Hiking · Dunes and wetlands · Indiana Dunes National Park
Cowles Bog Trail to Lake Michigan
A rugged day hike through wetland, savanna, steep dunes, and forest to a remote Lake Michigan beach.
Significantly harder than 4.7 miles suggests — steep dune climbs in loose sand. Budget far more time than the distance implies.
What to expect
A rugged day hike through wetland, savanna, steep dunes, and forest to a remote Lake Michigan beach.
- Location
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- Activity
- Hiking · Dunes and wetlands
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Cost
- National park entrance pass required
- Booking
- Not required
- Best season
- Spring and fall
Conditions and cautions
Sand and steep dune climbs make this harder than the mileage suggests. Check beach and weather conditions.
Plan your visit
Check the official source for current access, booking, and conditions. Then use the map and directions to plan your arrival.
- National Park Service — official pageThe source this listing was verified against
- View on Google MapsFind the location and check current hours and reviews
- Get directionsDrive time from wherever you are starting
- View "Cowles Bog Trail" on AllTrails4.5★ · 4.4 mi · recent trail reports and GPS tracks
- Indiana Dunes National Park on nps.govOfficial alerts, fees, and current conditions
Details to check before you go
These fields are part of the full listing standard and are not filled in for this adventure. Rather than guess at them, we are naming the gap — check the official source above for anything here that affects your plan.
- Parking capacity
- Exact entrance fee
- Restrooms
- Water availability
If this one does not fit
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Verified on against National Park Service. Conditions, closures, fees, and operator schedules change — recheck before you travel.