Hobart Prairie Grove Trail (East)

Access checked October 9, 2026: Hobart Prairie Grove Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, with no reopening date. Do not hike its East/West woodland routes. The separate paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open; follow its signs and do not enter the closed woodland.

Trail

Trail

Access checked October 9, 2026: Hobart Prairie Grove Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, with no reopening date. Do not hike its East/West woodland routes. The separate paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open; follow its signs and do not enter the closed woodland. Historical route description, not current full-route availability: The Hobart Woodland Trail is an easy 2.2-mile out-and-back through rare bur oak savanna and forested ravines. Expect packed dirt surface prone to mud and slippery sections—solid footwear non-negotiable. The payoff: scenic overlooks of Lake George and pristine forest habitat. This trail demands tactical footing, not lung power.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
2.2
Route Type
Woodland route closed; separate paved Oak Savannah Trail open
Difficulty Level
Easy
Elevation Gain Feet
40

Trail profile

Distance Miles
2.2
Route Type
Woodland route closed; separate paved Oak Savannah Trail open
Difficulty Level
Easy
Elevation Gain Feet
40
Estimated Time
Access checked October 9, 2026: Hobart Prairie Grove Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, with no reopening date. Do not hike its East/West woodland routes. The separate paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open; follow its signs and do not enter the closed woodland.
Trail Surface
Packed dirt and clay—expect very wet and muddy sections. Can be slippery after rain.
Trail Features
  • Lake George views
  • Forest ravines
  • Rare bur oak savanna
  • Fall colors
  • Wildlife viewing
  • River (Deep River system)
Trail Highlights
Access checked October 9, 2026: Hobart Prairie Grove Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, with no reopening date. Do not hike its East/West woodland routes. The separate paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open; follow its signs and do not enter the closed woodland. Historical route description, not current full-route availability: Lake George overlook with scenic ravine views; rare bur oak savanna habitat (300 acres, 343 native plant species). The overlook is the turn-around point—worth the muddy walk.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Robinson Lake Park, South Liverpool Road, Hobart, IN 46342. GPS: 41.523683, -87.269201. Paved parking lot; map kiosk at trailhead.
Parking Lot Size
Paved lot at Robinson Lake Park (exact capacity unknown)
Shuttle Required
No
Shuttle Details
Not applicable. Drive directly to Robinson Lake Park.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
No
Permit Details
No permits required. Park entrance fee applies.
Fees
$25 (7-day private vehicle pass); $20 motorcycle; $15 per person on foot/bicycle
Trail Status
Access checked October 9, 2026: Hobart Prairie Grove Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, with no reopening date. Do not hike its East/West woodland routes. The separate paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open; follow its signs and do not enter the closed woodland.
Seasonal Closures
Park areas open year-round; check current conditions after heavy rain or snow.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
No
Water Sources
No water available on trail. Carry all water needed (2L minimum recommended).
Accessibility
Hobart Woodland Trail: Not wheelchair accessible. Oak Savannah Bike Trail (adjacent, 4 miles paved): Wheelchair accessible.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Muddy/slippery terrain
  • Ticks (year-round)
  • Poison ivy on trail edges
  • No facilities or water
  • Wet sections after rain
Hazard Details
Trail can be very wet and muddy, especially after rain. Wear adequate footwear—slip risk is real. Ticks are present year-round; conduct full-body check post-hike. Poison ivy occurs on trail edges; avoid contact. No restrooms or potable water at trailhead—plan accordingly.
Best Season
Fall (colors, lower humidity, fewer bugs). Spring acceptable if mud has dried. Summer heat exposure without shade relief in open savanna sections. Winter possible but ground may be frozen or waterlogged.
Best Time To Visit
Access checked October 9, 2026: Hobart Prairie Grove Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, with no reopening date. Do not hike its East/West woodland routes. The separate paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open; follow its signs and do not enter the closed woodland.
Tips Advice
  • Tighten your boots—packed dirt becomes slick when wet. Waterproof hiking boots or trail shoes are mandatory.
  • Carry 2L water minimum; no potable water at trailhead.
  • Check for ticks post-hike—they're active year-round. Tuck pants into socks and inspect your entire body.
  • Poison ivy lines the trail edges. Learn to ID 'leaves of three' and avoid contact.
  • Stay on marked trail. Wandering damages fragile prairie habitat and leaves you exposed.
  • Start early; the lot can fill on weekend mornings.
  • Bring a topo map or offline GPS. Cell service may be unreliable.

