Rarely fills except peak weekends.
Parking Fill Time
Parking lot rarely fills except peak weekends. Usually has available spots.
Shuttle Required
No

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
No
Permit Details
Not required for day hikes on Upland Trail
Fees
$25 — Entrance - Private Vehicle (7-day park pass)
Trail Status
Access checked October 9, 2026: Pinhook Upland Trail is partially open, but a destroyed middle boardwalk makes the full loop inaccessible. No replacement date is available. Use only posted open segments and return the way you came; do not cross the damaged boardwalk. Check NPS status before visiting.
Seasonal Closures
None. Trail is open year-round.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
Yes
Water Sources
None. No potable water or creeks on Upland Trail. Carry all water needed.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible. Trails and picnic tables are not accessible.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Relentlessly wet and muddy terrain
  • Ticks year-round
  • Poison ivy possible on trail edges
  • Waterlogged boardwalk (Bog Trail only)
  • Slippery mud when descending
Hazard Details
Trail is relentlessly wet and muddy—waterproof boots essential. Ticks are present year-round; check thoroughly after the hike, especially in warm months. Poison ivy may be present on trail edges. The Bog Trail features a floating boardwalk that submerges when you walk on it (ranger tours only). Wet mud creates slip hazards on descents.
Crowd Level
Moderate. Popular destination but manageable outside peak weekends.
Peak Crowd Times
Summer weekends (10 AM – 3 PM). Weekday mornings are quietest.
Best Season
Spring and fall offer stable weather. Mud year-round; ticks active year-round.
Best Time To Visit
Access checked October 9, 2026: Pinhook Upland Trail is partially open, but a destroyed middle boardwalk makes the full loop inaccessible. No replacement date is available. Use only posted open segments and return the way you came; do not cross the damaged boardwalk. Check NPS status before visiting.
Tips Advice
  • Waterproof boots are mandatory, not optional—mud is relentless year-round.
  • Carry 2–3 liters of water. No water sources on trail; dehydration sneaks up during muddy slogging.
  • Tick check immediately after the hike. Use tweezers, save any tick in a sealed bag if you develop symptoms.
  • Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks early.
  • Use insect repellent (DEET-based) on boots, socks, and lower legs.
  • Allow extra time if trail is very wet—mud slows your pace significantly.
  • Stick to the marked trail. Bog sphagnum mats are fragile; stay off the floating boardwalk unless on a ranger-led tour.

More details

Park Area
La Porte, IN
Trail Markers
Access checked October 9, 2026: Pinhook Upland Trail is partially open, but a destroyed middle boardwalk makes the full loop inaccessible. No replacement date is available. Use only posted open segments and return the way you came; do not cross the damaged boardwalk. Check NPS status before visiting.
Dogs Allowed
Yes, on leash 6 feet or shorter on Upland Trail only. Dogs prohibited on Bog Trail (habitat protection).
Biking Allowed
No. Bicycles and motorized vehicles prohibited.
Shade Level
Mostly shaded. Dense beech and maple forest provides shade for most of the hike. Some open sections near the bog.
Emergency Contacts
In case of emergency or to report a crime, call 1-800-PARK-TIP (National Park Service emergency number)
Map Recommended
Yes
Snow Dates
Rare. Indiana Dunes experience minimal winter snow. Winter rarely closes the trail, but expect increased mud.
Mud Season
Year-round constant. Spring snowmelt exacerbates mud. Trail is relentlessly wet after any rainfall.
Wildflower Peak
Spring through early summer. Specific bloom times for unique plants (pink lady's slipper, ferns, blueberry, holly) not documented.
Fall Colors Peak
Mid-September through October. Beech and mature maple forest offer rich fall colors.
Bug Season
Ticks present year-round. Mosquitoes likely in summer, especially near bog and wet areas.
Insider Tips
Access checked October 9, 2026: Pinhook Upland Trail is partially open, but a destroyed middle boardwalk makes the full loop inaccessible. No replacement date is available. Use only posted open segments and return the way you came; do not cross the damaged boardwalk. Check NPS status before visiting.
Recent Updates
Access checked October 9, 2026: Pinhook Upland Trail is partially open, but a destroyed middle boardwalk makes the full loop inaccessible. No replacement date is available. Use only posted open segments and return the way you came; do not cross the damaged boardwalk. Check NPS status before visiting.
Family Friendly Notes
Access checked October 9, 2026: Pinhook Upland Trail is partially open, but a destroyed middle boardwalk makes the full loop inaccessible. No replacement date is available. Use only posted open segments and return the way you came; do not cross the damaged boardwalk. Check NPS status before visiting.
Nearby Facilities
Picnic tables and seasonal restroom (porta potty) at trailhead parking lot. No potable water. Nearest full services (gas, food, lodging) in La Porte, IN, approximately 2 miles away.
Review Summary
Hikers appreciate the geological significance—a 15,000-year-old glacial moraine with rare bog habitat. The National Natural Landmark designation attracts geology and nature enthusiasts. However, relentless mud and year-round ticks temper enthusiasm. The 1.5-hour commitment and easy terrain make it accessible for most fitness levels, but the muddy conditions demand proper footwear and tick vigilance.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail too easy for me?

Access checked October 9, 2026: Pinhook Upland Trail is partially open, but a destroyed middle boardwalk makes the full loop inaccessible. No replacement date is available. Use only posted open segments and return the way you came; do not cross the damaged boardwalk. Check NPS status before visiting.

Will I definitely get muddy?

Access checked October 9, 2026: Pinhook Upland Trail is partially open, but a destroyed middle boardwalk makes the full loop inaccessible. No replacement date is available. Use only posted open segments and return the way you came; do not cross the damaged boardwalk. Check NPS status before visiting.

How long does this actually take?

Access checked October 9, 2026: Pinhook Upland Trail is partially open, but a destroyed middle boardwalk makes the full loop inaccessible. No replacement date is available. Use only posted open segments and return the way you came; do not cross the damaged boardwalk. Check NPS status before visiting.

What's the real deal with ticks?

Ticks are present year-round, but more aggressive in warm months. They're an occupational hazard of hiking this habitat. Wear light-colored clothing, use DEET-based insect repellent on your boots and socks, and perform a thorough tick check immediately after the hike. Use tweezers. Save any tick you remove in a sealed bag if you develop symptoms.

Can I bring my dog?

Access checked October 9, 2026: Pinhook Upland Trail is partially open, but a destroyed middle boardwalk makes the full loop inaccessible. No replacement date is available. Use only posted open segments and return the way you came; do not cross the damaged boardwalk. Check NPS status before visiting.

Is this safe to hike alone?

Access checked October 9, 2026: Pinhook Upland Trail is partially open, but a destroyed middle boardwalk makes the full loop inaccessible. No replacement date is available. Use only posted open segments and return the way you came; do not cross the damaged boardwalk. Check NPS status before visiting.

Do I need trekking poles?

Not essential, but strongly recommended. Poles reduce fall risk on muddy descents and save knee stress. A found stick works fine if you don't own poles.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated June 2026. Report an issue.