Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Ohio: 10 Tested Favorites
My dog doesn't care about scenic overlooks. She doesn't read trail reviews or check AllTrails ratings. She cares about squirrels, interesting smells, and whether or not she's allowed to come along. And for a long time, that last part was the problem — I'd find a great trail, drive an hour to get there, and discover "no pets" signs at the trailhead.
So I started keeping track. Which Ohio trails actually welcome dogs? Not just "technically allow them on a leash" but genuinely work well for hiking with a dog — good footing, water access, enough space that you're not constantly pulling your pup off narrow boardwalks while other hikers squeeze past.
After logging dozens of dog-friendly hikes across the state, here are my favorites. Every trail on this list is confirmed dog-friendly, tested with an actual dog, and worth the drive.
1. Highbanks Metro Park — Delaware County
Distance: 4.2 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation: 250 ft | Type: Loop
Highbanks is the gold standard for dog hiking near Columbus. The Dripping Rock Trail and Overlook Trail combine into a loop that runs along bluffs above the Olentangy River, through dense hardwood forest, and past the park's famous Adena earthworks. The trails are wide enough that passing other dogs isn't stressful, and the elevation changes keep things interesting without being punishing.
Dogs must be leashed (six-foot max), but there's plenty of room for them to sniff and explore along the trail edges. The Olentangy River is visible from several points, and there are a few spots where the trail drops close enough to the water for a quick drink — though no official water access for dogs.
The park gets busy on weekends, especially the paved multi-use paths near the nature center. Stick to the dirt trails on the east side of the park for a quieter experience.
Pro tip: The Dripping Rock Trail has a sandstone overhang with water seeping through the rock face — fascinating geology and a good shady rest spot on hot days.
Read our full Highbanks Metro Park trail guide →
2. Glacier Ridge Metro Park — Union County
Distance: 3.2 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation: 100 ft | Type: Loop
Glacier Ridge is wide-open prairie and wetland — a completely different vibe from the forested metro parks closer to Columbus. The trails here are mostly paved or packed gravel, flat as a table, and surrounded by restored tallgrass prairie that waves in the wind like a golden ocean in late summer and fall.
For dogs, this park works because of the space and the sightlines. You can see other hikers and their dogs from a distance, which gives reactive dogs (and their anxious owners) time to adjust. The wetland sections have boardwalks, and there are benches along the route for rest stops.
The park is also home to a dedicated dog park area if your pup needs some off-leash time after the hike. It's a separate fenced section near the main parking area.
Pro tip: Bring water — there's almost no shade on the prairie trails, and summer hikes can be hot. Early morning or evening visits are best in July and August.
Read our full Glacier Ridge Metro Park trail guide →
3. Scioto Audubon Metro Park — Franklin County
Distance: 3.0 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation: 50 ft | Type: Loop
Scioto Audubon sits on reclaimed land along the Scioto River in south Columbus, and it's become one of the best urban nature parks in the city. The trails wind through wetlands, along the river, and past the park's famous climbing wall (the largest free outdoor climbing wall in the country).
Dogs love this park because of the variety — you're on gravel paths through woods, then crossing open meadows, then walking along the river where geese and herons do their thing. There's a dedicated dog park area here too, fenced and well-maintained.
The park is flat and easy, making it accessible for dogs of all ages and fitness levels. Senior dogs and puppies do fine here. The river access points let dogs wade in the shallows on warm days.
Pro tip: The parking lot fills up on nice weekends. The south entrance off Whittier Street is usually less crowded than the main entrance.
Read our full Scioto Audubon trail guide →
4. Quarry Trails Metro Park — Franklin County
Distance: 3.2 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation: 180 ft | Type: Loop
Quarry Trails is one of Columbus's newest metro parks, built on the site of an old limestone quarry. The terrain is unusual for central Ohio — rolling hills, exposed rock faces, and wooded ravines that feel more like southeast Ohio than the flat suburbs around it.
Dogs seem to find this park especially interesting, probably because the varied terrain creates a lot of different smells and surfaces. You're on packed dirt, then gravel, then crossing over rocky outcrops. The moderate elevation changes keep it engaging without being exhausting.
