Pinhook Bog — Attraction in Westville

The Pinhook Bog Upland Trail is a very nice hike through an old growth forest.

Nestled in the serene countryside of La Porte, Indiana, the Pinhook Bog Upland Trail offers hikers a peaceful immersion into the ancient landscapes of the Indiana Dunes National Park. This 2-mile loop trail, rated as easy with a modest elevation gain of just 124 feet, winds through a lush beech and maple forest perched atop a glacial moraine formed around 15,000 years ago during the retreat of massive ice sheets. Accessible daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., the trail starts from a dedicated parking lot at 945 N. Wozniak Road, making it an ideal half-hour to one-hour outing for families, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts seeking a low-key escape just minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan. As you embark on the loop, the packed dirt path meanders through a canopy of towering hardwoods, where sunlight filters through vibrant green leaves in spring and summer, or bursts into fiery reds and golds during fall foliage season. Along the way, keep an eye out for the rich biodiversity that thrives here: playful frogs hopping along the edges, a chorus of songbirds flitting between branches, and clusters of wild mushrooms and ferns carpeting the forest floor. The trail circles the perimeter of the adjacent Pinhook Bog—a rare National Natural Landmark and one of the few inland kettle bogs in the state—offering glimpses of this unique wetland ecosystem from afar, including occasional beaver sightings in the watery expanse. While the bog itself is accessible only via ranger-led tours or limited self-guided hours on summer Saturdays, the Upland Trail provides a satisfying preview of the area’s glacial heritage without the need for special permissions. What sets the Pinhook Bog Upland Trail apart is its role as a gateway to understanding Indiana’s post-Ice Age story, where the moraine’s rolling hills contrast sharply with the bog’s sunken, moss-covered depression left by a massive chunk of melting glacier. Hikers should come prepared for potentially muddy sections after rain, and tick repellent is advisable year-round, as the trail edges brush against denser undergrowth. Entry requires a National Park pass, but the reward is a quiet, restorative hike that feels worlds away from urban bustle, complete with a seasonal porta-potty for convenience. Whether you’re tracing the path solo at dawn or joining a ranger program for deeper insights, this trail captures the subtle magic of the Midwest’s...

Pinhook Bog is extraordinary. The bog trail is only accessible during "open house" weekends in the summer. The upland trail is accessible any time.

We visited in May and saw beautiful orchids and tons of big, healthy pitcher plants in bloom. There were some bladderworts floating in the water. There were sundews in sunny spots amongst the sphagnum moss. They are nestled in the moss and a little more difficult to spot. We saw 2 different species (Drosera rotundifolia and D. intermedia). Also saw a small snake (not sure what kind). The bog really seems to be thriving. Walk was overall not challenging but the boardwalk does...

We stayed a bit too long at the visitor center but we were able to ask Tristen for the tour when we arrived. I feel very grateful that he took the time out because it was so close to locking the gate. We learned so much from him about the ecosystem, the pitcher plants, and the difference between a Marsh and a Bog. It was a nice hike, but really muddy, so be careful and try not to slip. We LOVED IT! I...