Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Freetown, IN

Leashed dogs are welcome on pet-friendly trails and select campsites within Brown County State Park in Nashville, IN. Nicknamed the “Little Smokies” because of the area’s resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains, Brown County encompasses nearly 16,000 acres of rugged hills, ridges and fog-shrouded ravines.

Dogs are welcome at Spring Mill State Park, a pet-friendly recreation area in Mitchell, IN. Back in the day, pioneers built gristmills, a wool mill, a saw mill, and a distillery in the area using the water flowing from cave springs to power them. You and Fido can enjoy wandering around the regenerated forest on the eight pet-friendly trails in the park, some of them leading to caves in the Spring Mill State Park and Cave River Valley Natural Area.

Amy Weingartner Branigin Peninsula Preserve is pet-friendly. This special nature preserve is located in the middle of Monroe Lake, which is designated an Important Bird Area. Explore the 1.7 miles of lake frontage on Lake Monroe, the largest inland lake in the state. Amy Weingartner Branigin Peninsula Preserve is open every day of the week from dawn until dusk.

Laura Hare Nature Preserve at Downey Hill is pet-friendly. This rugged preserve is one square mile in size and protects a forest, as well as the wildlife that lives within it. The entire loop trail and gravel road total 6 miles. Leashed dogs are welcome, as long as all mess is cleaned up after them. Laura Hare Nature Preserve at Downey Hill is open every day of the week from dawn until dusk.

Yellowwood State Forest offers pet-friendly trails like Jackson Creek, High King, Lake, Scarce O' Fat, Tecumseh, and Resource Management, each showcasing unique landscapes. Horseback riders can explore designated bridle trails, while fishing enthusiasts can enjoy Yellowwood Lake. Picnic areas and a Lodge provide opportunities for relaxation and wildlife viewing amidst the forest's beauty. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.

Jackson-Washington State Forest in Brownstown, IN is a pet-friendly area that spans nearly 18,000 acres and offers unparalleled scenic views and 12 hiking trails ranging from easy to rugged. With five lakes available for fishing and boating, as well as opportunities for picnicking, archery, hunting and camping, it provides diverse recreational activities for visitors. Please remember to leash and clean up after Fido during your visit.

Lake Lemon Woods is pet-friendly. Bring your leashed pooch for a walk on this wooded hillside on the north side of Lake Lemon. The main trail is rated moderate and only half a mile in length. Lake Lemon Woods is open every day of the week from 7am to sunset.

Jeremy Keith Oakley Preserve is pet-friendly. Take a walk on M Joan Allen Natural trail, a short rugged trail that leads through fields, woods, and a stream with a waterfall. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail, as long as they are cleaned up after.

Ogle Hollow Nature Preserve is located within Brown County State Park in Nashville, IN, and has a dog-friendly hiking trail. Use Trail #5 in the park that will lead you through the preserve. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Tangeman Woods and Outdoor Lab is pet-friendly. Bring your leashed pooch along on this moderate trail that's just over half a mile in length. Along the way, you'll enjoy beautiful mixed hardwood forest with intermittent creeks for your pooch to go for a quick refreshing dip. Tangeman Woods and Outdoor Lab is open every day of the week from dawn until dusk.

Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve is pet-friendly. Named for a 200-foot bluff over Beanblossom Creek, this preserve features a rare stand of native eastern hemlock trees. It also protects over 100 acres of forested wetlands. Leashed dogs are welcome on the two trails. Yellowwood Trail is 2.6 miles roundtrip and Bottomland Trail is a moderate 0.7 mile loop. Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve is open every day of the week from dawn until dusk.

Hemlock Bluff Nature Preserve offers dog-friendly trail in Medora, IN. A trail loop leads from the parking lot along the bluff top.

Donaldson Cave Nature Preserve, located within Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell, IN, offers dog-friendly walking trails. Maps are available in the gatehouse or park office. Donaldson Cave (also known as Shawnee Cave, or Donaldson-Bronson Cave) can be assessed through the trail this preserve.

Mountain Tea State Forest is a dog-friendly natural area in Nashville, IN. You can bring Fido with you while you explore the property, which offers off-trail hiking, mushrooming, hunting and wildlife viewing. Please remember to leash and clean up after Fido during your visit.

Knobstone Glade Nature Preserve offers dog-friendly hiking in Vallonia, IN. The preserve is located within Jackson-Washington State Forest. Please note that this trail has steep climbs.