Tag Archives: dog walks

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens Trail

Top 3 Scenic Dog Walking Routes in Tallahassee

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Finding great, scenic dog walking routes in Tallahassee is something we’re always sniffing around for. While Sherlock’s nose is to the ground (searching for squirrel clues, of course!), it’s a treat for parents to take in such sights as unique architecture, local history, or beautiful natural landscapes. Our paws have done some walkin’, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite routes across town for you and your pups to check out!

  1. Ravine Trail at Maclay Gardens: This easy loop hike, used by joggers, dog walkers, bicyclers, and hikers, makes an upland circuit on the west side of the Overstreet Tract of Alfred P. Maclay State Gardens. The wide path leaves the Forest Meadows access and rambles through forest, coming near ravines that drop off toward Lake Overstreet.
  2. Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway Trail: The Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway encompasses 503 acres of open pasture and forested woodlands. The 17 miles of trails throughout the greenway are open to the public and perfect for dog walking, horseback riding and non-motorized use from sunrise until sunset.

    3. Best Dog Walks: Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail

  3. Tallahassee – St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail: As its name implies, the dog friendly trail stretches about 20.5 miles from the capital city south to St. Marks. Longleaf pine and forests of oak, wax myrtle, and yaupon holly nicely shade the route.

Top 3 Scenic Dog Walking Routes in Boulder

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Finding great, scenic dog walking routes in Boulder is something we’re always sniffing around for. While Sherlock’s nose is to the ground (searching for squirrel clues, of course!), it’s a treat for parents to take in such sights as unique architecture, local history, or beautiful natural landscapes. Our paws have done some walkin’, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite routes across town for you and your pups to check out!

Dog walking routes in Boulder at Dry Creek

  1. Dry Creek Open Space:
    • Parking: In lot at Baseline Rd., east of Baseline Reservoir and west of 75th Street
      Boulder, CO
    • Walk: The several mile loop along the path at Dry Creek Open Space ends up back at the parking lot
    • Features: Tons of off leash dogs! Great place for pup to run off leash, play in creek, etc.
    • Preparation: Make sure your pup has a green City of Boulder tag so he or she can be off leash
    • Heads up: There are lots of prairie dogs, so if your pup likes to chase them, it might be best to stay on leash
    • Sights: Great views of front range and Flat Irons

    Dog walking route in Boulder at Mt. Sanitas

  2. Mt. Sanitas Open Space:
    • Parking: At 4th St and Mapleton Ave, Boulder, CO 80302
    • Walk: The Mt. Sanitas Open Space is a couple-mile loop up and down, so you end up right where you started! There are two trails to choose from: the flatter, easier way or the steeper, more challenging path.
    • Preparation: Dogs allowed off leash with green city of Boulder tag
    • Sights: Beautiful mountain views, and the occasional mountain lion sighting!
  3. Boulder Creek Path:
    • Walk: This is a long relaxing stroll that starts at Eben Fine Park in West Boulder. The path goes on for a very long time so start walking and end whenever you’ve had enough!
    • Features: In the summer, wear swim wear so you can take a dip in the creek if you get hot! Another fun thing to do after your dog walk is stop off at the Pearl Street Mall for a snack.
    • Heads up: Watch out for bikers and skate boarders
Through Vilas Park is one of our favorite dog walking routes in Madison WI

Top 5 Scenic Dog Walking Routes in Madison

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Finding great, scenic dog walking routes in Madison is something we’re always sniffing around for. While Sherlock’s nose is to the ground (searching for squirrel clues, of course!), it’s a treat for parents to take in such sights as unique architecture, local history, or beautiful natural landscapes. Our paws have done some walkin’, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite routes across town for you and your pups to check out!

