Five State Parks to Explore with Your Dog Within an Hour of Madison

By Danielle St. Louis | Photo courtesy Danielle St. Louis

CROSS PLAINS STATE PARK

This free park is one of the area’s hidden gems and is a great option for a weekday adventure with your dog. If you want to get in more mileage, you can always pick up the Ice Age Trail from this park, though My dog Lucky and I never got bored of the woodland loops here.

AZTALAN STATE PARK

Delight your inner archaeologist with a visit to Aztalan State Park. This National Historic Landmark features the restored earthen mounds and stockade wall of an ancient Native American civilization. With only two miles of hiking trails, a visit to Aztalan is more about traveling back in time than logging lots of miles.

NEW GLARUS WOODS STATE PARK

New Glarus Woods State Park is an enjoyable day trip with mellow, wide trails to meander and lots of fun options for pre- or post-hike activities. Stop at the New Glarus Bakery for a few nut horns to enjoy out on the trail or stop into Paoli on your way back to Madison and enjoy lunch and a beverage at one of the spots along the Sugar River.

GOVERNOR DODGE STATE PARK

Experience the magic of the Driftless Region (the portion of Wisconsin that didn’t get steamrolled by glaciers) at this park. Hike up the sandstone bluffs on Pine Cliff Trail, be dazzled by the waterfall and meander along the stream on Stephens Falls Trail and let your dog get in some paddling at the Cox Hollow Lake dog beach. Pack a picnic and a paddleboard if you and your dog like to SUP.

MIRROR LAKE STATE PARK

Skip Devil’s Lake and go to Mirror Lake State Park instead — your dog will thank you. With its scenic bluffs, serene lake and forested trails, you and your dog can focus on being in nature instead of avoiding crowds. Add a lake adventure on to the end of your hike if your dog enjoys kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding. Bring your own watercraft or rent one on-site — no reservations are required.


TIPS FOR HIKING WITH YOUR DOG

Bring your (non-flexible) leash and use it. Dogs are required to be on a leash no longer than eight feet while visiting Wisconsin’s state parks.

Bring water for your dog and provide plenty of water breaks. Wisconsin’s hot and humid summers can be particularly taxing on dogs. If your pup is showing signs of tiring or stress, call it a day.

Bring poop bags. Many parks don’t provide poop bags or have trash cans on-site. If your dog wears a backpack, you can put the used bag(s) in there. Or, put the sealed poop bag in an old, wide-mouth Nalgene water bottle so your backpack won’t pick up the poop scent.

Check humans and dogs for ticks before getting into the car. Cases of Lyme disease have tripled in Wisconsin in the last 15 years, with about 50% of ticks carrying the disease. The chance of disease transmission increases the longer a tick is on you!

Buy your annual state park pass in advance and skip the lines. Parks usually have a dedicated lane for express entry for park pass holders so you can enter more quickly.

Written By
More from BRAVA
SUSTAINABLE STYLE
EVERY FASHIONISTA KNOWS that style is always changing—but some pieces are timeless....
Read More
0 replies on “Five State Parks to Explore with Your Dog Within an Hour of Madison”