Upland Trail

Fall colors of red, orange, and gold ignite the low laying area around Pinhook Bog.

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: Lollipop loop
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 97

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 2.1
Route Type: Lollipop loop
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 97
Estimated Time: 1.5 hours at a steady pace. Add 30 minutes if mud slows you down.
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: 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: 0

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: Not required for day hikes on Upland Trail
Fees: $25 — Entrance - Private Vehicle (7-day park pass)
Trail Status: Open daily 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Seasonal Closures: None. Trail is open year-round.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
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: Start at 6 AM when the trail opens. Ticks are active year-round but less aggressive in cool morning hours. Avoid peak summer heat (12–3 PM); humidity spikes near the bog. Spring and fall offer stable weather. Mud is constant; waterproof boots non-negotiable any season.
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: Trail is well-maintained with clear junctions. Loop direction is marked; preferred direction is clockwise from the trailhead junction.
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: 1
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: 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.
Recent Updates: None documented. Trail is stable and open.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
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?

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.