Hey friend — first issue! This week the country is finally green. Here's what's worth a drive:
Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls — a sandstone canyon network with leashed-dog trails that stay 10°F cooler than the rim. Bring a microfiber towel; the trails get slick.
One of the most dog-friendly NPs in the country — 100+ miles of carriage roads + most trails open to leashed dogs. Try Jordan Pond before the summer crowds arrive.
One of the largest urban forests in the US. 80 miles of leashed trails. Wildwood Trail's north end is empty by 8am.
Off-leash beach on 200ft cliffs above the Pacific. Swap dog tales with paragliders. Best between 4-6pm.
Chicago's only off-leash beach. Free, year-round, on Lake Michigan. Pre-7am you'll have 100ft of sand to yourself.
"Cooper hits Chautauqua Park sunrise + Cherry Creek off-leash sunset. He's a tireless herder and only the Flatirons can wear him out." — submitted by Maya R.
Submit your dog →Press the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If you can't keep it there, it's too hot for paws. As a rule: above 85°F air, asphalt is risky; above 95°F, it's a pad-burn hazard. Stick to grass or shade between 11am-4pm in summer.
- Mile 30: Tilden Regional Park (off-leash trail, Berkeley)
- Mile 95: Folsom Lake (swim stop)
- Mile 175: Don Pedro Lake (campground option)
- Arrive: Yosemite Valley — leashed dogs welcome on Wawona Meadow Loop + Lower Yosemite Falls trail
That's it for this week. Tail wags from the road,
The Dog Parks Hub team