The saying may go “April showers bring May flowers,” but we all know Chicago weather doesn’t give a Shih Tzu about idioms. Check out these paved Chicago walking trails when the weather is doin’ a scare (mud and ice aren’t nice).
Bloomingdale Trail at The 606
The 606 is an abandoned rail line that’s been turned into 2.7 miles of elevated trail running across the west side of Chicago. At trail exits, enjoy plenty of dog-friendly places, like breweries, shops, and even a dog park. This is a multi-use trail tho, so keep your eyes peeled and ears perked for joggers and bikers.
Gompers Park
Located between Chicago’s North Park and North Mayfair neighborhoods, Gompers Park provides the perfect entrance to the paved North Branch Trail for you and pupper. Take a stroll along the Chicago River for a picturesque transition from the city to the greenery of the Forest Preserve District. The North Branch Trail is also a bike trail, so be respectful of everyone on your path!
Ping Tom Memorial Park
Take a trip to Chinatown and explore the 15 acres of Ping Tom Memorial Park. While the paved trail is only about a 1-mile loop, it sure offers a lot to look at—the Chicago skyline, river, murals, and more. Woofer thinks it’s worth the visit!
Chicago Lakefront Trail
How can we talk about Chicago without mentioning the lake? Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, which follows Lake Michigan, is by far the longest paved trail in the city. The trail is often used by bikers, rollerbladers, joggers, and of course, pups and pawrents. Taking a walk on this trail is a no-brainer. The real question you gotta ask pupper is: “what’s your favorite part?”
Horner Park
This park may be known to pooch parents as home to one of the largest fenced-in, grassy dog parks on the northside of Chicago, but there are also plenty of paved trails to take pup strollin’! Horner Park‘s wide path gives reactive dogs plenty of space for distancing (but keep an eye out for any off-leash dogs that are breakin’ the rules!). After your walk, relax at dog-friendly Burning Bush Brewery, just a short walk away. Don’t furget your beer-themed pawtio leash!
Lincoln Park
While you may automatically think of the neighborhood or the zoo, what about Lincoln Park‘s namesake? This park offers easy access to the Lakefront Trail mentioned above, but its paved path is a great time in its own right. With a nature boardwalk through some of the Midwest’s famous prairies, two ponds, and a view of the harbor, there’s plenty for you and floof to enjoy.
What are pup’s fave Chicago walking trails? Woof at us in the comments, and tag us @SidewalkDog on your city strolls!
Featured photo: MabelAmber
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, and join our Dog-Friendly Chicago Facebook Group.
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