More details

Park Area
Hobart, Indiana Dunes National Park
Trail Markers
Access checked October 9, 2026: Hobart Prairie Grove Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, with no reopening date. Do not hike its East/West woodland routes. The separate paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open; follow its signs and do not enter the closed woodland.
Dogs Allowed
Permitted on a leash 6 feet or shorter
Biking Allowed
Prohibited on Hobart Woodland Trail. Permitted on adjacent Oak Savannah Bike Trail (4 miles, paved).
Shade Level
Wooded sections with dappled shade through forest; open oak savanna with full sun exposure. Bring a hat for the open sections.
Emergency Contacts
In case of emergency or to report a crime: 1-800-PARK-TIP
Map Recommended
Yes
Mud Season
Expect muddy conditions in spring (snowmelt) and after heavy rain. Fall typically drier.
Fall Colors Peak
unknown (Fall featured as trail highlight, specific peak dates not specified)
Bug Season
Ticks present year-round. Mosquitoes likely peak in summer months (specific data not provided).
Insider Tips
Access checked October 9, 2026: Hobart Prairie Grove Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, with no reopening date. Do not hike its East/West woodland routes. The separate paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open; follow its signs and do not enter the closed woodland.
Recent Updates
Access checked October 9, 2026: Hobart Prairie Grove Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, with no reopening date. Do not hike its East/West woodland routes. The separate paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open; follow its signs and do not enter the closed woodland.
Family Friendly Notes
Access checked October 9, 2026: Hobart Prairie Grove Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, with no reopening date. Do not hike its East/West woodland routes. The separate paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open; follow its signs and do not enter the closed woodland.
Nearby Facilities
Robinson Lake Park (parking area); no other facilities listed. Nearest services unknown—plan supplies in Hobart town center before arrival.
Review Summary
Hikers report this as a mellow woodland walk marred by muddy footing. The rare oak savanna and lake views make it scenic, but the packed dirt surface demands proper boots—reviewers note surprise muddy patches even in dry seasons. Easy win for families and casual hikers; tactical footwear makes all the difference.

Location

Frequently asked questions

How muddy is this trail really?

Access checked October 9, 2026: Hobart Prairie Grove Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, with no reopening date. Do not hike its East/West woodland routes. The separate paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open; follow its signs and do not enter the closed woodland.

Are ticks a real problem?

Yes. Ticks are present year-round (not seasonal). Conduct a full-body inspection post-hike—check hair, armpits, groin, behind knees. Wear long pants, tuck socks up, and consider tick spray.

Can I do this hike alone?

Access checked October 9, 2026: Hobart Prairie Grove Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, with no reopening date. Do not hike its East/West woodland routes. The separate paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open; follow its signs and do not enter the closed woodland.

How fit do I need to be?

Access checked October 9, 2026: Hobart Prairie Grove Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, with no reopening date. Do not hike its East/West woodland routes. The separate paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open; follow its signs and do not enter the closed woodland.

Do I need special gear?

Access checked October 9, 2026: Hobart Prairie Grove Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, with no reopening date. Do not hike its East/West woodland routes. The separate paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open; follow its signs and do not enter the closed woodland.

What's the poison ivy risk?

Poison ivy can be present on trail edges. Learn to ID it ('leaves of three, let it be'). Stay centered on the path and don't brush the edges. Wash your clothes post-hike if you suspect contact.

Can I bring my dog?

Access checked October 9, 2026: Hobart Prairie Grove Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, with no reopening date. Do not hike its East/West woodland routes. The separate paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open; follow its signs and do not enter the closed woodland.

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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.