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Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 318 Google reviews · Running trail in Dune Acres, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 4.7 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trailhead'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.
Popular hiking trail through marsh, forest, and dunes with beach views.
What runners say about Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trailhead
“There are trail options that take you along the bog, through the forest and finally you get a reward - a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan from a tall dune.”
This was an insanely good hike. You get to see many different biomes including the forest, marsh, swamp, sand dunes, and beach. If you go counterclockwise towards the beach and back, it's an easier hike. If you do the whole counter clockwise look, the second half is pretty hilly but also very fun.
What an incredible park! Definitely the best place Indiana has to offer. Just incredible sights, beautiful biodiversity, great trails, hardly busy at all. Breathtaking views from the shores and Cowles Bog. Can't recommend enough!! Especially the Cowles Bog trail!!!!!! Please go
I've been here a ton of times. Love this place. Parking gets jammed some times, but it's still great. I use it for exercise and to get out of the house. It's roughly a 2 mile hike to the beach and there are signs up telling you which way to go. Nature at it's best.
Great hike with a nice mix of forest, swamp, and beach qualities. Moderate hike that was challenging in some moments but never too difficult. Bug spray a good idea. Beautiful views of the water that make it all feel worth it.
Trail conditions & character
“There are trail options that take you along the bog, through the forest and finally you get a reward - a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan from a tall dune.”
“If you want an easier hike for the whole thing, go clockwise when you leave the trailhead area.”
“On hot days, consider leaving your dog at home or make sure they have boots on.”
“If you do the whole counter clockwise look, the second half is pretty hilly but also very fun.”
“It took around 2 hours or so to complete the entire loop .”
“There was a short gravel trail before the trailhead.”
Plan your run at Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- Phone(219) 395-1882
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8:30 PM |
Running trails near Dune Acres
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 Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 79 reviews
Landmark 4.7-mile trail winding through marshes & black oak savannas to the shores of Lake Michigan.
Calumet Trail Trailhead
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Parking & staging area for a 19-mile bike trail with a flat, gravel surface & wetlands views.
Little Calumet River Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 142 reviews
Part of a 3.9-mi. loop trail, with scenery including hardwood forests, prairie & river wetlands.
Indiana Dunes National Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 13,163 reviews
Park with hotels & eateries, plus 15 miles of shoreline for swimming, hiking, bird-watching & more.
