Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Illinois (2025 Guide)

labrador with owner hiking outdoors

Despite having a reputation as the Prairie State, Illinois has many different hiking trails with varying elevations and beautiful views. Fortunately, many of these trails are dog-friendly, so you can take your furry companion with you to get some exercise and enjoy being immersed in nature. Some hiking trails require dogs to be on a leash, while others have areas for off-leash walking.

Our list has some of the best dog-friendly hiking trails in Illinois and all the information you need to ensure you and your dog have a safe time hiking together.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Illinois

1. Trillium Trail

Address: 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL
Open times: May 5 – April 2 from 7:00 AM to Dusk
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: No

  • Recommended to walk the trail clockwise
  • Keep dogs on leash because some areas have poison ivy and copperhead snakes in summer
  • Many wildflowers and birds are present in summer
  • Trail includes an overlook with a scenic view
  • Stairs leading to the bluffs are pretty steep

2. Garden of the Gods Loop

Address: 281 Karbers Ridge Rd, Karbers Ridge, IL
Open times: Year-round from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: No

  • Trail includes beautiful rock formations
  • Waterfalls are only active during wet seasons
  • Trail can get muddy so make sure to wear waterproof hiking shoes
  • Trail is used by both hikers and horseback riders
  • Many other trails are located in Shawnee National Forest

3. Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

Address: 13608 Fox Rd, Yorkville, IL
Open times: May 5–April 2 from 7:00 AM to Dusk
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: No
  • Easy and relaxing hike along Fox River
  • Can get busy during summer, especially on weekends
  • Picnic tables are located along the route
  • Also a popular fishing and hunting spot

4. DuPage River Trail: Whalon Lake Loop

Address: 808 Royce Rd, Naperville, IL
Open times: Year-round from 6:30 AM–Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: No
  • Easy, child-friendly trail with a paved path
  • Plenty of family activities to do in Downtown Naperville
  • Trail is part of a network of trails that’s over 70 miles long

5. Des Plaines River Trail

Address: 1000 E River Rd, Des Plaines, IL
Open times: Year-round from 6:30 AM–Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: Not on trails
  • Off-leash dog parks are onsite but require a paid permit
  • Entire trail is over 50 miles long
  • Keep an eye out for horseback riders
  • Some areas can flood during the rainy season

6. Cal-Sag Trail

Address: IL-83, Palos Heights, IL
Open times: Year-round from Sunrise–Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: No
  • Area is also a popular fishing destination
  • Beware of swans and stay away at a safe distance
  • Trail is paved, but some moderately steep areas may be challenging for strollers and wheelchairs

7. LaBagh Woods Nature Observation Loop

Address: 5275 N Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL
Open times: Year-round from 6:00 AM–6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: No
  • Trail can be unclear at times, so download an offline map before visiting
  • Conveniently located close to Chicago
  • Popular location for birding and fishing
  • Can get very muddy

8. Black Hawk Forest Nature Preserve

Address: 4801 11th St, Rock Island, IL
Open times: Year-round from Sunrise–10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: No
  • Restrooms located throughout the entire park
  • Picnic areas and shelters with grills and fireplaces are available on a first-come-first-serve basis
  • Swimming is not allowed
  • A popular location for birding

9. Starved Rock State Park

Address: 2668 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL
Open times: May 5 to April 2 from 7:00 AM–Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: No

10. Rim Rock National Recreational Trail

Address: 2 Karbers Ridge Rd, Junction, IL
Open times: Year-round from 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: Yes, from 8:00 AM–3:00 PM

divider dog faces oct 2024

Summing Up

Whether it is out in nature or near a busy town or city, Illinois has plenty of hiking options for you and your dog. Just keep in mind that most hiking trails require dogs to be leashed at all times and only let your dog run off-leash in designated dog-friendly areas.

Most hiking trails also do not have many trash receptacles, so make sure to pack light. Respecting park rules will ensure that both your dog and the surrounding wildlife are kept safe, and you can keep enjoying hikes together for many more years to come.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Wade Austin Ellis, Unsplash

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff) Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Fila Brasileiro, or Brazilian Mastiff, is a dog breed that’s native to Brazil. This dog has been living alongside humans for centuries...

Irish Setter German Shepherd Mix Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts

There are many interesting hybrids out there these days. We bred dogs into very specific categories just to mix them together later! So,...

16 Most Playful Dog Breeds: Info, Pictures & History

Some dogs are motivated by food. Some are more interested in love and adoring praise. Others want nothing more than some playtime with...

Can Dogs Eat Salami? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

When it comes to food, canines are not typically picky. They don’t even mind sorting through the garbage! So, it should be no...

More related

10 Best Dog Poop Bags in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Being a dog parent means you must clean up your dog’s waste. Dog poop bags are a necessity for dog owners, and today,...

30 Medium-Sized Dog Breeds: With Pictures & Facts

People vary in their taste in dogs. On one end, you have owners who prefer the toy and trendy “teacup” breeds like Chihuahuas...

Toy Cockapoo: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

As one of the first of a growing list of “designer dogs,” the Toy Cockapoo is a wonderful mix of Cocker Spaniel and...

Red vs Apricot Poodle: The Differences Explained (With Pictures)

Poodles come in various colors, each of which has varying levels of rarity. If you are considering bringing a Poodle into your home...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Vegetable Oil? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Vegetable oil is used in cooking and found in a variety of products, which may have you wondering if it’s safe for your dog. After all, it’s easy to accidentally give your dog something with vegetable oil without realizing it....

can dogs eat vegetable oil featured graphic Dogster

7 Best Dog Food Can Lids in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks 

If your dog eats a wet food diet and you don’t use the whole can at once, the last thing you want is the leftovers stinking up your fridge! Instead of using cling film or aluminum foil every time, there...

ORE Pet Can Cover

Nom Nom vs. The Farmer’s Dog Freshly Made Dog Food: 2025 Comparison

If you’ve decided that your dog needs to eat only the highest-quality food (and you’re willing to pay whatever it takes to make sure they get it), you might have already come across Nom Nom and The Farmer’s Dog. These...

Dogster_Dog Food Nom Nom VS The Farmer_s Dog

Dog Treats: How Many Is Too Many? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Care Tips

Dog treats can help with training, act as a tool to get your dog to behave better, and can be used as a little tidbit to indulge your dog. Commercial treats are available, which tend to be quite heavily processed,...

Sweet-Potato-Dog-Treats-Recipe

Can Dogs Eat Mayo? Vet-Verified Nutritional Facts & FAQ

Mayo, or mayonnaise, is not something that you should be offering to your dog. If they sneak a lick of your mayo spoon, they will probably be just fine. But you shouldn’t make it a habit, as mayo has no...

Can Dogs Eat_Mayo

Shameless Pets Dog Treats Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

Review Summary Shameless Pets is a pet food company that makes both dog and cat treats out of upcycled ingredients — meaning they use surplus and misfit produce (think jumbo blueberries and leftover post-Halloween pumpkins) to make their products. This...

Dogster_Shameless Pets Dog Treats Review

Victor Dog Food vs Diamond: Pros, Cons & What to Choose in 2025

As a dog owner, you should ensure that you’re providing your furry friend with the best possible food. But the options seem endless! There are so many brands, options, ingredients, and discussions surrounding pet food that it can be hard...

Dogster_Dog Food Victor VS Diamond

Freshpet Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Introduction One of the first brands to promote fresh food for pets, Freshpet has been on the market since 2006. Freshpet is available at many pet food retailers and is instantly recognizable as the rolled food in the...

Dogster_Freshpet Dog Food Review