Midwest: 5 Dog-Friendly Trails to Explore This Winte
These breathtaking hikes from across the Midwest will be must-stops on your next road trip or have locals discovering a new adventure in their own backyards! With views from one of the tallest mountain peaks, trails formed by ancient ice-age glaciers, and waterfalls frozen into ice, every spot on this list will impress you. Don’t forget to pack your furry adventure buddy’s bag, because they are coming along for the ride.
Rapid River Cross-Country Trail - Rapid River, Michigan
Photo Courtesy of Michigan.Org
If you’re looking for a variety of trails woven in-between towering pine trees, look no further than Rapid River Cross-Country Trail in Michigan. This sweet escape is known by locals as the most beautiful trail in the Upper Peninsula. You and your dog can choose your own adventure with 17.5 miles of five inter-connected off-leash dog trails. Each trail offers different lengths and difficulty levels, so there is something for everyone. It is important to note that there are no fresh water stops along the trails, so remember to pack some for yourself and for your adventure buddy!
In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular activities to participate in on the Rapid River Trail. The trails receive year-round maintenance and are specially groomed for skiers in the winter.
The Middle Falls Trail - Grand Portage, Minnesota
Photo Courtesy of Pawsitively Intrepid
This trail is sure to get rid of your cabin fever! With 4.5 miles of sweeping scenic views, the Middle Falls Trail takes hikers on an adventure to see the tallest waterfall in Minnesota. After climbing over ridge tops, weaving through pinewood forests, and taking in the majestic views of Lake Superior, you will be met with the most impressive falls in the state. At twenty feet tall, frozen or not, this waterfall is sure to impress any outdoor enthusiast.
Be sure you pack your hiking boots because this trail is rugged and may be icy or muddy in the winter months. Get your trail map here!
The Ice Age Trail (Lapham Peak) - Delafield, Wisconsin
Photo Courtesy of Bill Schilling and All Trails
We can’t think of anything more fitting to do this winter than hike the Ice Age Trail! History buffs are going to love this hike. Over 12,000 years ago, ancient glaciers carved the path that we now call the Ice Age Trail. The glaciers left behind kettles, moraines, and drumlins along this path that serve as remnants of the last ice age. This trail is suitable for moderate hikers and it continues for 7.9 miles. Lapham Peak is a segment of the Ice Age Trail. The full length of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT) spans 1,200 miles throughout Wisconsin.
Your four-legged friend is allowed to join on the Lapham Peak trail, one of the major segments of the Ice Age Trail. Dogs must be kept on leashes at all times while on the trail. Lapham Peak is conveniently located just twenty-six miles from downtown Milwaukee and fifty miles from downtown Madison. Another fun aspect of the Lapham Peak trail is that you may also see some cross-country skiers!
Download your trail map for Lapham Peak and your Ice Age Trail Guide before you head out.
Lake South Shore Trail - Shawnee Mission, Kansas
Photo Courtesy of Julie Sayers and All Trails
If you find yourself craving some low-key Sunday afternoon plans outdoors, look no further than the Lake South Shore Trail in Shawnee, Kansas. The Lake South Shore Trail contains three separate loops: The West Loop, The Middle Loop, and The East Loop. All of the loops are interconnected and give hikers the option to take a break or keep trekking forward.
Adventurers can expect about a 6-mile round trip hike if they complete all the loops. The West Loop is a mere 0.7 miles, The Middle Loop is 1 mile, and The East Loop is a solid 2.85 miles. Overall, the hiking portion is flat but we still recommend you bring proper footwear as it can be rocky. Dogs are allowed on the hiking trails as long as they remain on-leash.
Not only does the Lake South Shore Trail offer nature hikes, but it also offers a paved trail for those who desire a more relaxed outdoor experience. This paved trail is great for those pushing strollers, an easy dog walk, and friends who may not have hiking experience.
With paved loops and natural hiking trails, the Lake South Shore Trail is designed to fit any mood and hiker. Grab your trail map here!
Another huge plus, besides the stunning wintertime scenery, is the incredible forty-four-acre off-leash dog park located west of the 87th and Ridgeview entrance of Shawnee Mission Park. While it’s too chilly to take a dip right now, the dog park includes a paved trail that leads adventurous pups to a lake and beach area. Even though the lake is off-limits in the winter, within the wooded areas you can find natural and wood chip trails to further explore off-leash with your pup.
Black Elk Peak Trail (Sylvan Lake) - Custer, South Dakota
Photo Courtesy of Travel South Dakota
A hike that takes you to the highest elevation point in all of South Dakota? Not to mention the sweeping views of Montana, Wyoming, and Nebraska. Sign us up!
The Black Elk Peak Trail, formerly known as Harney Peak, reaches an elevation of 7,242 feet. You may want a walking stick for this one! The good news is, the trail isn’t too steep and you can always pick up a walking stick along the way.
We recommend starting your trip to the top at Trail No.9, also referred to as the Sylvan Lake Trail. It got its name because the trail entrance is conveniently located right next to the Sylvan Lake parking lot. The Sylvan Lake Trail is perfectly suited for your pups and they are encouraged to join you on a leash! Be sure to bring plenty of water, as the hike should take about three to four hours to complete. Taking this 7.9-mile loop will allow an easy-to-moderate hike with plenty of rest stops to snap that perfect picture and give your pup a break. The reason this trail is marked as being moderately difficult is because it is a long distance but at a slow incline. Download your map here.
Bundle up and see the climb to the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains!
The one thing we can’t go hiking without is delicious Triumph Treats! They are a fantastic hiking motivation and post-adventure snack. We love seeing your adventures on social media, so be sure to tag us @triumphpetfood the next time you hit the trails.