The trails are well-marked and the park has a modern layout with good signage. Weekend crowds are manageable since the park is still relatively new and less well-known than places like Highbanks or Scioto Audubon.
Pro tip: The quarry rim trail offers views down into the old quarry basin. Keep dogs on leash and stay on trail near the edges — the drop-offs are real.
Read our full Quarry Trails trail guide →
5. Deer Creek State Park — Pickaway County
Distance: 3.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation: 150 ft | Type: Loop
Deer Creek is my go-to recommendation for people who want to hike with their dog near water. The trail loops around a section of Deer Creek Lake, and there are multiple spots where the trail meets the shoreline — perfect for dogs that like to splash. The reservoir attracts waterfowl, so keep a good grip on that leash if your dog is bird-motivated.
The terrain is gentle — mixed forest with some open meadow sections along the lake. It's an easy half-day trip from Columbus, and the state park has picnic areas and a beach (though dogs aren't allowed on the beach itself).
Fall visits are especially nice. The lake reflects the autumn colors and the trails are quieter once summer crowds thin out.
Pro tip: The park allows fishing along the lakeshore. Watch for fishing lines and hooks near the water access points — not great for curious dogs.
Read our full Deer Creek State Park trail guide →
6. Maumee Bay State Park — Lucas County
Distance: 3.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation: 50 ft | Type: Loop
Maumee Bay is Lake Erie hiking with your dog. The boardwalk trail through the wetlands and the loop along the lake shore give you birds, water views, and wide-open skies. It's flat, easy, and the kind of hike where you can actually relax instead of constantly managing your dog on difficult terrain.
The park is in northwest Ohio near Toledo, so it's a longer drive from Columbus but worth it for the completely different landscape. Marshland, lake breezes, migrating shorebirds in spring and fall. Dogs on leash are welcome on the trails, and the grassy areas near the lodge make for good rest spots.
The boardwalk sections are elevated over the marsh, which keeps things clean and dry even after rain. Some dogs are nervous on boardwalks, so know your pup before committing to the full marsh loop.
Pro tip: Spring migration (April-May) brings incredible birdwatching, but it also brings mosquitoes. Bring bug spray for yourself and check your dog for ticks after the hike.
Read our full Maumee Bay trail guide →
7. Side Cut Metro Park — Lucas County
Distance: 4.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation: 50 ft | Type: Out-and-back
Side Cut follows the old Miami & Erie Canal towpath along the Maumee River near Toledo. It's a straight, flat, easy trail that's perfect for dogs who like to maintain a steady trotting pace. The river is visible for most of the hike, and there are spots where the bank is gentle enough for water access.
The towpath history is interesting — you're literally walking the same path that mule teams used to pull canal boats in the 1800s. The old canal locks are still visible and make for good photo stops.
This is a great winter hike too. The flat terrain handles snow well, and the river views are dramatic when the water is high. Side Cut doesn't close for winter, so it's a year-round option.
Pro tip: The fishing areas near the rapids attract anglers year-round. Keep your dog close in these sections — discarded bait and tackle are common near the river access points.
Read our full Side Cut Metro Park trail guide →
8. Rocky Fork Metro Park — Pickaway County
Distance: 2.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation: 150 ft | Type: Loop
Rocky Fork is a quiet, wooded metro park south of Columbus that rarely gets crowded. The trails loop through deciduous forest with a few gentle hills, and the low traffic means your dog can enjoy the hike without constant encounters with other pets.
The park is small but well-maintained. The forest here supports a healthy population of deer, and I've spotted owls on winter evening hikes. The understory is thick enough to feel immersive without blocking sightlines, which is nice when you're keeping an eye on wildlife ahead.
For reactive dogs or dogs in training, Rocky Fork's low visitor numbers make it ideal. You can work on trail manners without the pressure of constant encounters.
Pro tip: The parking lot is small — maybe fifteen cars. Arrive early on fall weekends when the colors draw more visitors than usual.
Read our full Rocky Fork Metro Park trail guide →
9. Salt Fork State Park — Guernsey County
Distance: 8.0 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation: 500 ft | Type: Loop
Salt Fork is Ohio's largest state park, and the trail system here is big enough to give you genuine solitude. The backpacking trail loops through hilly forest with lake views, wildlife, and the kind of quiet that city-adjacent parks can't offer.
