4 Great Places to Hike With Your Pup in the Chicagoland Area
If you are like me, you want to spend as much time with your dog as you can. I love to hike and Sassy, my Beagle/Jack Russel mix, loves to smell and combining them makes for a fun outing the both of us can enjoy. Here is a list of some places near the Chicagoland Area you can hike with your dog.
Starved Rock State Park
Ogelsby, IL
Starved Rock State Park is located in LaSalle County along the Illinois River. There are thirteen miles of hiking trails within the park and all are well marked and most are out and back so you can turn around at any time. All paths are accessible for dogs and there are places for your pup to splash in the canyon pools. While hiking within the state parks all dogs must be leashed at all times. Starved Rock can get busy during the warmer months, so if you are available for mid-week trips I would highly suggest doing so. Access to park and trails is free!
Check to see about availability of some amenities due to Covid procedures
Waterfall Glen
Darien, IL
Waterfall Glen is located in southern DuPage Country. With 11 miles of trails with waterfalls and bluffs, Waterfall Glen offers a hilly terrain great for hiking, biking or selfies with your pup! This is also a favorite spot in the winter for cross country skiers and winter walks. There are 4 trails mapped out at the preserve, but there are lots of other trails that veer off the beaten path, but are not mapped. Best part, no entry fees!
Check to see about availability of some amenities due to Covid procedures
https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/waterfall-glen
Schweitzer Woods
West Dundee, IL
Schweitzer Woods has over 5 acres of trails. This is also an approved off leash preserve, there are rules that must be followed, but within the boundaries your pup can explore! The property has oak forests, crop land, hay meadows and marshes. A beautiful Edwardian house and matching dog kennel are situated in the southeast corner of the property.
Check to see about availability of some amenities due to Covid procedures
Buffalo Creek
Long Grove, IL
This preserve offers 5.5 miles of gravel trails for walking, biking and cross-country skiing. Trails run through open areas within the preserve, crossing several creeks, great view of the reservoir and through a restored prairie. Dogs must be leashed along all trails but there is an off-leash area for you pup. Permits are required for the off-leash dog park, but if you want to take your pup on a nice leashed walk, there are no fees to visit this preserve.
Check to see about availability of some amenities due to Covid procedures