Hell's Point Challenge hike at Pokagon SP
Although Hell’s Point Challenge has a forbidding name, under normal weather conditions neither the terrain nor the 84-step climb to Hell’s Point Overlook are particularly challenging to anyone in half-way decent physical shape (trust me, by half-way decent, I mean a couple of 56 year olds with a little extra weight around the middle and a few creaky joints). Yes, a 9 mile hike (we took a few detours) is nothing to sneeze at, but —if you’re not in a hurry— it’s a quite doable and pleasant outing.
What made out trip an actual challenge was that we arrived only somewhat prepared for the weather. The day began dry, with temps in the fall-like mid-40’s. We knew there would be a bit of snow in the afternoon, but this did not deter us. We packed along our favorite portable chairs, a picnic of some bread, precooked sausages and veggies, and a small camp stove and gear for cooking tea outside. We both had waterproof jackets and overpants, plus sensible winter accessories: hats, neck gaiters, warm gloves.
As we started out from the parking lot at the Nature Center in Pokagon SP, the going was easy along a paved bike trail, so we warmed up quickly, and stripped off some outer layers. About a third of the way through our hike, we started noticing some snow flurries, but the weather was still mild, and there was no accumulation. As we hiked on, the weather continued to shift, and by the time we reached Hell’s Point, we were leaving footprints in the snow on the the wooden steps.
More than half-way through our hike, we started getting hungry, but snow was falling thick and steady, and we searched in vain for any kind of shelter. In winter, deciduous trees offer little protection, so we finally decided to just wing it. We picked a spot along the side of a tiny creek and spread out our picnic preparations. It was not the relaxing, warming affair we had hoped for, as snow quickly covered our dishes, bread and tea fixings. But we were determined to make a hot beverage, even though our fingers got quite chilly in the process. Rather than lounge around, while the tea was brewing, we shook everything else dry again and stashed it back in our packs, drank the tea standing up and stomping our feet, and finally confronted the need to put our now wet gloves back on.
We really were not prepared for the dramatic change in the weather, the amount of snow that came down, and the saturating effect it would have on our clothing: our gloves, hats and neck gear were basically sopping wet. Because it was still relatively warm, we were moving apace, and we were in relative proximity to civilization, this lack of planning didn’t put us in any danger, or even in particular discomfort. But it’s a good reminder to take a careful look at the weather, and bring along some backup gear in case you need it. Specifically for this outing, I would have made the following adjustments:
Bring food that requires zero preparation and can be consumed even while walking (eg. sandwich, wrap, cold pizza, empanada, etc, or energy bars, if you must).
Though I love making tea outside, this would have been the time to bring tea in a thermos. Honey and lemon would have been nice additions.
A rudimentary tarp, poncho or even an umbrella could be used to make a quick shelter/windbreak. (On our list is finding an easy solution that doesn’t require tying knots in cold weather.)
Extras: dry gloves, hats and neck covering or balaclava would have been extremely welcome.
Gaiters to keep snow out of the top of our boots (or pants loose enough to zipper over boots).
About 15 minutes after our soggy picnic, we came upon a beautiful piny grove that would have made a wonderful, dry and sheltered spot for our lunch. Oh, well. Next time!
Summary
About a 3-hour drive from Chicago, Hell's Point Challenge is a 8.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located in Pokagon SP near Angola, IN. There are definitely more trails in the park that are worth exploring, and will add mileage to the hike. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Hell’s Point is the highest point in the state park up 84 man-made steps leading to the top.
Pokagon SP Indiana DNR website.