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Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 79 Google reviews · Running trail in Chesterton, Indiana · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 4.7 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Landmark 4.7-mile trail winding through marshes & black oak savannas to the shores of Lake Michigan.
What runners say about Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trail
“It’s still a well-maintained path and easy to follow, but definitely not the most scenic right now with everything charred.”
“The first two miles of the trail are mostly packed earth and easy walking, with a few inclines and beautiful wooded scenery, especially a nice black oak savanna, and lots of birds.”
“Beautiful views in all directions, the trails are clearly marked and well-signed, and the combination of the beach, sandy dunes, oak savanna, and boggy lowlands is really unique.”
“The first two miles of the trail are mostly packed earth and easy walking, with a few inclines and beautiful wooded scenery, especially a nice black oak savanna, and lots of birds.”
Awesome hike to the beach! Dress appropriately to the weather. The wind can be mighty powerful but always worth it so see this view. I come here all year long and the mosquitoes can be pretty vicious in the summer time so definitely pack a repellent.
What we enjoyed about this hike was experiencing both the dunes as well as the forest/bog landscapes. The first two miles of the trail are mostly packed earth and easy walking, with a few inclines and beautiful wooded scenery, especially a nice black oak savanna, and lots of birds.
Awesome place for a good short hike, birdwatching and enjoying some forest ambience. The beach at the end of the trail was very pristine and clean. Make sure to take sandals for the beach and good shoes for the rest of the trail.
We parked across the road and took the bridge to the trailhead next to the tracks. The first bit of trail is less than exciting. Train tracks and muck water on one side with massive power lines connecting to a substation. That said, it's worth it once you reach the wooded section.
Trail conditions & character
“The first two miles of the trail are mostly packed earth and easy walking, with a few inclines and beautiful wooded scenery, especially a nice black oak savanna, and lots of birds.”
“Parking can be limited, so get here early, or park at the lots on Mineral Springs Rd south of Rte 12.”
“The last (<1/2 mile) bit of the hike is a steep ascent of the dune, with a great view of Chicago over the beach and Lake Michigan, and then descending to the beach.”
“I didn't really feel the need to finish the full loop if that was going to be the main view for the whole hike.”
“It is dog friendly but everyone should be careful about ticks.”
Plan your run at Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance4.7 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenps.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Chesterton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trailhead
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Little Calumet River Trail
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Indiana Dunes National Park
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Park with hotels & eateries, plus 15 miles of shoreline for swimming, hiking, bird-watching & more.