From Chellberg Farm to Cowles Bog & Back: Challenging Hike

Time 11am CT, 12pm ET

I enjoy any kind of hiking, but I'm especially excited for this hike. It is both long and challenging, and includes possibly the hardest climb in the dune area. It is worth it, it has a variety of scenery, and one of the best views.

We'll start at the Bailly/Chellberg Farm parking lot. There's plenty of room there, and overflow parking in the field right across the road.
We'll walk past the historical farmyard, and then continue across the road. The easy wooded path goes behind the Dunes Park headquarters, and at the 1st mile mark, we'll cross HW 12 on that huge yellow bridge.

A short walk down Mineral Springs Road, and we'll reach the tiny Greenbelt parking lot, and take the Greenbelt trail to the west. This leg of the hike is level and runs besides lakes and marshes for a mile or so. The next mile and a half runs through the woods and includes some significant ups and down, terminating at an amazing overlook on the lake nearly 200 ft below.

After descending we'll be at the wide and grassy lakeshore. It's beautiful. We'll take a break and enjoy the view. I recommend bringing a snack.

The biggest challenge is climbing 200 feet up the dune to get off the beach. Once back on top of the dunes, there 1/2 a mile of hilly terrain, and then we settle down for 2.5 miles of mostly level hiking back to the cars.

Difficulty
Challenging. The path is long, and parts are quite steep and tall. Total distance 7 miles. It is probably the hardest the Dunes has to offer.

There is a short cut I'll point out that shaves off a mile, but more importantly, the hardest climbs. It doesn't reach the beach.

However if you just want to come part way then turn around and find your way back, you are welcome to do so.

Map
Here's a link to maps of the planned route:

Long, Hard Route, 7+ miles:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-january-1-2025-69b4fa3?u=i&sh=hbgaui

Short Cut Skipping Beach and Climb, 6+ miles:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-january-1-2025-728f206?u=i&sh=hbgaui

Details

• Dogs are allowed on leash
• Bring some water, and maybe a snack
• In case of bad weather the hike may be bumped to Sunday
• No bathroom except at the beginning and end.
• Wear layers that you can add or subtract. Wind and effort can significantly change the amount of clothing that's comfortable.

Access
Parking is overseen by the National Park system. Both the Indiana Dunes National Park pass, and "America the Beautiful - Interagency Pass" are valid.

• https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm
• https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm

State Park passes are not accepted.

Feel free to text or call me at 217-717-7860 for last minute details.
Please cancel your RPVP if you can't make it, so we don't wait for you.

Hope to see you there,
Jonathan (I'm a bearded guy with glasses, and a bright blue backpack)

Photos from this trail previously:
https://www.meetup.com/ricks-hiking-fun-group/photos/34671566/