KNPS Field Trip to Mogan Ridge West – Sept 7, 2025
Date of trip: 09/07/2025
Time: 10AM Central Time
Location: Mogan Ridge West, Porter Co., Indiana
Difficulty of hike: Moderate – Expect about a 2.5-hour, out-and-back hike. There are some steep hills on the trail, so expect some physical exertion.
Join Kentucky Native Plant Society Field Trips Chair Alan Abbott for a hike along Mogan Ridge West in Indiana’s Hoosier National Forest on Sunday, September 7th. This trail is close to the Ohio River and approximately an hour from either Owensboro or Louisville.
The hike is meant to introduce participants to the plants of Mogan Ridge, as well as other botanical adventures available in Southern Indiana’s public lands.
Mogan Ridge West follows a gravel road through an upland, Oak-Hickory forest. Late-blooming herbaceous plants typical of this part of Hoosier National Forest include Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago erecta), Rough Blazing Star (Liatris aspera), and Late Purple Aster (Symphyotrichum patens). Woody plants include Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea), Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa), and Post Oak (Quercus stellata). The trail has one of Indiana’s few populations of Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboretum).
Time permitting, the group will travel a short distance to see a small population of American Bluehearts (Buchnera americana).
Mogan Ridge West is a well-maintained forest road. However, there are some steep hills on the trail, so expect some physical exertion.
The group will meet at 10AM Central Time at the Mogan Ridge West parking area. Expect about a 2.5-hour, out-and-back hike. Bring water and tick-protection.
To register for this field trip, fill out and submit the form below.