  1. Picnic Point:
    Picnic Point, a nearly mile-long peninsula along Lake Mendota’s south shore, is among Madison’s most distinctive features and is probably the most popular destination in the Preserve. Each year thousands of students and Madisonians visit the Point for outings. In a hectic world of university life or city living, it’s nice to know that this natural area is just a short distance from where you live.
  2. Vilas Park:
    One of Madison’s oldest parks, Vilas Park, curves along the northern shore of Lake Wingra, offering a sandy beach for summer swims and numerous fishing sites, including two accessible piers. This expansive park is a great place to walk, pausing on one of the beautiful arched bridges to watch for blue herons and other wildlife that thrives in this urban green space. Vilas Park also has a bike path.
  3. Heritage Sanctuary:
    At peak trillium bloom in mid-May, Heritage Sanctuary is unequaled. Under an oak forest canopy lies a wildflower carpet more typical of a maple forest. The winding trail takes you through this unusual woodland community.
  4. Owen Conservation: – Update March 14, 2021: Dogs no longer allowed.
    On a hilltop overlooking Madison’s west side, Owen Conservation Park was the farm and personal retreat of former University Professor Edward T. Owen. Today, prairies and oak savannas have risen like a phoenix to reclaim the landscape. Coneflowers, goldenrod, and bluestem are among the many plants that yield a harvest of ever-changing color and texture throughout the year. Please note, we have received word from a blog reader that Owen Conservation Park no longer allows dogs.
  5. Hoyt Park:
    Quiet, and slightly removed from the congested thoroughfare of Madison traffic, Hoyt Park is an ideal location for either a substantial, social gathering or a peaceful stroll through forest and prairie habitat. Truly, there is something for everyone to value. The naturalist will enjoy the lush mix of young, and old growth vegetation that is laced by a network of paved and unpaved hiking trails.
One of our favorite dog walking routes in Downers Grove is through downtown!

Top 4 Scenic Dog Walking Routes in Downers Grove

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Finding great, scenic dog walking routes in Downers Grove is something we’re always sniffing around for. While Sherlock’s nose is to the ground (searching for squirrel clues, of course!), it’s a treat for parents to take in such sights as unique architecture, local history, or beautiful natural landscapes. Our paws have done some walkin’, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite routes across town for you and your pups to check out!

    Illinois Prairie Path

  1. Illinois Prairie Path:
    The Illinois Prairie Path runs through Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard and many other Western Suburbs. The trail is very peaceful and scenic. It is common to see deer and other animals deep in the woods. Many spots of the trail have overpasses, which makes for a safe walk. The trail is also very clean with tons of garbage cans. You will also find water fountains, bathroom stations and benches along the path.
  2. Bemis Woods:
    This section of the Cook County Forest Preserves is located in Western Springs at the corner of Wolf Road and Ogden Avenue. Dogs and their pet parents walking the various trails are a common sight at Bemis Woods. If you are not in the walking mood, there are several groves where you and your pet can hang out and have a picnic.

    3. Downers Grove Geese

  3. Patriot’s Park and Barth Pond:
    Patriot’s Park is located in Downers Grove on 55th street, between Main Street and Fairview Ave. The park features a walking path that circles around Barth Pond. Frogs, geese and ducks are some of the wildlife you will see hanging out in the pond. Parking lots are located at both the east and west side of the park.
  4. Downtown Downers Grove:
    Downtown Downers Grove stretches from Burlington Ave to Maple Ave along Main Street. Many shops and restaurants that line the street are pet friendly, offering bowls of water in the summertime and belly rubs year round. Your pup’s favorite spot will be the Happy Dog Barkery, which bakes doggie cookies and cakes and offers an array of pet products.
Dog Walking Route in South Loop Chicago past Grant Park

Top 3 Scenic Dog Walking Routes in South Loop

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Finding great, scenic dog walking routes in South Loop neighborhood of Chicago, IL, is something we’re always sniffing around for. While Sherlock’s nose is to the ground (searching for squirrel clues, of course!), it’s a treat for parents to take in such sights as unique architecture, local history, or beautiful natural landscapes. Our paws have done some walkin’, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite routes across town for you and your pups to check out!

