Cowles Bog Trail (South)

The wetlands of Cowles Bog.

NPS Photo / K. George

Quick Facts

Location:

Dune Acres, IN

Designation:

National Natural Landmark

Amenities

8 listed

Beach/Water Access, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles

Cowles Bog Trail

4.7 miles, 202 feet of elevation gain, 2% average grade, 15% maximum grade
Hike time: 4 hours

The Cowles Bog Trail highlights an area of such outstanding plant diversity that it was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1965. This location, where Dr. Henry Cowles conducted much of his early work in plant ecology and succession in the early 1900s, remains an important focus for scientific study today.

Explore several distinct habitats along this 4.7-mile trail including ponds, marshes, swamps, black oak savannas and beaches. Steep sand dunes near Lake Michigan can make this a strenuous journey. Many visitors pack a lunch to enjoy at the shoreline while resting for the return trip (don't forget to "pack out" your trash). Make sure to bring plenty of water, sun protection, and extra clothing layers as the the weather at the lake can be very different than at the parking lot.

This featured hike is a lollipop shaped trail and a classic of the Indiana dunes. Starting from the north parking lot, hike out back to Mineral Springs Road on the gravel entrance road and pick up the trail across the street. The trail heads along the edge of a wetland with abundant plant and wildlife diversity. At roughly the one-mile mark, you will reach the loop trail junction. The preferred direction around the loop is counter-clockwise. Take the trail to the right. The trail will now run through black oak savanna and between interdunal ponds filled with aquatic life.

At roughly the 1.5 mile mark, stay to the right at the junction with the cut-off trail. As you near Lake Michigan, you have to climb up and then down the steep final dune. The reward is sweeping views of Lake Michigan and a beach to yourself. Pack a lunch and stay awhile.

For the return, travel 0.2 miles to the west on the beach and look for the trail and signs to head back over the dune. Stay right at the cut-off trail junction, left at the Greenbelt trail south parking lot connector and right at the loop trail junction. The trail will now take you back out to the north parking lot.

For a slightly shorter and easier journey, take the cut-off trail. This will take a little under a mile off the trail length and avoids the steep dune climbs (but also avoids seeing Lake Michigan).

The Cowles Bog loop trail can also be accessed from the south using the Greenbelt Trail at the south parking lot.

Trail Features: Fall Colors, Lake, Views, Wildlife
Must See Gems: Lake Michigan

History and Background
Henry Cowles was a botanist from the University of Chicago. He published an article entitled "Ecological Relations of the Vegetation on Sand Dunes of Lake Michigan," in the Botanical Gazette in 1899 that established Cowles as the "father of plant ecology" in North America. The article brought international attention to the intricate ecosystems existing on the dunes.

The trail is a partnership between the National Park Service and the Town of Dune Acres.

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Getting There

Trailhead Parking Lot
Greenbelt Lot (south): 1184 North Mineral Springs Road, Dune Acres, IN 46304
(Look for the entrance road on the left just after the railroad tracks)

Trailhead GPS Coordinates
Greenbelt (south): 41.636898, -87.087185 (Decimal Degrees)

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Need to Know

Hours & Information

• Hours – Open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
• Hike Length – 4.7 miles, 202 feet of elevation gain, 15% maximum grade.
• Hike Time – 4 hours.
• Difficulty – Moderate to rugged with steep dune climbs in loose sand.
• Trail Surface – Mixture of loose sand and packed dirt.
• Facilities – Year-round porta potties. No potable water.
• Pets – Permitted on a leash (6' or shorter).
• Prohibited – Littering and hunting.
• Prohibited – Bicycles and motorized vehicles.
• Prohibited – Removing plants, rocks, shells, and fossils.
• Prohibited – Glass and fires on the beach.
• The main (north) parking lot is gravel.
• The south (greenbelt) parking lot is paved.
• The south parking lot is also the trailhead for the Calumet Bike Trail and Porter Brickyard Bike Trail.

Safety

• Please stay on the trail and respect closed area signs. Going off trail damages fragile habitat.
• Ticks are present year-round. Take precautionary measures to prevent bites.
• Poison ivy can be present on the edges of the trail.
• Be prepared for changing weather conditions. The weather at the lake can be very different than at the parking lot.
• In case of an emergency or to report a crime, call 1-800-PARK-TIP.

Accessibility

• The trail is not wheelchair accessible.

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Trail Map

View a detailed map of the Cowles Bog Trail.

All hiking trail maps of the Indiana Dunes National Park are available online on our website or in paper at the trailhead kiosk or the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center.
 

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Nearby Hikes

West Beach
Paul H. Douglas (Miller Woods)
Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk