10 Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Illinois!

10 Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Illinois!

There are so many perfect spots for adventures with your pup in the great state of Illinois. The state has an abundance of dog-friendly trails and parks for you and your pup to explore. Read on for a guide to the 10 best dog-friendly hiking trails!

Schweitzer Woods Forest Preserve, West Dundee, IL

This 160 acre property was gifted to the citizens of Kane County by Emily Schweitzer. Here, you and your pup can explore oak forests, crop land, hay meadows and marshes. You can even visit the Edwardian house and matching dog kennel situated at the southeast corner of the property.

Meadow Valley Park & Dog Park, Washington, IL

This 90 acre park was acquired from the Smoeger Estate and is full of natural woods and meadows. The park is perfect for an afternoon stroll with your pup and every inch of the park is open to your furry family member.

Fox River Bluff West Forest Preserve, Saint Charles, IL

This 67-acre green space is located on the banks of the Fox River and is the perfect outdoor escape for your pup. The area contains an off-leash dog area, hiking/biking trails, interpretive signs, and even fishing.

Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area, Yorkville, IL

This 1,350 acre park is a great spot for exploration and adventure. Here, you and your pup can explore diverse habitats and activities like hiking, biking, fishing, birding and more.

Beck Lake Dog Park, Des Plaines, IL

This lake is a great destination for a pup looking to get out and explore. With trails that allow dogs (as long as they are on a leash) and plenty of wildlife, your pup is bound to have a blast.

Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry, IL

This 2,200 acre park is the perfect spot for fishing, biking, hiking, birding and more. And with ten-plus miles of trails, your pup can explore for hours. There’s no limit to what you can discover!

Drost Park, Maryville, IL

Explore this beautiful park with your pup and take in the seven-acre lake, several pavilions, asphalt walking trails, and more. See why Maryville locals flock to this hidden gem.

Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL

This wilderness area on the Illinois River, known for its steep sandstone canyons, is the perfect spot for a pup looking to explore. With trails, wildlife and even a Lover’s Leap Overlook to explore, your pup will be entertained for hours.

Raceway Woods Forest Preserve, Carpentersville, IL

This 122 acre open space property is a pup’s paradise. With a savanna and mesic woodland, pocket seeps and a clear rippling brook, you and your pup will have plenty of exploring to do.

Hammel Woods - DuPage River Access, Shorewood, IL

This 147 acre preserve is located at the site of the historic Grinton Mill and provides access to the DuPage River with a boat launch and picnic area. Perfect for a pup looking for an adventure.