  1. Grant Park Walk:
    • Start: Corner of Roosevelt and Michigan Ave
    • Directions: Walk N to Monroe, right onto Monroe, right onto Columbus
    • Sights: You will pass the headless statues, the Congress Parkway bridge, a sweet, not so well-know sitting spot at Jackson/Michigan, a nice distance view of the lakefront, and Buckingham Fountain
    • End: Grant Bark Park (located west of Columbus near the 11th street pedestrian bridge)

    2. Walk by Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry in one of our favorite dog walking routes in South Loop

  2. Hyde Park Lake Front Stroll:
    • Start: Lake Shore Drive near the 47th street pedestrian bridge
    • Directions: Walk S along the pathway, and just keep going
    • Sights: Several beaches that are dog friendly at the right time of year (between Labor Day and Memorial Day), the Field House, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Yacht Harbor, and if you turn around at almost any point, a breathtaking view of the Chicago skyline
    • End: Lake Shore Drive and 67th Street

    3. Walk past dogs playing in the dog parks on our favorite dog walking routes in South Loop

  3. South Loop At Its Best:
    • Start: Corner of Clark and Polk
    • Directions: Walk E on Polk to Dearborn Park, continue S on Park Terrace through park, S on Plymouth Ct under Roosevelt, continue S on Plymouth Ct to Cotton Tail Park, left on 15th, jump up State to 14th Place, and make a right
    • Sights: This one is for the dogs! You will pass multiple parks all while nestled in the heart of your very own South Loop Neighborhood
    • End: Coliseum Park at 14th Place and Wabash
One of our favorite dog walking routes in Naperville, Naperville Riverwalk

Top 3 Scenic Dog Walking Routes in Naperville

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Finding great, scenic dog walking routes in Naperville is something we’re always sniffing around for. While Sherlock’s nose is to the ground (searching for squirrel clues, of course!), it’s a treat for parents to take in such sights as unique architecture, local history, or beautiful natural landscapes. Our paws have done some walkin’, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite routes across town for you and your pups to check out!

  1. Naperville Riverwalk: The Naperville Riverwalk was created in 1981 as a permanent commemorative to honor Naperville’s 150th anniversary. Considered the “crown jewel” of Naperville, the Riverwalk is a place of beauty and tranquility along the West Branch of the DuPage River. It features 1.75 miles of brick paths, fountains, bridges, meeting and event places, outdoor sculpture and artwork, recreational facilities, and celebratory memorials. The Riverwalk is a preferred destination and an ideal place to stroll, unwind, and reflect. Come relax and enjoy the scene. The Riverwalk is dog-friendly and has plenty of fun for all.

    2. Green Valley Preserve

  2. Green Valley Forest Preserve: Over three-quarters of Greene Valley’s 12 miles of marked trails are open to hikers, bicyclers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. A beautiful area with an extensive plant list — over 540 native species — makes the 1,414-acre Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville one of the county’s most botanically diverse sites. Within the high-quality oak woodland north of 79th Street, an area one former owner set aside for plant and animal conservation more than 50 years ago, native wildflowers provide spectacular spring displays. This Trail Guide and Parking Map is helpful!
    • Tree Trek Trail: Tree Trek is a 1-mile self-guided hike. Signs along the path point out 11 different trees and give descriptions of their bark, seeds and leaves. For information on how to get started, visit the information sign south of the Thunderbird Road parking lot.
    • Off-Leash Dog Area: Dogs with valid Forest Preserve District permits can enjoy Greene Valley’s fully fenced, 16-acre off-leash area, which features a separate section for dogs under 25 pounds. Owners should call Visitor Services Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at (630) 933-7248 for permit applications and information.

    Illinois Prairie Path

  3. Illinois Prairie Path: May Theilgaard Watts, a naturalist retired from the Morton Arboretum, had a dream. She had walked the footpaths of England and hiked the Appalachian Trail. She realized there was a golden opportunity to create something similar right here in the western suburbs.

    The Illinois Prairie Path is a multi-use nature trail for non-motorized public use. It spans approximately 61 miles in Cook, DuPage and Kane Counties in northeasten Illinois. A former right-of-way for the old Chicago Aurora & Elgin electric railroad, it was the first U.S. rail-to-trail conversion in the nation in the 1960’s. The Path is filled with dog friendly trails and is surfaced primarily with a crushed limestone surface, which is easy on feet and bike tires alike, and sheds water quickly following rainfall.

