Wisconsin is a hidden gem for nature lovers in the Midwest. It’s a beautiful state with many activities for outdoor adventurers, including hiking. Fortunately, you can find many different kinds of dog-friendly hiking trails all throughout the state. Here are some of the best hiking trails that you can explore with your dog in Wisconsin.
The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Wisconsin
1. Bugline Recreation Trail
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 W232N6446 Waukesha Ave, Sussex, WI |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Year-round from sunrise to sunset |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Total length of the trail is 16.5 miles
- Easy, family-friendly hike with paved trails
- Trail is a popular biking and horseback riding spot, so be mindful of bikers and horses
2. Cave Point Lakeside Trail
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 5360 Schauer Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Year-round from 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Trail is known for its dolomite and limestone ledges and underwater caves
- A popular location for water activities
- Admission is free, but you have to purchase a park sticker if you want to go to Whitefish Dunes State Park
3. Chapel Gorge Trail
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 River Road, Wisconsin Dells, WI |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Year-round from 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- A shorter trail that leads to a secluded beach
- Trail winds through a peaceful trail in the forest
- Beach can get crowded in the summer
4. Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 Gibraltar Rock Rd, Lodi, WI |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Year-round 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Park is about 68 acres and has trails with scenic landscape views
- Located near the Ice Age Trail
- Trail can be busy during summer weekends
- No amenities along the trail, so make sure to plan accordingly
5. Glacier Hills County Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 1664 Friess Lake Rd, Hubertus, WI |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Year-round from sunrise to sunset |
| 💲 Cost: | $5 park pass |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Hiking trail runs through 140 acres of forestland and has a pathway to Friess Lake
- Trail includes views of the lake, ponds, and glacier-formed kettles
- Make sure to download the map beforehand because the trail path can be unclear at times
6. Ice Age Trail: Monches
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 W300 N9223, County Hwy E, Hartland, WI |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Year-round from sunrise to sunset |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Trail leads through forest and along the Oconomowoc River
- Popular location for backpacking, birding, and camping
- Be mindful of ticks during the spring tick season
- Not all areas of the park allow dogs
7. Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton, WI |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Year-round from 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Over 73 acres with beautiful views along Lake Michigan
- Popular location for birding, fishing, hiking, and picnicking
- You can choose to walk along the bluffs or an easier forest trail
- Wooden stairs lead down to a beach
8. Lost Creek Falls
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 Lost Creek Number One, Cornucopia, WI |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Easy hike in a forest with waterfalls along the way
- A couple of rest stops are located along the trail
- Be careful of tree roots on the path
- Make sure to bring bug spray because there are a lot of mosquitoes in warmer months
9. Osaugie Trail
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 Moccasin Mike Rd, Superior, WI |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Year-round from sunrise to sunset |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Easy but long trail that takes a little over 3 hours to complete
- It’s a multi-use trail, so be mindful of bikers
- Restrooms and pit stops are located along the trail
- Beautiful views of Superior Bay
10. Quarry Lake and Harrington Beach Loop
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 531 Co Rd D, Belgium, WI |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Year-round 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| 💲 Cost: | $13-$38 vehicle sticker fee |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Only in designated pet areas |
- A popular location for camping, birding, and hiking
- Dogs must be leashed at all times on the trail
- Designated pet swim area at the south beach
- Best times to visit are between April through October
- Park entry requires a vehicle sticker
Final Thoughts
Wisconsin is home to many different kinds of trails with scenic views. Most trails are beginner-friendly and enjoyable for families with young children. If you plan to go on a hike with your dog, be mindful of ticks and mosquitoes, and make sure to keep your dog leashed at all times. Following trail rules will protect the natural environment and ensure that you and your dog can continue to hike these trails safely for many more years to come.
Featured Image Credit: aliaksei kruhlenia, Shutterstock
The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Wisconsin
