Hobart Woodland Trail

Hobart Woodland Trail is an easy 2.2-mile out-and-back from the paved Robinson Lake Park lot, with a small loop beside Lake George. The first stretch follows the flat, asphalt Oak Savannah Trail east for just under half a mile, then packed dirt and clay leave the rail trail and cross bur oak savanna into the woods. Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours; published estimates differ, and you'll want a little time at the lake.

Start at the main lot and follow Oak Savannah east to a footbridge and map kiosk on the south side. That marks the turn off the paved route. The Woodland path crosses the grove to a small Lake George loop, then returns to the paved approach. The 2.2 miles includes that approach both ways. The walk is rated easy, with about 40 feet of gain. There are no restrooms or drinking water on this hike.

Hobart Prairie Grove is about 300 acres of wetlands, prairie remnants, white oak flatlands and rare bur oak savanna. The park counts 343 native plant species here. The soil is unusually fine-grained, with at least 70 percent silt and clay. That mix helps support the grove's diversity and gives the dirt path its sticky, slick character after rain.

The clay trail can get very wet and slippery. Poison ivy grows at the trail edge, and ticks are present year-round. Leashed dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet; bikes aren't allowed on the Woodland Trail. Indiana Dunes lists a park pass for this hike, while its separate Oak Savannah page says the paved rail trail has no fee, so confirm which rule applies before setting out.