Top Dog Trails near Chicago, IL

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Top Dog Trails near Chicago, IL

Introduction

Bustling Chicago is well-known for its city life, and not as much for its green spaces and trails. However, from the shores of the huge Lake Michigan to the banks of the 156-mile Chicago River, there is no shortage of waterways to follow. This puptastic town also features the Chicago Woods to explore. A bored canine kid can get into all kinds of trouble, so take your pup out for an adventure on one of the furbulous trails this big city has on offer. Here are the top 9 dog trails in and around Chicago.

#9 Canalport Riverwalk Trail

For a nice short hike along the south branch of the Chicago River, try the 0.5-mile Canalport Riverwalk Trail where you and your canine companion can enjoy a small bit of exercise and fun. Not only can you and your poochie meander along the river, but you can also take a seat in one of the two shaded seating areas to watch the boats while your pup sniffs all the critter scents.

#8 Big Marsh Walking Trail

Another short hike, the 0.5-mile Big Marsh Walking Trail is pawpular for the great variety of diffurent wild critters and wetlands in the largest marsh in Chicago. This is a new trail where you and your furbaby can enjoy the wood-chipped path through the woods and waters with plenty of waterfowl, greenery, and even some colorful flowers in some areas. There’s also some strategically-placed benches along the trail for your convenience.

#7 Cotton Tail Trail

Does your fur buddy like cottontails? Grab Fifi's leash and take her out to the Cotton Tail Trail where you will most likely see quite a few of the little furry friends. Starting at Cotton Tail Park, you can follow this short 0.4-mile path past playgrounds, picnic tables, and a gazebo where it's dotted with benches, water fountains, and a large grassy area in the middle for the pups to play in.

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#6 North Shore Channel Trail

This is quite a trek for you and your pupster at almost seven miles running from the north branch of the pawesome Chicago River to Ronan Park, where you can find lots of amenities. Although some of it is industrial, a lot of it is wooded, and you can also spot some furiffic sculptures along the path. There’s lots of places to take a break and plenty of wild critters to entertain.

#5 Norwood Circle Park Trail

Starting in Norwood Park, this 5-mile loop trail is one of the favorites because of the trek through the Old Norwood Park Historical Area with houses that date back to the 1880s. You will also meander through several community parks with playgrounds, restrooms, and a ton of woods and meadows full of flora and fauna to entertain you and Fifi while teaching you some pawesome history.

#4 Prospect Gardens Trail

For a furiffic stroll through some of nature’s finest, the 1-mile Prospect Gardens Trail will bring you and Fifi some exciting adventures. Starting (and ending) at the Prospect Gardens lot, you and your pooch will hike through the pine and oak canopy where you will see some gorgeous wildflowers in shades of pink, orange, blue, yellow, and red, and even some wild critters along the path.

#3 The 606 Trail

Also known as the Bloomingdale Trail, the 606 is 2.7 miles of what used to be an elevated railroad line. This 14-foot wide path starts at the Ridgeway Trailhead and takes you through several parks and Logan Square, with water fountains and benches every so often fur you and your pup to enjoy. The Humboldt Overlook is a pawpular bridge with great views, and you can see the historic district below.

#2 Green Bay Trail

The 9-mile Green Bay Trail runs right along the banks of Lake Michigan through North Shore towns like Highland Park and Lake Bluff, with parks, shops, and restaurants dotting the path. Featuring beachfront views and access to the Chicago Metro rail line, you can start and stop your hike anywhere along the way. Starting at Wilmette and ending at County Line Road, the Green Bay Trail is one of the best.

#1 Chicago Lakefront Trail

The Chicago Lakefront Trail meanders along Lake Michigan for 18 miles with a wide variety of picturesque views, parks, restaurants, and some dog-furiendly beaches, which makes this number one. This easy trail is for everyone and is pawpular for locals and visitors alike with all of the pawesome activities and amenities, including restrooms and water fountains. With such a variety along the path, its furfect for everyone.