Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Minnesota

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

Minnehaha Regional Park

Minneapolis, MN

Minnehaha Regional Park Bring your dog for a hike along the gorgeous waterfalls at the pet-friendly Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis, MN. This recreation area has hiking trails through the woods and doggy access to the Mississippi River. An off-leash permit is required to gain admittance. Bring quarters for parking meters. See Details

Scenic State Park

Bigfork, MN

Scenic State Park You and Fido can explore around the pristine lakes and pine forests at Scenic State Park, a dog-friendly recreational area in Bigfork, MN. There are 16 miles of trails that weave around the park, some of which, like the Chase Point Trail, lead to stunning views of Coon and Sandwick Lakes. Dogs are welcome throughout the park on a leash, as long as owners clean up any mess that they leave behind. See Details

Battle Creek Regional Park

Maplewood, MN

Battle Creek Regional Park Battle Creek Regional Park is a large dog-friendly open area in Maplewood, MN, which is popular with families and pet owners. Accessible through the parking lot at the City of Saint Paul's Battle Creek Recreation Center, this expansive park has a summer aquatic center, pavilion, playground, and paved hiking and biking trails. Allow Fido to accompany you for a family picnic, sports games on the large open field or take a casual stroll along one of the trails. Cross over to the east entrance to access the off-leash dog park. See Details

Myre-Big Island State Park

Albert Lea, MN

Myre-Big Island State Park Dogs on a leash are welcome at Myre-Big Island State Park in Albert Lea, MN. The 16 miles of pet-friendly trails at the park lead visitors through wet lowlands, oak savanna and grasslands. You may spot outlines of the city in the distance from some parts of the trail. Pet owners are reminded to clean up any mess that's left behind by their pups. See Details

Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

Jordan, MN

Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area Dogs are welcome to join their owners at the pet-friendly Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area located in Jordan, MN. The park features a few miles of paved trails that allow most people and their dogs to enjoy the views across the river, and a number of rugged trails for the more adventurous explorers and their owners. Dog owners are reminded to keep their pets on a leash for the duration of their visit. To preserve the cleanliness of the area, please clean up after your pet. See Details

Rice Lake State Park

Owatonna, MN

Rice Lake State Park Rice Lake State Park in Owatonna, MN is dog-friendly. Bring Fido to explore five miles of hiking trails in the summer and three miles of cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails in the winter. The area is home to abundant wildlife, especially waterfowl. During the summer, enjoy a picnic at one of the shelters, and rent a canoe or kayak to paddle the shallow waters of Rice Lake with your pup. Camping options are also available. See Details

Lakewalk

Duluth, MN

Lakewalk Dog-friendly Duluth’s Lakewalk in Duluth, MN, consists of nearly eight miles of paved pedestrian and bicycle trails. Stretching from Bayfront Park to Brighton Beach (Kitchi Gammi Park), leashed dogs are welcome to accompany you along this trail. In certain sections, the path leads walkers and their canine companions alongside beautiful Lake Superior Shore. Mutt Mitts are provided at regular intervals. Please be sure to clean up after your dog. See Details

Judge C.R. Magney State Park

Grand Marais, MN

Judge C.R. Magney State Park Visit the pet-friendly Judge C.R. Magney State Park in Grand Marais, MN. The main attraction of this recreation area is Devil's Kettle waterfall, where the river splits around a mass of volcanic rock and goes off into two pools. There are nine miles of trails for you and your dog to explore together, including a mile-long self-guided nature trail. Pups must be leashed at all times, and remember to clean up after them. See Details

Elm Creek Park Reserve

Maple Grove, MN

Elm Creek Park Reserve Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, MN is a 4,900-acre, dog-friendly recreation area. Being the largest park in Three Rivers, amenities include a nature center, an off-leash dog area, a disc golf course, hiking and biking trails, a swimming pond, mountain biking, camping cabins and much more. Be on the lookout for wildlife such as eagles, sandhill cranes, deer, bluebirds, beavers, loons, trumpeter swans and hawks. Fido must be leashed except when playing in the off-leash dog exercise area. See Details

