It is absolutely no secret whatsoever that Indiana Dunes National Park – the stunning National Park that was our very first of its kind – is an amazing place. If one were to ask why it’s such an amazing place, it might take an hour or so to list all the reasons – but at least that person would definitely want to go check it out once you were finished rattling them off. One of our favorite reasons to love Indiana Dunes NP is the fact that it’s home to a curiously diverse spectrum of flora, fauna, and geography; there are the famed dunes, yes, but did you know there are also no less than two unique bogs within the park that make for some of the best hiking in Indiana? Seriously: you’ll want to figure out a way to get yourself to the Pinhook Bog Upland Trail if you can. This is one peaceful hike in Indiana you’ll never forget (but you’ll keep coming back to):

This trail is a well-kept secret.
Bradley Moncrieff/AllTrails
During the summer, there are ranger-led open houses on the weekends. For the rest of the year, though, you'll need to inquire about accessing the trail by calling the Visitor Center at (219) 395-1882.
Thanks to the secluded, secretive nature of the trail, it's not likely you'll encounter a whole lot of other hikers out here.
happy camper/AllTrails
What makes the Pinhook Bog so unique (and intriguing)? Well, for starters - it really IS a bog.
On this two-mile adventure, you'll wander past native species of carnivorous plants like pitcher plants, which are both strange looking and strangely beautiful.
Janice Denham/AllTrails
You'll get a front-row view of some of Indiana's rarest topography; most of our state is plains and prairies and hills. Only part of it is dunes - and only a small sliver of those dunes are host to bogs.

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The trail is a combination of a floating boardwalk and well-packed dirt.
Quentin Aubrey/AllTrails
It's not difficult at all; it makes for the perfect easy, low-key escape from the stresses of real life.
Though it's more difficult to get in during seasons other than summer, we promise it's worth it.
Bradley Moncrieff/AllTrails
The bogs at Indiana Dunes National Park are a national treasure all on their own, and they're beautiful year-round...
...even when dusted in a delicate layer of snow.
Julie M/AllTrails

For more information about the Pinhook Bog Upland Trail, including detailed info on how to get there and how to plan your hike, check out the official Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.

What would you call your favorite peaceful hike in Indiana? Tell us about it in the comments! We love learning about all your favorite places.

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Pinhook Bog, Coolspring Township, IN, USA