Apple River Canyon State Park

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a visit to Apple River Canyon State Park. Over the course of a few hundred years, the Apple River cut through limestone, shale, and dolomite and left behind furrific canyons and high cliffs. What remains is beautiful state park that’s just calling your pup’s name!

If your pupster is a fan of hiking, they are in luck, this park has some pawsome trails. You and your doggo can hop on the Pine Ridge Nature Trail, Sunset Nature Trail, River Route Nature Trail, Tower Rock Nature Trail, or Primrose Nature Trail. Each of these clocks in around 1.5 miles and winds through woods, across bluffs, and alongside the Apple River. It doesn’t get much better than that! Remember to pack plenty of water and clean up bags.

Your doggo will love this place so much they won’t want to go home, so bring a couple sleeping bags and stay the night. Canyon Ridge Campground has 49 campsites with showers nearby.  If you are bringing the whole pack, reserve one of the group sites in the Walnut Grove Youth Campground. Only staying for the day? Pack a sandwich and enjoy your lunch at one of the four picnic areas along the river banks. Tables, grills, drinking water, and restrooms are available. Just don't forget to bring a biscuit or two for your dog!

Apple River Canyon State Park is chock full of wildlife. Critters like squirrels, raccoons, deer, and rabbits call this place home. Hawks, eagles, and over 40 other types of birds also reside in the park. As your four legged pal wanders around the park, they can sniff out the different types of plants, ferns, and flowers. If they do come across animals, make sure they mind their manners.

No bones about it, your canine companion will go mutts over this puptacular park!