5 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Iowa to Plan for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Not only is Iowa City a walkable city, but it's also a hikeable one! If you have a dog and wish to trade in some time in the city for some time in nature, there are several dog-friendly hikes in Iowa City, Iowa, that you may want to try. So, download AllTrails Plus to your phone, pack your hiking backpack, grab your dog and leash, and hit the trails for some quality outdoor time with your fur baby.

1. Hickory Hill Loop - Hickory Hill Park

Dogs are curious creatures, and I think Hickory Hill Park is a perfect place to explore the great outdoors in Iowa City. The 2.6-mile Hickory Hill Loop gives them (and you) the opportunity to explore all that this 190-acre park has to offer, including forests, fields, wetlands, and more. While it's tempting to let your dog off-leash, doing so is prohibited.

2. Court Hill Trail - Creekside Park

In recent years, Iowa City's Creekside Park has been renamed James Alan McPherson Park after Pulitzer Prize-winning author, James Alan McPherson. It's a family-friendly urban space with picnic shelters, a playground, ball courts, a community orchard, and paved pathways, including the 2.3-mile Court Hill Trail. While it's an excellent city trail, keep your dog on leash the entire time, as there are several road crossings along the way.

3. Iowa River Corridor Trail - Iowa River Landing Wetland Park, Coralville

Between Iowa City and Coralville lies the Iowa River Landing Wetland Park, home to a two-acre pond and five acres that include three different types of wetlands and a waterfall. Due to its wetlands, this is a fantastic spot for birdwatching. Dogs (on a leash) are allowed on the park's 5.1-mile, partially-paved Iowa River Corridor Trail.

4. Waterworks Prairie Park

With 200 acres and three miles of paved trails, Waterworks Prairie Park is the ultimate nature escape for the whole family, including those with mobility equipment. You can even bring your four-legged best friends for a walk here - just keep them on a leash! While visiting this park in spring for the wildflower bloom is picture-perfect, the park's three-mile loop trail is an excellent choice any time of the year.

5. Terry Trueblood Rec Area

The Terry Trueblood Rec Area may be last on our list of dog-friendly hikes, but perhaps we saved the best for last! This Iowa City park is incredibly scenic due to its location along both Sand Lake and the Iowa River. Dogs on a leash can hike with owners on the 1.8-mile paved path. Hikers have noted that there are ticks, so I suggest carrying some tick repellent in your backpack.

Have you taken your pup on any of these dog-friendly hikes in Iowa City, Iowa? Are there any others near the city you'd like to share? If so, please send us a note through our nomination page. Or discover one of our Iowa favorites using our new Travel Planner!