Chicago is a vibrant, high-energy city! When you’re ready to enjoy a quiet, peaceful, dog friendly hike, try these options.
As much as I thrive on the hustle and bustle of the city, I also crave an escape to the woods for nice long hikes to clear my mind. Fortunately most forest preserves and trails around Chicago are dog friendly. Over the years, we found some of the best dog friendly hikes in the Chicago area.
Dog Friendly Hiking Near Chicago
Sandstone Point & Overlook Trail: Starved Rock State Park
Located about 90 miles from downtown Chicago, Starved Rock State Park is a series of sandstone canyons and waterfalls along the Illinois River. It is a very popular Chicago day trip, so if you are able to hike mid-week, I highly suggest avoiding the weekend crowds.
Starved Rock is a great destination in every season! Winter brings ice-falls and bald eagles on the river. Spring boats flowing falls and blooming forests. And fall offers a great show of autumn colors on the trees.
There are many trails to choose from, and most are “out-and-back” from the lodge, so you can turn around whenever it suits you. The Sandstone Point & Overlook trail takes you into several of the canyons via a series of trails, boardwalks, and staircases. And there are usually plenty of places your pup can splash around in the streams and pools.
- Round trip: 4.3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Hiking traffic: Heavy at times
- Fees/passes needed: free
- Facilities: Lodge, campground, cafe and free parking at Starved Rock Lodge
Yellow Loop: Deer Grove Forest Preserve
In the northern suburbs, Deer Grove Forest Preserve is one of my favorite dog friendly hiking spots near Chicago. Once you are in the woods, you will never believe how close you are to nearby commercial areas!
Conveniently located along Dundee Road in Palatine, this trail is easily accessed from several parking lots and has well-marked, interconnected trails.
- Round trip: 5.4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Hiking traffic: Light
- Fees/passes needed: free
- Facilities: Parking and porta-potties at Deer Grove West parking lot
READ MORE ⇒ Top American Cities for Dog Friendly Urban Hiking
Main Trail: Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
If you’re looking for a longer hike in the Chicago area, check out Waterfall Glen in the southwest suburb of Darien. At 9.5 miles, it has the longest loop trail I know of in the area, and many people come here to train for longer hikes. Along the crushed gravel trail, you’ll pass several streams and of course, a few waterfalls.
- Round trip: 9.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Hiking traffic: Moderate
- Fees/passes needed: free
- Facilities: Parking, water and restrooms at Cass Avenue parking lot
Lakewood Dog Park – Lake County Forest Preserves
You might wonder why a dog park is on a list of dog friendly hikes, but Lakewood Dog Park in the northwestern suburb of Wauconda is an excellent place for off-leash hiking!
Once you leave the large fields where most dogs and their humans hang out, you can hit the trails in the woods. The park covers 66 acres, so there’s lots of room to explore!
- Round trip: varies
- Difficulty: Easy
- Hiking traffic: Moderate
- Fees/passes needed: Permit required – $10/day for Lake County residents, $20 for non-residents (annual passes are the best choice if you’ll be using any Lake County off-leash parks more than three or four times in a year)
- Facilities: Parking, toilets, water and shade shelter
Lakefront Trail – Chicago
For a dog friendly urban “hike” right in Chicago, the Lakefront Trail is your best choice. There are 18 miles of pathway to walk, jog, bike, or skate along the Lake Michigan shoreline. I love the stretch from Oak Street Beach (shown below) south to the museum campus, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline.
Along the way, there are parks and cafes, so you can turn this urban hike into an all-day event. A few steps off the path, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park, and Grant Park, each offer a unique view of Chicago.
- Round trip: varies
- Difficulty: Easy
- Hiking traffic: Heavy bike and foot traffic
- Fees/passes needed: parking fees will vary
- Facilities: Public restrooms at North Avenue Beach, food and drink carts at several beaches
Those are our favorite dog friendly hiking spots in and around Chicago. Do you have a favorite you’d like to share?
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