Hobart Prairie Grove Trail (West)

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 a 2.2-mile out-and-back through rare bur oak savanna to scenic Lake George, with 40 feet of elevation gain over packed dirt that turns muddy in wet conditions. This is genuinely easy terrain but demands solid waterproof boots for slippery sections. The adjacent 4-mile paved Oak Savannah Bike Trail offers the same lake views on a smooth, wheelchair-accessible surface. Both trails reward with waterfowl, ravine views, and the rare prairie ecosystem this site preserves.

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; very wet and muddy after rain
Trail Features
  • Forested ravines
  • Lake George views
  • River views
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Fall colors
  • Rare bur oak savanna
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: Rare bur oak savanna ecosystem—only 300 acres preserve this habitat—with scenic Lake George overlook, forested ravines, and Deep River views. The site contains 343 native plant species and abundant wildlife within unique silt-clay soil composition.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Robinson Lake Park, 5227 South Liverpool Road, Hobart, IN 46342
Shuttle Required
No
Shuttle Details
No shuttle service available

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
No
Permit Details
No permits required
Fees
$25 — Entrance - Private Vehicle (7-day park pass, valid as of 2026-06-12)
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
None documented; park general areas open year-round

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
No
Water Sources
Dry trail—carry all water needed. Zero potable water at the trailhead or along the route
Accessibility
Hobart Woodland Trail: Not wheelchair accessible; packed-dirt surface prone to mud and slippage. Oak Savannah Bike Trail: Paved, flat grade, fully wheelchair accessible.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Ticks (year-round)
  • Muddy terrain
  • Poison ivy
  • Slippery sections
Hazard Details
Ticks present year-round—precautions are mandatory. Packed dirt and clay surface becomes very wet and muddy, creating slippery sections. Poison ivy possible on trail edges; stay on marked path to avoid it. Off-trail travel damages fragile native habitat.
Best Season
Year-round; optimal conditions spring and fall
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
  • Wear waterproof boots with aggressive tread—packed dirt becomes a grease-slick when wet
  • Carry 2L of water minimum; zero potable water at the trailhead
  • Tuck pants into socks and check for ticks every 2 hours; present year-round here
  • Stay on marked path; poison ivy is possible on the edges
  • Bring NPS map from the trailhead kiosk—navigation is straightforward but smart backup

More details

Park Area
Hobart, Indiana
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
Yes; must be on a leash 6 feet or shorter
Biking Allowed
No bicycles on Hobart Woodland Trail. Bicycles permitted on adjacent Oak Savannah Bike Trail
Shade Level
Mostly shaded in woodland sections; some sun exposure on Lake George loop portion
Emergency Contacts
1-800-PARK-TIP (emergency and crime reporting)
Map Recommended
Yes
Mud Season
Spring thaw and after heavy rain; packed dirt and clay surface becomes very wet and muddy
Fall Colors Peak
Fall (specific peak dates unknown)
Bug Season
Ticks present year-round; precautions mandatory at all times
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 offers the main trailhead parking. Nearest services and supplies in Hobart area, approximate distance unknown
Review Summary
Hikers report this as genuinely manageable terrain—the real challenge is mud on the woodland path after rain, not distance or elevation. The paved Oak Savannah option absorbs most foot traffic, making the Woodland Trail quieter for solitude seekers. Tick vigilance is non-negotiable year-round.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is 2.2 miles too easy to bother?

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 bad are the ticks here?

Year-round threat but manageable with discipline. Tuck pants into socks, check every 2 hours, full-body sweep post-hike. Non-negotiable ritual.

Can I do this without waterproof boots?

Not on muddy days. Packed dirt demands traction. If you have wet-weather doubts, the adjacent paved Oak Savannah Trail eliminates the slip hazard entirely.

Is it safe to solo this trail?

Yes. Well-marked path, steady foot traffic, and the Park Tip Line (1-800-PARK-TIP) works. Stay on trail and you're fine.

What if it rained yesterday?

The paved Oak Savannah Bike Trail is your backup—same lake views, zero mud, shared parking. Switch plans instead of battling slop.

Do I need a permit?

No permits required. Pay the $25 park entrance fee and show up during hours (6 AM–11 PM daily).

How much water do I need?

Bring 2L minimum. Zero potable water at trailhead or on trail. The easy distance is no excuse for dehydration.

Are there restrooms anywhere?

No restrooms or facilities at the trailhead. Use facilities before you arrive.

1966 Hiking Challenge

19 ranger hikes, 66 miles total. Earn your medal. May–September Saturdays at 8 AM.

Calumet Dunes Trail

Half-mile paced loop: accessible, family-friendly, easy dunes entry. Year-round ticks; stay left at junctions.

Cowles Bog Trail (South)

4.7 miles of loose sand, steep dunes, zero water. Bring 2L+, start early. Lake views payoff big.

Dune Ridge Trail

0.7mi loop with Great Marsh views. Steep sandy climb, technical descent—grit required.

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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.