Yes, on a leash 6 feet or shorter. Dogs are permitted on Upland Trail only, not on the Bog Trail (habitat protection). Your dog will be muddy.

Upland Trail

Q: Will I definitely get muddy?

Yes. Waterproof boots aren't optional—they're mandatory. The trail is relentlessly wet and muddy year-round. Expect mud regardless of recent rainfall. Gaiters are a smart add.

Q: How long does this actually take?

The NPS says 1.5 hours. That's realistic if the trail is firm. If it's wet (likely), add 20–40 minutes. Mud slows your pace significantly.

Q: 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.

Q: Is this safe to hike alone?

Yes. The trail is short (2.1 miles), well-traveled, and open 6 AM–11 PM daily. Cell service is unknown, so carry a phone with an offline map downloaded. Start early and let someone know your plan. Most hikers encounter others.

Q: 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.

Overview

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy to moderate

Trail Highlights

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.

Insider Tips

• The bog view at the south end of the loop is the reward—don't skip it. Most hikers get distracted at the 1-mile junction; the bog is the whole point. • Take the loop clockwise (left) from the trailhead junction. This is the preferred direction per NPS. • Mud slows pace significantly. Budget 2+ hours if the trail is recently wet. • The floating boardwalk on the Bog Trail submerges underfoot. Only accessible on ranger-led tours (summer weekends). • Call the Visitor Center at (219) 395-1882 for exact ranger tour dates and trail conditions.

Best Season to Hike

Spring and fall offer stable weather. Mud year-round; ticks active year-round.

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

Easy terrain suitable for most families with moderate fitness. Mud and ticks require gear prep (waterproof boots, insect repellent). Younger children may struggle with constant mud; older kids (8+) handle it fine. Monitor children near bog edge—no railings. Picnic tables at parking lot.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 2.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 97 ft

Duration: 1.5 hours at a steady pace. Add 30 minutes if mud slows you down.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Route Type: Lollipop loop

Surface: Packed dirt. Relentlessly wet and muddy. Bog Trail section (ranger tours only) features floating boardwalk that submerges under foot traffic.

Getting There

Trailhead: 957 N. Wozniak Road, La Porte, IN 46350

Parking: Paved lot with typical capacity. Rarely fills except peak weekends.

Fills Up: Parking lot rarely fills except peak weekends. Usually has available spots.

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

Not required for day hikes on Upland Trail

Fees: $25 — Entrance - Private Vehicle (7-day park pass)

Shuttle Available

Not applicable

Trail Rules

Dogs: Yes, on leash 6 feet or shorter on Upland Trail only. Dogs prohibited on Bog Trail (habitat protection).

Biking: No. Bicycles and motorized vehicles prohibited.

Trail Markers: Trail is well-maintained with clear junctions. Loop direction is marked; preferred direction is clockwise from the trailhead junction.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: None. No potable water or creeks on Upland Trail. Carry all water needed.

Shade: Mostly shaded. Dense beech and maple forest provides shade for most of the hike. Some open sections near the bog.

Hazards:

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.

Emergency: In case of emergency or to report a crime, call 1-800-PARK-TIP (National Park Service emergency number)

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate. Popular destination but manageable outside peak weekends.

Peak Times: Summer weekends (10 AM – 3 PM). Weekday mornings are quietest.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Not wheelchair accessible. Trails and picnic tables are not accessible.

Family Notes:

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.

FAQs

Is this trail too easy for me?

Elevation-wise, yes. But mud is the difficulty metric here. You'll be slogging through boot-sucking mud for 2.1 miles. If 'difficult' means steep and breathless, skip it. If you want to learn glacial geology while dealing with real terrain challenges (mud, ticks), this is your hike.

Will I definitely get muddy?

How long does this actually take?

What's the real deal with ticks?

Can I bring my dog?

Is this safe to hike alone?

Do I need trekking poles?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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