Heron Rookery Trail

The featured hike starts from the east parking lot. The hike is a simple out and back. Follow the trail from the east parking lot to the west parking lot and back. The trail surface is packed dirt and clay, which can make this trail very slippery when wet. Wear adequate footwear. In spring, before the trees leaf out, the woodlands along this trail are blanketed with the most extensive display of spring wildflowers in the national park. Trillium, spring beauties and Dutchman's breeches are just a few of the flowers you'll see along this trail. Fishing is also popular during the spring and fall when salmon and trout are making their spawning runs from Lake Michigan into the Little Calumet River. Indiana state fishing regulations apply. The Heron Rookery Trail follows along a portion of the Little Calumet River that once featured over 100 Great Blue Heron nests. After 60 years of nesting here, the herons have moved on to new nesting grounds. These woods remain alive with dozens of bird species including kingfishers, woodpeckers and a wide variety of migrating and nesting warblers. In spring, before the trees leaf out, the woodlands along this trail are blanketed with the most extensive display of spring wildflowers in the national park. Trillium, spring beauties and Dutchman's breeches are just a few of the flowers you'll see along this trail from late April through mid-May. Fishing is also popular during the spring and fall when salmon and trout are making their spawning runs from Lake Michigan into the Little Calumet River. Indiana state fishing regulations apply. - Open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. - Free (no entrance or parking fees). - Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not allowed. - Pets permitted on a leash (6' or shorter). - Trail is not wheelchair accessible. - Trail surface is packed dirt and clay. - No restrooms or potable water. - The main (east) parking lot holds 20 cars and is large enough for buses & RV's to park. - The alternate (west) parking lot has room for only 4 cars. - Wear adequate footwear as the trail can be muddy and slippery in sections. - Stay on the trail to protect the wildlife and yourself. - Mosquitoes are abundant along this trail in the summer. - Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and tuck long pants into socks to avoid ticks and poison ivy.