Wisconsin is one of the few states with two National Scenic Trails, namely the Ice Age Trail and the North Country Trail. While the former winds for a thousand miles, the latter spans through the state’s northwest corner for 200 miles.
Pretty exciting, huh? But hiking alone can get lonely and often unsafe. Why not take your four-legged canine bestie along?
Here’s a roundup of the top dog-friendly hiking trails in Wisconsin.
The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Wisconsin
1. Gibraltar Rock
| ️ Address: | Gibraltar Rock Rd, Lodi, WI 53555, United States |
| Open Times: | 6 am to 8 pm |
| Cost: | $10 to park |
| Off-Leash: | In some areas |
- A 1.5-mile loop that takes 42 minutes to complete
- Popular for hiking, camping, and birding
- The best time to visit the area is March through October
- Note that dogs cannot be off leash in all areas, so comply with the rooms for other people’s convenience
2. Cave Point Lakeside Trail
| ️ Address: | 5360 Schauer Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, USA |
| Open Times: | 6 am to 11 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | In some areas |
- A 1.6-mile out-and-back trail route
- Only takes 30 minutes to complete
- Popular for walking, hiking, and snowshoeing
- Be wary of the water’s edge, especially if your dog cannot swim or isn’t a fan of swimming
3. Ice Age Trail: Monches
| ️ Address: | Eagle, WI 53119, United States |
| Open Times: | 6 am to 11 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | In some areas |
- Just under 4 miles that takes a little over an hour to complete
- Area is popular for camping, birding, and backpacking
- Ideal time to visit is from mid-September to November when the weather gets cooler and the bugs leave
- Go in April or May for spring hikes but be aware of ticks and mud
4. Chapel Gorge Trail
| ️ Address: | Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, United States |
| Open Times: | 5 am to 10 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | In some areas |
- A 2-mile loop that takes 40 minutes to complete
- Remains busy with runners and hikers—arrive in the early morning
- Expect muddy areas if you arrive in spring
- Hike up to the beautiful lakeshore for a view of the area
5. Lost Creek Falls
| ️ Address: | Lost Creek Number One, Cornucopia, WI 54827, United States |
| Open Times: | 24 hours |
| Cost: | $5-$15 |
| Off-Leash: | In some areas |
- A 2-mile trail that takes 40 minutes to complete
- Best times to travel are May through October
- Plenty of attractions: gorges, caves, forests, and sparkling streams
- Make sure to visit the 256-foot waterfall, the highest in the east of the Rocky Mountains
6. Bugline Trail
| ️ Address: | W232N6446 Waukesha Ave, Sussex, WI 53089, United States |
| Open Times: | 8 am to 4:30 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | In some areas |
- Start your hike from Menomonee Park in Menomonee Falls through the access trail
- Can also enjoy the fishing dock and diving platforms in Menomonee Park
- The longest route takes about 5 hours to complete, but there are shorter options
- Best time to visit is April through October
7. Ice Age Trail: Pike Lake
| ️ Address: | Kewaskum, WI 53040, USA |
| Open Times: | 6 am to 11 pm |
| Cost: | $8 for Wisconsin residents and $11 for non-residents |
| Off-Leash: | In some areas |
- Explore the 22,000 acres of Kettle Moraine State Forest filled with kettle lakes, forested glacial hills, and prairies
- Pike lake trail is dog-friendly and takes a little over an hour to complete
- Popular for camping
- Visit April through October for the best experience
8. Glacier Hills Trail
| ️ Address: | 1664 Friess Lake Rd, Hubertus, WI 53033, United States |
| Open Times: | 8 am to 10 pm |
| Cost: | $5 |
| Off-Leash: | In some areas |
- Take the Glacier Hills Black trail for 45 minutes of absolutely stunning views
- Might come across bird watchers and other hikers during busy hours
- Open year-round
- Do not let your dog off-leash
9. Ice Age Trail: Hartman Creek
| ️ Address: | N2480 Hartman Creek Rd, Waupaca, WI 54981, United States |
| Open Times: | 6 am to 11 pm |
| Cost: | $20 |
| Off-Leash: | In some areas |
- Enjoy fishing, hiking, boating, camping, hunting, and horseback riding in Hartman Creek State Park
- Hartman Creek section of the Ice Age Trail takes about 4.5 hours to complete and is 12 miles long
- Go in April through November for good weather
- Dogs must be on their leash in camping areas but can be taken off in some places
10. Hobb’s Woods
| ️ Address: | N4197 Hickory Rd, Fond du Lac, WI 54937, United States |
| Open Times: | 6 am to 10 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | In some areas |
- A short 25-minute hike near Fond du Lac
- Popular for cross-country skiing during winter and hiking in summer and spring
- Although Wisconsin Conservation Corps has done some work to reduce erosion in the stream bank, be careful when crossing
- Beware of dead trees and deadfalls that often restrict the creek’s flow
Conclusion
It’s no secret that Wisconsin is filled with dog-friendly trails, from the classic state parks to more obscure gems like Hobb’s Woods. If you’re looking for an off-leash experience, stay in areas that allow you to let your dogs loose.
Apart from that, keep your dog in control at all times to ensure other visitors and hikers don’t feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Since most hiking trails are accompanied by beautiful waterfalls, streams, and prairies, your eyes will enjoy the treat.
Be sufficiently prepared for wintertime hikes. Put your dog in a vest or coat to keep it warm, and layer up yourself. Opt for easy terrains and short routes if you’ve newly started taking your pooch along.
Featured Image Credit: Marybeth, Pixabay
The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Wisconsin