One of our favorite dog walking routes in Oak Park passes the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

Top 3 Scenic Dog Walking Routes in Oak Park

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Finding great, scenic dog walking routes in Oak Park is something we’re always sniffing around for. While Sherlock’s nose is to the ground (searching for squirrel clues, of course!), it’s a treat for parents to take in such sights as unique architecture, local history, or beautiful natural landscapes. Our paws have done some walkin’, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite routes across town for you and your pups to check out!

  1. Elizabeth Court: Our Pet Sitters love to walk down Elizabeth Court, that short windy street between Forest and Kenilworth off of Erie. It’s a beautiful, quiet street with the added reward of enormous gorgeous houses at the other end on Kenilworth.

    2. One of the best dog walking routes in Oak Park passes Thatcher Woods (River Forest)

  2. Austin Gardens Park: Our Pet Sitter, Stephanie, takes Cooper for a walk starting at Superior Street and Forest Avenue and heads south down Forest Avenue and ends by Austin Gardens Park. This is a great route to take because you see some of the most beautiful houses. It’s also a tourist hot spot: she always sees people on Frank Loyd Wright tours taking pictures of the houses! A block north of Superior Street and Forest Avenue is the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio which is very awesome to see.
  3. Thatcher in River Forest: Our Pet Sitter, Christy, loves walking Kelly & Keiko down Thatcher, watching Thatcher Woods change throughout the seasons, and of course spotting the occasional wildlife!!
Vern on a scenic dog walking route in Chicago

Top 3 Scenic Dog Walking Routes in Chicago

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Finding great, scenic dog walking routes in Chicago is something we’re always sniffing around for. While Sherlock’s nose is to the ground (searching for squirrel clues, of course!), it’s a treat for parents to take in such sights as unique architecture, local history, or beautiful natural landscapes. Our paws have done some walkin’, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite routes across town for you and your pups to check out!

  1. The paths along Lake Michigan provide for some of the best and most scenic dog walking routes in Chicago! Vern lives in the Northeast of our Territory and loves walking along the Lake. There is a little known dog beach just North of Foster at the Lake, and it’s nice to walk by that area to watch the dogs play. The walk going South is great for skyline views and sunrises. Even on a gray day, this walk is scenic!
  2. We have a lot of pups that live in Wrigleyville, and a fun walk is around Wrigley Field. Beat the normal hustle and bustle of baseball season by going on a non-game day, early in the morning, or late at night–the quiet, stillness of the ball park is a treat. You can’t help but feel a little special to walk around such an historic area with just you and the pups!
  3. Lady Jane Mae & Bogey live just North of Millenium Park. It’s so fun to step outside their building, go West on Randolph, then enter Millenium Park. It’s nice and big, so in the middle of the day, there is plenty of space to walk around where you won’t run into other people or dogs. Just you and the pups being tourists in your own city!
Schedule your Memorial Day Dog Walks

Schedule Your Memorial Day Oak Park Pet Care Visits!

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Sooo, it’s been raining, huh? Flooded basements, muddy paws, traffic jams, thunderstorms. My, oh my! We are ready for some fun in the sun! And we’re in luck: Memorial Day, the official kick-off to Summer, is near!

We’d love to visit your furry family while you are enjoying the Memorial Day Weekend away from home.

We fill up fast, so act soon! Deadline for Memorial Day Weekend Chicago Pet Care visits is Thursday, May 23.

Schedule your Memorial Day Dog Walks

Schedule Your Memorial Day Chicago Pet Care!

Leave a reply

Sooo, it’s been raining, huh? Flooded basements, muddy paws, traffic jams, thunderstorms. My, oh my! We are ready for some fun in the sun! And we’re in luck: Memorial Day, the official kick-off to Summer, is near!

We’d love to visit your furry family while you are enjoying the Memorial Day Weekend away from home.

We fill up fast, so act soon! Deadline for Memorial Day Weekend Chicago Pet Care visits is Thursday, May 23.