Dogs are welcome on all hiking trails (leashed), and the variety of terrain keeps things interesting for both of you. You're climbing ridges, descending into hollows, and crossing creeks on stepping stones. The full 8-mile loop is a solid day hike, but shorter loops are available.
Salt Fork also has campgrounds, cabins, and a lodge, so you can make it a weekend trip. Dog-friendly camping sites let you set up camp and explore different sections of the trail system each day.
Pro tip: Bring plenty of water — there's no reliable water source on the main trail loop, and the elevation changes are enough to tire out a big dog in warm weather.
10. Scioto Grove Metro Park — Franklin County
Distance: 3.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation: 100 ft | Type: Loop
Scioto Grove runs along the Scioto River south of Columbus, with trails through bottomland forest and open meadows. It's an underappreciated park — most Columbus hikers head to Highbanks or Scioto Audubon, leaving Scioto Grove relatively quiet.
The river access here is one of the best features for dog owners. Several trail sections run right along the bank, and there are spots where the water is shallow enough for dogs to wade. The forest is thick with cottonwood and sycamore, providing good shade even in midsummer.
The flat terrain and short distance make this a good option for older dogs or dogs recovering from injury who need easy exercise. The trail surface is mostly packed earth with some mowed grass sections.
Pro tip: Spring flooding can temporarily close sections of the river trail. Check the metro parks website for alerts before driving out, especially in March and April.
Read our full Scioto Grove trail guide →
Quick Reference: Dog-Friendly Ohio Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Region | Dog Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highbanks | 4.2 mi | Moderate | Central | Wide trails, river views |
| Glacier Ridge | 3.2 mi | Easy | Central | Open prairie, dog park on-site |
| Scioto Audubon | 3.0 mi | Easy | Central | Dog park, river access |
| Quarry Trails | 3.2 mi | Moderate | Central | Varied terrain, rocky sections |
| Deer Creek | 3.5 mi | Easy | Central | Lake access, water play |
| Maumee Bay | 3.5 mi | Easy | Northwest | Lake Erie, boardwalks |
| Side Cut | 4.5 mi | Easy | Northwest | River towpath, flat terrain |
| Rocky Fork | 2.5 mi | Easy | Central | Low traffic, quiet woods |
| Salt Fork | 8.0 mi | Moderate | Southeast | Largest state park, solitude |
| Scioto Grove | 3.5 mi | Easy | Central | River access, shaded paths |
Dog Hiking Tips for Ohio Trails
Leash rules are real. Every trail on this list requires a six-foot leash. Ohio state parks and metro parks enforce this, and rangers will issue warnings. Even if your dog has perfect recall, leash them — it's the law, and it protects wildlife and other hikers.
Water, water, water. Dogs overheat faster than we do, and Ohio summers are humid. Carry at least 16 ounces of water per hour of hiking for your dog, more for large breeds. A collapsible bowl takes up almost no pack space.
Tick check after every hike. Ohio's tick population is no joke, especially from April through October. Check ears, armpits, belly, and between toes. Talk to your vet about preventive treatments.
Know your dog's limits. A 5-mile hike on flat terrain is very different from 5 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain. Start with shorter, easier trails and work up. Senior dogs and brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs) need extra consideration on warm or hilly trails.
Pack out waste. Every park on this list has waste stations at trailheads, but carry extra bags for the trail. Nothing ruins a trail faster than dog waste left on the path.
Check for seasonal closures. Some trails close temporarily for hunting season or maintenance. State parks are more likely to have hunting-related closures than metro parks.
Ohio's metro park system is genuinely excellent for dog owners. Most parks are free, well-maintained, and within easy driving distance of major cities. Pick a trail, leash up your best friend, and get out there.
Browse all Central Ohio trail guides → | Read about the Columbus Metro Parks system →
Conclusion:
It is really great to be able to take your dog with you for hiking. These parks cater to dog owners and are very enjoyable for the pups. Any season, the parks are ready for adventure. Get out there and hike with your four-legged friend.
