Trail #14 of the Indiana Dunes National Park 1966 Hiking Challenge is the Cowles Bog Trail in Dune Acres, Indiana. The trail is named in honor of Henry Chandler Cowles (1869-1939), a botanist from the University of Chicago, who helped define the field of ecology with his research of the Indiana Dunes. Cowles’ published works brought international attention to the intricate ecosystems existing on the dunes that impacted its conservation in the 19th Century. His dissertation on the vegetation of the sand dunes of Lake Michigan established Cowles as the “father of plant ecology” in North America.

Photo Credit: Portrait of Henry Chandler Cowles, National Park Service

We have been visiting the Cowles Bog trail for years as one of our go-to running trails. It’s a challenging trail to run but the hills provide a great opportunity for a work out. This is one of our favorite places in the Indiana Dunes that we return to year-round. In late July and August, the mayflies are a bit of a nuisance without wearing our bug nets but they will dissipate when the seasons change with cooler weather. I think I actually prefer this trail in the fall when the colors flame golden orange or in winter when the sandy ground firms up, but in spring migration, it is a birder’s paradise.

The 1966 Hiking Challenge Route:

The Cowles Bog Trail is a lollipop shaped hike beginning at the main parking lot. You can also park at the Greenbelt trailhead by the train tracks if the lot is full. When entering the forest, the trail skirts along the edge of a wetland habitat where we have often spotted herons, egrets, and sandhill cranes in the marsh on previous hikes. It is a winding loop through black oak savanna and interdunal ponds.

The elevation increases at the 1.5 mile mark when turning right at the junction to climb up a steep dune. We hiked up the dune with Uncle Dale and Aunt Ginny a couple years ago and they were troopers trekking up to see the view of Lake Michigan!

On a clear day, you can see the Chicago skyline in the distance across the lake with skyscrapers that look like a tiny castle fortress in pale blue undertones. Sometimes we hike down to the beach to dip our toes in the water or see the waves, but then we have to trek back up the dune to continue where we left off! You can also follow the shoreline west for about 0.2 miles and look for trail signs to head back over the dune.

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

On the return, there are signs indicating where to follow the loop if you parked at Greenbelt or the north lot. The back end of the loop is less traveled with open views of the wetlands. It is a very peaceful space to be in and we can often spot a lot of birds here if we quiet our conversation. Cowles Bog is a satisfying trail to accomplish on a hard run and invites us to closely observe our surroundings on a contemplative walk. It is worth returning to time and time again!

Location: Cowles Bog North Gravel Parking Lot : 1450 North Mineral Springs Road, Dune Acres, IN 46304

Trail Length: 4.7 miles
Difficulty level: Rugged

Highlights:

• Rolling hills
• Beautiful trees
• Boardwalk section
• Sandy hike
• Fall colors
• Birding
• Lake views
• Beach access
• Wildlife

Tips/Suggestions:

• Overflow parking is available at park headquarters across U.S. 12 when the main and Greenbelt lots are full
• The trail can be difficult with increasing elevation on loose sand
• There is a porta pottie at both parking lots
• The trail is not handicap/stroller accessible
• Dogs on leash are allowed
• Bring water or take breaks
• Enjoy the journey!

The Cowles Bog Trail has been completed on the 1966 Hiking Challenge! (We were too tired for a jump photo after our run this time 🤪)