Many people may not think of Illinois as a state with many hiking trails. However, you can find a ton of popular hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty all throughout the state. Many of these hiking trails are dog-friendly, as long as your dog is leashed at all times. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Illinois that you can visit with your dog.
The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Illinois 1. Allerton Park & Retreat Center
1,500 acres of gardens, forests, prairies, and multiple hiking trails
Has easy, flat trails with unique sculptures and gardens
Family-friendly location with many events hosted year-round
2. Ferne Clyffe State Park
Known for unique plant communities and numerous ferns
Has 18 different trails with amazing views of rock formations
Spring and fall are the most colorful seasons and are recommended for visits
Many different kinds of campsites are available
3. Giant City State Park
Popular dog-friendly hiking trail located within Shawnee National Forest
Known for massive sandstone structures
Be mindful of any horses on equestrian-friendly trails
4. Matthiessen State Park
🗺️ Address: 📍2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL
🕐 Open Times: Year-round from 7:00 AM to sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed? No
Has 5 miles of trails of varying difficulty
Trails leading to the interiors of the two dells can be difficult to navigate in spring and early summer
No swimming, rock climbing, or metal detecting allowed
Park violation fines begin at $195
5. Rim Rock National Recreational Trail
Hiker-only trail that only allows leashed pets
Parts of trails may be blocked due to weather, so make sure to check the website for the latest updates
No trash receptacles are located along the trail
6. Rock Cut State Park
🗺️ Address: 📍7223 West Lane Rd, Caledonia, IL
🕐 Open Times: November – March from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; April – October from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed? No
The entire park is over 3,000 acres with two lakes
A popular location for horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and fishing
Beware of wildlife, including deer, foxes, opossums, and raccoons
7. Schiller Woods
Conveniently located in the Chicago suburbs
Beware of deer and ticks
Fishing is allowed in the pond but no swimming is allowed
8. Shawnee National Forest
🗺️ Address: 📍Herod, IL
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to Sunset from May to October
💲 Cost: No entrance fee; $5 vehicle fee
🐕 Off-leash allowed? No
Over 289,000 acres of forests, canyons, wetlands, and razorback ridges
Has multiple trails with varying levels of difficulty
Many dog-friendly lodging sites in the surrounding area
9. Starved Rock National Park
Trails have canyons, waterfalls, and other scenic views along the way
Activity permits are required for groups of 20 or more
Can get very crowded during the summer months
A popular location for families with young children
10. West Street Sculpture Park
🗺️ Address: 📍620 S W St, Galena, IL
🕐 Open Times: Year-round from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed? No
Conclusion Hiking is a great way to exercise and have bonding time with your dog . Fortunately, Illinois has plenty of fun and scenic hiking trails that are waiting to be explored. Just make sure that your dog is leashed at all times to keep them safe and protect the surrounding wildlife. Following hiking trail rules will ensure that dogs will continue to be allowed on-site and enjoy many outdoor adventures with their families .
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