Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Illinois

Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, IL, is full of dog-friendly hiking trails that wind through canyons, amazing views, and waterfalls. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you at this popular recreation area as you explore these scenic trails. Pet parents are reminded to clean up after their pup and to bring water for them as they shouldn't drink from any natural water sources.

Whether you are looking for a place to hold a pet-friendly special event, or just want to spend an afternoon taking in nature's beauty, Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello, IL, offers all of that and more. It has 1500-acres of meadows, woodlands, gardens, hiking trails, farmsteads and amazing sculptures. Day visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking and bird-watching. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash that is 6-feet in length or shorter. Please remember to clean up after your pup.

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a pet-friendly, 2,503-acre preserve in Darien, IL. It's one of the area's most popular forest preserves known for its Rocky Glen waterfall, Sawmill Creek bluff overlook, and extensive trails. Explore 11 miles of trails with your leashed pooch by your side and discover natural beauty along the way.

Leashed dogs can join you at Giant City State Park, a pet-friendly park located within Shawnee National Forest in Makanda, IL. This park features stunning sandstone bluffs and numerous hiking trails that you and Fido can explore.

The dog-friendly Shawnee National Forest covers more than 270,000 acres in parts of ten counties in southern Illinois. The National Forest Service and Illinois Department of Natural Resources maintain dozens of natural areas for recreational use and several wilderness areas. From the 90 foot Pomona Natural Bridge to the remains of a Mississippian Native American village at Millstone Bluff, there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails to choose from. Trails range in length from the 150+ mile River to River Trail that runs between Battery Rock on the Ohio River and Devil's Backbone on the Mississippi River, to the easy one-fourth mile Observation Trail at Garden of the Gods. Dogs must be leashed at all times.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a pet-friendly place in Collinsville, IL. Fido can join you while you explore 800 acres of fields, marshes, and historical man-made mounds. There's a 10-mile trail and a 6.2-mile trail with informational markers and picnic tables along the way. Parking is available at the museum.

Matthiessen State Park is a pet-friendly natural space in Oglesby, IL. You can bring Fido with you to enjoy the pretty canyons, flowing streams, stunning prairies and luscious forest. There are 5 miles of trails in the park with a variety of different routes that vary in difficulty. The picnic areas in the park are one of the main attractions, some of them built on the remains of a 17th century French fort. Dogs must leashed for the duration of their stay and owners are reminded to clean up after their pets.

Dogs are welcome all over Castle Rock State Park in Oregon, Illinois. Located along the banks of Rock River, this pet-friendly park is home to six miles of marked hiking trails for dogs and their owners to enjoy. The trails lead to views of the river, the forests, and the marshland. There are also three picnic areas dotted around the car park with shelters, picnic tables, playground equipment, grills, toilets and drinking water. One of the most popular of these offers a view across the Rock River Valley for you and Fido to enjoy.

White Pines Forest State Park is a dog-friendly recreation area in Mount Morris, IL. At 385-acres, the park is made up of varied scenery that's beautiful to explore with your leashed pup, including moss-covered cliffs, tranquil woods of towering pines, and the babbling Pine Creek running through the middle. The trails in the park are all pet friendly, with three of the seven being less than a mile long. Size isn't everything though, as these trails prove, leading you and your pooch around vine-covered limestone bluffs and lots of blossoming spring flowers. Additionally, there's an easier trail that is suitable for all levels of walker too. Dogs should be on a leash for the duration of their visit to White Pines Forest.

Leashed pups are welcome at Little Grand Canyon Trail, a pet-friendly hike in Pomona, IL. Located within the Shawnee National Forest, this 3-mile trail can be hiked fully or explored in shorter sections that lead to scenic overlooks. The area is especially beautiful during April and October when spring wildflowers and fall colors are at their peak. The trail is rated as moderate to difficult.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Ferne Clyffe State Park, a pet-friendly natural space in Goreville, IL. The 18 trails in the park wind around picturesque wooded area, streams and ponds. The park is also popular for fishing, picnicking and rock climbing.

Leashed dogs are allowed at the pet-friendly Rock Cut State Park in Caledonia and Loves Park, IL, where the Rock River has carved out a number of craggy rocky formations into the surroundings. This 3,092-acre park contains two lakes that are popular among anglers and water-sports enthusiasts alike. Around the lakes, you'll discover the 40-mile Rock Cut Trail System ideal for pooches who love to explore. The trails vary in difficulty and terrain, with paved trails for less confident hikers and more difficult woodland pathways for outdoor enthusiasts. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife that call the park home. Fido is welcome to join you on the trails as long as they are on a leash under six feet.

Rim Rock National Recreation Trail is a wonderful trail for a hike with your pup in Junction, IL. This popular dog-friendly trail winds through massive rock formations around the rim of a rock escarpment. You'll enjoy the beautiful views while your pup enjoys the exercise. Just keep Fido leashed on the trail.

Leashed dogs are allowed at Fox Ridge State Park, a pet-friendly park in Charleston, IL. This 2,064-acre park is home to 8 miles of scenic hiking trails that will take you up steep, thickly wooded ridges and through scenic valleys. One of the most popular things to do is to wander up the staircase to Eagle's Nest, leading to a deck overlooking the river.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Sugar Grove Nature Center, a dog-friendly nature preserve in McLean, IL. Open in all seasons from dawn until dusk, you and Fido are invited to explore this area of natural beauty on foot. Trails are well marked and shorter routes can be combined into a longer hike around this scenic spot. Visitors can admire the natural beauty of grasslands, woodland and streams, whether it be a snowy winter day or a crisp Fall afternoon. Make sure Fido remains leashed to protect birds and wildlife.

Dogs are welcome at Franklin Creek State Natural Area in Franklin Grove, IL. This pet-friendly park spans 882-acres and is home to several large natural springs, hardwood forests, and jutting bedrocks. There are over four miles of trails to enjoy with Fido in the park, including the Mill Springs Trail, a unique, concrete-surfaced trail suitable for people of all mobility levels that leads to Mill Spring, the largest body of water in the park. Alternatively, you may want to try wandering on Pioneer Pass that takes in some of the stunning natural beauty of the area.

Silver Lake Park is a dog-friendly city park located in Highland, IL. Leashed pets are welcome to enjoy the 90-acre park and accompany you along 4.5 miles of hiking trails. The most popular route, Silverlake Park Nature Trail, offers scenic lake views and plenty of shade. Silver Lake Park also has restrooms, a playground, boat ramp, disc golf course, a climbing wall and archery range.

Veteran Acres Park in Crystal Lake, IL, is pet friendly. Bring your pet for a stroll through the hiking trails in this lovely public park. Dogs are welcome as long as they remain on-leash. The park also features restrooms and picnic shelters for your convenience.

Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in Lombard, IL, is pet friendly. This spot is home to more than 2 miles of trails that wind through Hidden Lake, making it a great destination for hikers, joggers, birders and other wildlife watchers. Leashed dogs are welcome, as long as all mess is cleaned up after them.

Leashed pups can join their humans at Mandala Gardens, a pet-friendly park in Marion, IL. This seven-acre natural area features gardens, a labyrinth, stone sculptures, quiet paths and secluded sitting spots. Please be sure to clean up after Fido.