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Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Near Chicago

Taking a hike is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. Not only do humans enjoy this adventure, but dogs love it even more. Taking Fido along as a companion is an excellent way to spend the day, it benefits all those who are involved and it is a great way to bond with your beloved dog. It is important to remember to bring along the necessary supplies for the four-legged friend, such as clean up bags and water. To check out additional excellent dog-friendly hiking trails near Chicago, click the link here.
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
(Photo Credit:Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's Facebook)

Pratt's Wayne Woods
Powis Road and Army Trail Road
Wayne, IL 60184
(630) 933-7248
www.dupageforest.org

Pratt's Wayne Woods offers wonderful hiking trails and welcomes dogs, but dogs must be on the leash at all times while in the forest preserve; the primary concern of this forest preserve is safety. The area is beautiful with lush trees and wildlife abounds, both humans and Fido will enjoy the scenery. There is a 23-acre off- leash dog area that is three-quarters fenced on the east side of Powis Road, one mile north of Army Trail Road. Dog owners must have off-leash permits with them at all times while in the designated area.

Schweitzer Woods Forest Preserve
16N690 Sleepy Hollow Road
Dundee, IL 60118
(630) 232-5980
www.kaneforest.com

The beautiful open land at this preserve includes oak forests, hay meadows and cropland that are excellent for hiking with a four-legged friend. The preserve is also an approved off-leash area allowing a dog to adventure through the great outdoors. Be sure to check out the website for the rules and regulations of this preserve.

Dog
(Photo Credit:fpdcc.com)

Beck Lake Dog Park
Central Road and E. River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(800) 870-3666
fpdcc.com/recreation

Beck Lake Dog Park offers 44 acres of a fenced dog park including a swimming pond, training enclosures, drinking fountains and open fields. Dogs can run, play and be free at this beautiful park where trails are also available to take extended hikes.

Related: Best Dog Runs In Chicago

Skokie Valley Trail (Cook County)
Oakton St. just west of Skokie Blvd.
Skokie IL 60076
www.traillink.com

This trails runs along an abandoned Union Pacific railroad and, although a short hike, it is an excellent place to walk a dog. There are future plans to connect this trail with the Skokie Valley Trail located in Lake County, which is approximately 10 miles long. The flat, smooth surface makes hiking a breeze for those who want to hike, but do not want the challenge of hills and valleys.

Chicago Lakefront Trail
US 41 at South Shore Cultural Center
Chicago, IL 60614
www.traillink.com

This 18.5-mile trail along Lake Michigan is the perfect, scenic hike for humans and four-legged friends. The asphalt and concrete trail make it easy hiking for all those on the trail. There are many points of interest and amenities along the way. It is an outdoor experience in an urban environment.

Related: Best Family Hikes Near Chicago

Michelle Guilbeau is a writer, reviewer, teacher and business owner. She also has experience in school administration, literacy coaching and is proud founder of CraftKitsForKids.com and MichelleGuilbeau.com Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of cities, food, travel, education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
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