5.0
(9280)
9,281
hikers
00:52
3.32km
30m
Hiking
The Pokagon Trail 2,4,and 5 Loop offers a delightful and easy hiking experience, perfect for a quick escape into nature. This 2.1-mile (3.3 km) route, with a gentle 93 feet (28 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through a charming mix of hardwood forests, rolling landscapes, and sections dotted with pine trees. You'll even pass through deep woods, known for excellent birdwatching and a burst of spring flowers, making it a rewarding walk that takes just under an hour, around 52 minutes.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with the trailhead conveniently located within Pokagon State Park and plenty of parking available. As it's an Indiana State Park, you should anticipate an entrance fee, so it's always a good idea to check their official website for current details before you go. Spring is an especially lovely time to hike this loop, offering the best chance to spot wildlife and enjoy the blooming flora.
This loop is a fantastic introduction to Pokagon State Park's unique glacial landscape, characterized by rolling hills and diverse wetlands bordered by Lake James and Snow Lake. The park's topography, shaped by ancient glaciers, provides a distinctive backdrop for your hike. It's a great option for families or beginners looking for a taste of the park's natural beauty without a strenuous climb.
Last updated: June 9, 2026
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Your route passes through a protected area
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Waypoints
Start point
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3.32 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.14 km
177 m
Surfaces
1.72 km
1.45 km
< 100 m
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This route was planned by komoot.
This specific Komoot route, which is 3.3 km (2.05 miles) long, is estimated to take approximately 52 minutes to complete. However, if you combine the full lengths of Trails 2, 4, and 5 as described in park information, the loop can extend to about 4.3 miles and take longer, depending on your pace.
This Komoot route is rated as easy. While the individual trails (2, 4, and 5) can present varied terrain, including rolling land and hardwood forests, the overall difficulty of this specific loop is manageable for most hikers.
Trails 2 and 4 both begin near the gatehouse of Pokagon State Park. Trail 5 starts near Campground 1. Since these trails connect, you can typically find parking within Pokagon State Park and access the loop from various points, often starting near the gatehouse or one of the campgrounds.
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on trails within Pokagon State Park. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all park visitors and wildlife.
Yes, Pokagon State Park, like other Indiana State Parks, typically requires an entrance fee per vehicle. This fee grants you access to the park's facilities and trails, including the Pokagon Trail 2, 4, and 5 Loop. Specific permit requirements for hiking are usually covered by the park entrance fee.
The loop traverses varied terrain characteristic of Pokagon State Park. You'll hike through rich hardwood forests, encounter rolling land, and pass through areas with pine trees. Trail 5 specifically leads through deep woods and offers potential access or views towards the beach.
Pokagon State Park is a year-round destination. Spring offers beautiful wildflowers and woodland birds, while autumn provides stunning fall foliage. Summer is popular for general outdoor activities, and winter allows for unique experiences like the toboggan run, though trail conditions may vary with snow and ice.
The diverse habitats of Pokagon State Park, including hardwood forests and potential meadowlands, support various species. You might spot woodland birds, and the park is known for being at the southernmost range for species like the tamarack tree and yellow birch. Keep an eye out for local fauna, but remember to observe from a distance.
Yes, this loop is formed by combining sections of Pokagon State Park's Trails 2, 4, and 5. While not a single official trail, these segments connect seamlessly. A small portion of the route (3%) also overlaps with the Hell's Point Challenge trail.
While there aren't specific named viewpoints on this exact loop, the trails offer diverse scenery. You'll experience classic woodland hiking, views of rolling hills, and Trail 5 leads through deep woods towards the beach, suggesting potential lake views. The park's landscape itself, shaped by glaciers, is a notable feature.
Given its 'easy' difficulty rating and relatively short distance on this Komoot route, the Pokagon Trail 2, 4, and 5 Loop can be a good option for families and beginner hikers. The well-maintained and marked trails within Pokagon State Park make for straightforward navigation.
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