You Need National Park Week or Annual Pass or car pool with passholder: The Cowles Bog Trail highlights an area of such outstanding plant diversity that it was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1965 (an hours drive for me in Clay Township, SBN) . Explore several distinct habitats along this 4-5 mile trail including ponds, marshes, swamps, black oak savannas, and beaches. Very Steep loose sand dunes near Lake Michigan can make this a strenuous journey. PACK nourishing LUNCH for a leisure beach break

Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and clothing layers as the weather at the lake can be very different than at the parking lot.

Trailhead Parking Lots
Click Link for Main Lot (north): 1450 North Mineral Springs Road, Dune Acres, IN 46304 to Cowles Bog (Look for the gravel entrance road on the right just BEFORE the town guardhouse) (Ill post map photos closer to time)
Trailhead GPS Coordinates Main (north): 41.645191, -87.084633 (Decimal Degrees)

Passes are required. If you don't have an NATIONAL Access Pass, IDNP Annual Pass, Fourth Grade Pass, Military Pass, or Senior Pass, then you need to carpool with someone who does have one OR prepurchase/share a one -week visit pass for $25 or 12 month annual pass for $45. The State Park Pass does not work here.... the National park sandwiches the state park, but they get separate fees.

• Hike Length – 4.7 miles, 202 feet of elevation gain, 15% maximum grade. Hike Time – 4 hours at a group pace with breaks.
• Difficulty – Moderate to rugged and strenuous especially with steep dune climbs in loose sand.
• Trail Surface – Mixture of loose sand and packed dirt.
• Facilities – Year-round porta potties. No potable water.
• Pets – Permitted on a leash (6' or shorter).

HOUSEKEEPING NOTES:

1. welcome to all the NEWBIES & Regulars!! I provide lotsa info, but always feel free to ask questions in the comments, I will reply as soon as possible, and usually, someone else is wondering the same thing
2. again, limited spaces are available for EASE of connection and gathering all my chicks together! -- Please RSVP YES!!! asap, but also change it to no ASAP--- if you find another wonderful opportunity supersedes this one!! Life is Good!!
3. fair warning: We start the hike fairly promptly, arrival time is 10:00am and we head out by 10:03am, unless we see someone parking that looks Meetup'ishy
4. If you want to bring a Guest, GREAT !!!!!-- if they are comfy, ask them to join Meetup Free, and join THIS group, and then reserve their hiking slot -- it is nice to see the faces and names on meetup prior to the hike!! BUT OPTIONAL!!
5. DURATION: As a group, it could take a little longer to allow for photo/water/ halfway up the dune breaks etc... all good.
6. HIking-People friendly, fluffy pets allowed! Please comment if you are bringing one though, just in case there is someone who is allergic.
7. Cellphone reception may not be great, so plan accordingly for messaging, maps, etc...
8. BRING: You know the drill! ===good shoes, water/electrolytes, snacks, optional hiking poles, hat/sunglasses/spf, camera, packed lunch, possibly bug spray AND Optional really cute comfy outfit!! fitbit/cp app/hiking-friendly-dog/cats, skittles to share etc...
9. carpool if possible, for the EARTH & limited parking space & moola savings

alltrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/indiana/cowles-bog-trail--4

As always, MY first time HIKING this route-- so we will be relying on apps/map and good ol' common sense. Some hiking distances (or equitable fitness stuff) experience is a good thing - YOU KNOW YOU BEST!! I am camping nearby this weekend, so my car will be Fulllll!!

FUTURE: I am simplifying my meetups to ONE 3-5 hour hike each month, on a weekend day. It is my true love, and so much easier to gather energy and time for it! PLEASE JOIN ME!!
NOTE: IF YOUUUUUU would super love to lead some of your favorite hikes or social events, let Rhonda know, I think she may be looking for extra help in the Fall/Winter!

As always Kindness RULES: arrive ready to enJOY in JOY with eagerness to meet new people and see lovely things in your heart! WE will absorb all the great nature energy, and meet and chat and get to know lovely, good people and possibly a friendly pet or two.