Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park

Get ready for a grand park experience when you visit Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park. The park's 104-mile trail can be accessed throughout five different counties. The Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park is also part of something bigger-it is included in the American Discovery Trail and the Grand Illinois Trail. 

The American Discovery Trail is a 6,500-mile trail that goes from the East Coast to the West Coast for hikers, bikers, and equestrians and excludes any motorized traffic. The Grand Illinois Trail is a trail that loops throughout various places in Illinois, including Lake Michigan, the Mississippi River, the Illinois River, and of course, Hennepin Canal. This grand trail is over 500 miles. 

The Hennepin Canal Parkway has miles and miles of trails for you and your pup to traverse, just be sure to keep him on a leash no longer than ten feet and keep some plastic bags in your pocket so you can pick up after him immediately after he goes. With so many miles to potentially hike, you can consult the distance guide on the website to choose your beginning and ending locations for your walk with your furry friend. 

The distance guide also tells you where the restrooms are located along the hike. The Old Tow Path is 144 miles of easy terrain with little to no elevation. If you hike along there, you'll see striking views of the canal. There is also the Towpath Trail, which varies in composition from oil and chip to gravel and is sometimes shared with bicycles and equestrians.

Don't forget to carry enough water for both you and Fluffy to stay hydrated while visiting Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park. Even though you'll be near the canal, swimming is prohibited not only for Fluffy, but for you, too. Always ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and that your pup is healthy before hitting the trails.