Lions Park

Chaska, MN

Lions Park Lions Park is a dog-friendly community park in Chaska, MN, featuring two off-leash dog areas, a playground with a separate toddler area, ball fields, tennis courts, a volleyball court, a shelter, restrooms and picnic tables. You can walk on the pathways with your leashed pup, as long as you clean up after him. There's also an ice rink in the winter. See Details

Central Lakes State Trail

Osakis, MN

Central Lakes State Trail The Central Lakes State Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this dog-friendly "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Osakis! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Central Lakes State Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details

Bde Maka Ska Park

Minneapolis, MN

Bde Maka Ska Park Visit pet-friendly Bde Maka Ska Park, the largest link in the Chain of Lakes, featuring three beaches and a variety of water recreation activities in Minneapolis, MN. This park also has a walking trail, a picnic area and tons of open fields, making it a great place to hang out with your pooch. Dogs must be kept on a leash and be cleaned up after. See Details

Quarry Park and Nature Preserve

Waite Park, MN

Quarry Park and Nature Preserve Quarry Park and Nature Preserve in Waite Park, MN is pet friendly. Home to 20 abandoned granite quarries, there are plenty of interesting things to see at this park. Leashed dogs are welcome on the hiking trails, where you can explore scenic woodlands, open prairie and wetlands. There are also picnic areas with tables and grills throughout the park. Please note that pets are not permitted in buildings, swimming areas or quarries. See Details

Central Lakes Trail

Alexandria, MN

Central Lakes Trail The Central Lakes Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this dog-friendly "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Alexandria! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Central Lakes Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details

Itasca State Park

Park Rapids, MN

Itasca State Park Take Fido to visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River and the many historic sites at the dog-friendly Itasca State Park in Park Rapids, MN. This park features over 30 miles of hiking trails which are ideal for Fido. Dogs are also welcome on pontoons which are available to rent for a relaxing sightseeing opportunity. Hike together on the Itasca Fire Tower Trail for views of the park from above. Or, share a peaceful moment at Preacher’s Grove, where the sun shimmers through historic red pines at sunset. Finish up your visit on the Wilderness Drive through the pines. See Details

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Two Harbors, MN

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Bring Fido to the pet-friendly Split Rock Lighthouse State Park in Two Harbors, MN. Located on the north shore of Lake Superior, this popular park is best known for the historic lighthouse that sits atop a cliff, warning boaters that they are nearing the coastline. There are a number of trails around the park for you to enjoy with your pup, each more scenic than the last. Dogs are welcome throughout the park, as long as all mess is cleaned up after them. See Details

Tettegouche State Park

Silver Bay, MN

Tettegouche State Park Dogs are welcome at the pet-friendly Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay, MN. This area is known as a hiker's paradise, with miles and miles of trails that lead to views of the Sawtooth Mountains and lots of picturesque lakes. There are also overlooks at Shovel Point and waterfalls at Baptism River to enjoy. Fido should be kept on a leash for the duration of his visit and, please remember to clean up after him See Details

Temperance River State Park

Silver Bay, MN

Temperance River State Park Grab Fido's leash and head on down to the pet-friendly Temperance River State Park in Silver Bay, MN. This popular recreation area is located around the Temperance River and incorporates a number of trails along the shoreline. In addition to the other trails, the main trailheads for the Superior Hiking Trail and North Shore Corridor Trail are also located at the park. Your pup is welcome to join you, as long as he remains on a leash and all mess is cleaned up after him. See Details

Mill Ruins Park

Minneapolis, MN

Mill Ruins Park Bring Fido to explore the centerpiece of the revitalization of the historic West Side Milling District, the dog-friendly Mill Ruins Park in Minneapolis, MN! This recreation area is situated on the water and features grassy areas, a walking path, a drinking fountain and a paid parking lot. Dogs must be on a leash for the entirety of their visit to Mill Ruins Park. See Details

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Nerstrand, MN

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is a pet-friendly recreation area in Nerstand, MN. The park is comprised of the largest remnant of big woods vegetation in Minnesota and features picturesque waterfalls, over one hundred varieties of wildflowers, hiking trails and more. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times during their visit. See Details