Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Illinois

If your dog likes to ruff it, bring Fido hiking in Illinois. Our dog friendly hiking section includes everything from easy one-hour walks to fantastic overnight trips in Illinois that won’t be soon forgotten. Seriously, go take a hike!

Pet Friendly Allerton Park & Retreat Center
Allerton Park & Retreat Center 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. See Details
Pet Friendly Shawnee National Forest
Shawnee National Forest 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. See Details
Giant City State Park 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. See Details
White Pines Forest State Park White Pines Forest State Park is a dog-friendly state park in Mount Morris, Illinois. At 385-acres, the park is made up of varied scenery that's beautiful to explore, 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 and three of the seven are 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. See Details
Starved Rock State Park 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 state park as you explore the scenic trails. Pet parents are reminded to clean up after their pup and to bring water for them as they should not drink from any natural water sources. See Details
Ferne Clyffe State Park 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. See Details
Rim Rock National Recreation Trail 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. See Details
Castle Rock State Park 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. See Details
Fox Ridge State Park 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. See Details
Pleasant Ridge Park Pleasant Ridge Park is a dog-friendly greenspace in Fairview Heights, IL. The 95-acre park includes trails that meander through the woods. There is a large field to the left once you enter the park where people frequently allow their dogs off leash. After you and Fido burn off excess energy you can have a picnic at one of the picnic shelters. See Details
West Street Sculpture Park Bring Fido to West Street Sculpture Park in Galena, IL, to walk on the trails. The park features two acres full of welded sculptures by John Martinson. There are maps available for self-guided tours. See Details
Sugar Grove Nature Center 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. See Details
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a pet-friendly, 2,503-acre preserve in Lemont, 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. See Details
Schiller Woods Schiller Woods is a dog-friendly pond and park located in Schiller Park, IL, on the Des Plaines Trail. Fido is welcome to join you, as long as he remains on-leash at all times. This park offers multiple picnic groves, hiking, bicycling, and cross-country skiing. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the Model Airplane Flying Field, on the property. See Details
Matthiessen State Park 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 be on a leash for the duration of their stay and owners are reminded to clean up after their pets. See Details
White Oak Park Leashed dogs are welcome at White Oak Park, a pet-friendly outdoor space in Bloomington, IL. This park is the community's largest and includes a beautiful 1-mile paved trail around White Oak Park Lake. Fishing and picnicking are also popular activities here. See Details
Cave-in-Rock State Park Leashed dogs are welcome at Cave-in-Rock State Park in Cave-in-Rock, IL, where a 55-foot-wide cave is the main attraction. After checking out the cave, you and Fido can enjoy the pet-friendly trails through this heavily wooded park. Some of them are marked, some of them unmarked, but all are challenging and lead to stunning views. There are a number of picnic areas that overlook the water as well. See Details
Silver Lake Park 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. See Details
Rock Cut State Park Leashed dogs are allowed at 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. See Details
Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve Leashed dogs are welcome at ‍Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve in Collinsville, IL. This dog-friendly public park has been recreated with atmosphere inspired by 1940's farm life, complete with tractors, barns, a 1930's Craftsman style Farm House, and even live animals like donkeys, steer, chickens, and goats. There are over 30-acres of wildlife preserve complete with hiking trails, bridges, and vistas overlooking the prairie and other areas. Open daily to the public and admission is free. See Details
Illinois