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This trail highlights a rich beech and maple forest growing on top of a glacial moraine.


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Map Key

2.1

Miles

3.3

KM

Loop

887' 270 m

High

838' 256 m

Low

79' 24 m

Up

79' 24 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

4%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. No bicycles or motorized vehicles allowed. Stay on the trail to protect wildlife and yourself. Pets are permitted on a leash (6' or shorter).

Overview

The Pinhook Upland Trail highlights a rich beech and maple forest growing on top of a glacial moraine. The Pinhook Bog is visible from parts of the trail.

Need to Know

Free parking and access. There is a seasonal porta-potty from early May through early November, but no potable water source. This trail is not wheelchair accessible. Mosquitoes can be abundant along this trail during the summer. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and tuck long pants into socks to avoid ticks and poison ivy.

Please note that the Pinhook Bog Trail has restricted access. Information on the bog trail can be found on the Pinhook Bog Trail page.

Description

The Pinhook area features two very different habitats. The Upland Trail highlights a rich beech and maple forest growing on top of a glacial moraine formed about 15,000 years ago. The Pinhook Bog Trail leads to a depression in the moraine created when a large piece of ice broke off the melting glacier.

The Upland Trail starts from the east end of the parking lot. The trail is lollipop shaped and easy to follow. The recommend route is to hike the loop in a clockwise direction. The trail rolls though the glacial moraine with a packed dirt surface.

History & Background

Indiana Dunes National Park (formerly national lakeshore) was established to preserve portions of the Indiana Dunes and other areas of scenic, scientific, historic and recreational value. Up to two million annual visitors enjoy the park's 15,000 acres of wetlands, prairies, sand dunes, oak savannas, forests, and historic sites. The park's 15 miles of beaches hug the southern shore of Lake Michigan from Gary, IN, to Michigan City, IN. For more information, visit nps.gov/indu/index.htm or facebook.com/IndianaDunesNPS.

Contacts

Shared By:

Rafi Wilkinson

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#5151

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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#39

in Indiana

#5,151

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563 Since Dec 17, 2015
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Photos

Pink Lady's Slipper Orchids at Pinhook Bog.
Jun 1, 2016 near Trail C…, IN
Indiana Dunes National Park - Inland Trail at Pinhook Bog
Sep 21, 2020 near Trail C…, IN
Pinhook Bog! The sphagnum moss is so thick that it supports full grown trees. The moss is floating on top of water. Amazing.
Jan 13, 2016 near Trail C…, IN
Towering tree on the Upland Trail.
Jun 1, 2016 near Trail C…, IN
Japanese Maple on the Upland Trail.
Jun 1, 2016 near LaPorte, IN
Secluded wetland on the Upland Trail.
Jun 1, 2016 near LaPorte, IN

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