Dog walking in Willoughby Hills

Dodd's Pleasant Valley Estates

Pleasant Valley Park in Willoughby Hills covers 124 acres of publicly accessible land, perfect for a day out walking and spending some time in nature with your pup. Pleasant Valley was formerly a commercial nursery, and is now a popular place for walking and fishing in the Chagrin River. Cottonwood trees and sycamores provide a wonderful leafy canopy as you explore the woodland and riverbank that reaches 80 foot high in some parts. There aren’t any amenities here except a port-a-potty, so bring water for you and your pooch as well as any food you might like. It is wise to pack a towel for the trip back in case your pup decides to take a closer look at the river too!

South Willoughby

Gully Brook Park in Willoughby is a 177-acre pet-friendly park cared for by the Lake Metroparks district. Your pooch will rejoice at the chance to take a walk with you along the 1.4-mile gravel trail and enjoy the woodland and creekside scenery. You will need to keep your pup leashed here as there is an abundance of wildlife that call this area home, such as raccoons and a variety of birds. In the springtime, keep your eyes peeled for a spectacular array of wildflowers. Gully Brook Park is equipped with restrooms, a picnic shelter, electricity and drinking water for your convenience. There is also a small playground here to keep the kids amused after your walk together.

Willis

Pete’s Pond Preserve in Wickliffe is just 3.5 miles west of Willoughby Hills, and set over 69 acres of beautiful bushland. The Carriage Lane Trail is worth a walk, covering two miles as a round trip through the trees, over a bridge and to a wetland overlook. There is ample parking and a restroom at the trailhead. Just north of Pet’s Pond is Orlando Park, with a 0.3-mile paved trail around the grounds, picnic facilities, a playground, tennis courts, basketball courts and a ball fields. Both parks are pet-friendly, but Fido will need to stay leashed. Please remember to bring your clean-up bags when you are out and about with your pup.

Wilson Mills

Wilson Mills Trailhead in nearby Gates Mills sits at the south end of the North Chagrin Reservation. From here, you can access Foster’s Run, a moderately difficult trail that is sure to get the heart pumping with all its up’s and down’s! Your pet will enjoy this walk with you, but keep him leashed for his safety. The scenic trail takes you past the Foster’s Run Stream and several vernal pools, and through a forest of beautifully shady hardwoods. At the end of the trail is the Forest Picnic Area where you can take a well-deserved rest break and refuel with a packed lunch. To return to the trailhead, seek out the portion of the State-wide Buckeye Trail that runs through here, or the bridle trail for an extra challenge.

Chapin Ledges

Take a short six-mile drive east of Willoughby Hills to the 403-acre Chapin Forest Reservation in Kirtland for another lovely trail walk opportunity or family day out. Pets are welcome here but must remain leashed. This park has over six miles of trails to explore, including part of the State-wide 1440-mile Buckeye Trail. Lucky Stone Loop boasts a spectacular scenic overlook, so bring your camera on this trip! Chapin Forest Reservation has a picnic area with grills and shelters to utilize after your walk, as well as drinking water and restrooms on site. A playground, ball field, volleyball court and sledding hill gives the kids a little something extra to do as well.