13 Dog-Friendly Trails to Hike this Fall in Minnesota

There’s nothing quite like fall in Minnesota. The air turns crisp, the days get shorter, and the forests explode into a kaleidoscope of gold, orange, and red. It’s the perfect season to lace up your hiking boots, grab your pup’s leash, and hit the trail together. Dogs make the best hiking buddies: they notice the small details, live fully in the moment, and never complain about stopping to take in the view.

Luckily, parks in Minnesota welcome dogs on most trails, as long as they’re on a six-foot leash. Exploring fall colors with your pup can be magical, but it’s also important to follow Leave No Trace principles: always pick up after your dog, stay on designated trails, and bring plenty of water and snacks for both of you. That way, we keep the trails safe and beautiful for everyone, two- and four-legged adventurers alike.

If you’re planning a leaf-peeping trip this fall, here are 13 of the best dog-friendly trails to hike this fall in Minnesota to see peak fall colors, plus a few local pet-friendly spots nearby to round out your adventure.

Oberg Mountain Loop — Tofte, MN

• Location / Town: Tofte, Cook County, on Minnesota’s North Shore.

• Best Trail: Oberg Mountain Loop via the Superior Hiking Trail, about 2.3 miles (sometimes listed as 2.3–2.6). The loop offers moderate climbs and sweeping overlooks of Oberg Lake, Lake Superior, and ridgelines blanketed in maples.

• Why It’s Special in Fall: The ridge views show a kaleidoscope of fiery red and orange maples rolling down to the deep blues of Lake Superior.

• Nearby Dog-Friendly Spots: Stop at the nearby Coho Cafe in Tofte to enjoy a latte and a bite to eat on the patio with your pup!

Gooseberry Falls State Park — Two Harbors, MN

• Location / Town: Two Harbors, Lake County, along Highway 61 on the North Shore.

• Best Trail: Fifth Falls Trail, under 3 miles round-trip. This popular loop passes Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls before reaching a quieter cascade deeper in the woods.

• Why It’s Special in Fall: The combination of roaring waterfalls framed by glowing maple and aspen foliage is a North Shore classic.

• Nearby Dog-Friendly Spots: Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors has a dog-friendly patio. Silver Bay and Lutsen also offer dog-friendly restaurants and breweries along your road trip route.

Jay Cooke State Park — Carlton, MN

• Location / Town: Carlton, just south of Duluth.

• Best Trail: Silver Creek Trail, 3.5 miles, easy. This trail winds through forest and streams overlooking the St. Louis River gorge.

• Why It’s Special in Fall: The dramatic swinging bridge, jagged rock outcrops, and hardwood forests light up in fall with red and golden hues.

• Nearby Dog-Friendly Spots: Bent Paddle Brewing welcomes dogs on the patio in nearby Duluth.

Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area — Jordan, MN

• Location / Town: Jordan, Scott County, south of the Twin Cities.

• Best Trail: Minnesota Valley State Trail, under 4 miles depending on route. Flat floodplain trails wind through cottonwoods, maples, and meadows.

• Why It’s Special in Fall: Close to the metro but less crowded, the river valley turns a shimmering gold in autumn and feels like a peaceful retreat.

Banning State Park — Sandstone, MN

• Location / Town: Sandstone, Pine County, along the Kettle River.

• Best Trail: Wolf Creek Falls via Quarry Loop Trail, 3.5 miles, easy to moderate.

• Why It’s Special in Fall: Rugged sandstone cliffs and rushing water are framed by glowing maples and aspens.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park — Eagan, MN

• Location / Town: Eagan, Dakota County, Twin Cities metro.

• Best Trail: Jensen Lake Loop, about 2 miles, or build your own 3–6 mile hike from over 20 miles of trails.

• Why It’s Special in Fall: Easy access from the metro makes this a favorite for city-dwellers. The forest, lakes, and wetlands turn a brilliant patchwork of yellows and oranges.

• Nearby Dog-Friendly Spots: Bald Man Brewing in Eagan has a dog-friendly patio. Many nearby suburban cafés also allow outdoor pups.

Whitewater State Park — Altura, MN

• Location / Town: Altura, Winona County, southeastern bluff country.

• Best Trail: Inspiration Point via Chimney Rock Trail, 2.1 miles, steep with stairs leading to panoramic bluff views.

• Why It’s Special in Fall: Dramatic limestone bluffs and hardwood forests burst into shades of orange and crimson, with sweeping valley views.

• Nearby Dog-Friendly Spots: Little Thistle Brewing in Rochester welcomes dogs. Rochester also has pet-friendly patios for dining.

Bear Head Lake State Park — Ely, MN

• Location / Town: Ely, St. Louis County.

• Best Trail: Norberg Lake Trail, 3 miles, easy loop. Winding forest and lakeshore paths make for a peaceful autumn hike.

• Why It’s Special in Fall: Nestled on the edge of the Boundary Waters, Bear Head Lake is quieter than nearby parks and offers deep, immersive color displays.

• Nearby Dog-Friendly Spots: Gator's Grilled Cheese Emporium in Ely welcomes dogs on the patio. Ely also has dog-friendly galleries and cafés.

Maplewood State Park — Pelican Rapids, MN

• Location / Town: Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail County.

• Best Trail: Hallaway Hill Trail, 1.3 miles, easy. The overlook showcases rolling maple hillsides glowing with red and orange.

• Why It’s Special in Fall: True to its name, Maplewood is filled with sugar maples, making it one of the state’s best fall color destinations.

Lake Maria State Park — Monticello, MN

• Location / Town: Monticello, Wright County, west of the Twin Cities.

• Best Trail: Maria Lake Loop Trail, 3.2 miles, easy.

• Why It’s Special in Fall: Known for its old-growth maple-basswood forest, Lake Maria’s rolling hills blaze in shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Itasca State Park — Park Rapids, MN

• Location / Town: Park Rapids, Hubbard County, northern Minnesota.

• Best Trails: Ozawindib Trail to Deer Park Trail, 3.5 miles, moderate. Don't forget to visit the Mississippi Headwaters Trail while you're visiting Itasca State Park!

• Why It’s Special in Fall: Itasca blends hardwoods, pines, and lakes for a rich autumn variety. Bonus: walk across the Headwaters of the Mississippi.

Interstate State Park — Taylors Falls, MN

• Location / Town: Taylors Falls, Chisago County, on the St. Croix River.

• Best Trail: Walter F. Mondale River Trail and Railroad Trail Loop, 2.6 miles, with overlooks of the river and cliffs.

• Why It’s Special in Fall: The dramatic St. Croix River bluffs framed by fiery hardwoods create some of the most photogenic fall scenery in Minnesota.

• Nearby Dog-Friendly Spots: 3 Arrows Coffee in Taylors Falls has a dog-friendly patio. Scenic boat tours also allow leashed dogs.

Frontenac State Park — Lake City, MN

• Location / Town: Lake City, Goodhue County, on Lake Pepin.

• Best Trail: Bluffside Trail, 2.5 miles, moderate. Follow the ridgeline for sweeping views of the Mississippi River valley.

• Why It’s Special in Fall: Vibrant hardwoods and reflections on Lake Pepin create postcard-worthy fall scenery.

Dog-Friendly Trails to Hike this Fall Tips

• Keep your dog on a six-foot leash (required in all MN State Parks)

• Pack extra water, snacks, and dog waste bags

• Bring a blanket or towel for muddy paws after the hike

• Check the Minnesota DNR Fall Color Finder to plan your trip around peak colors

With so many stunning state parks to explore, fall is the perfect time to hit the trails with your pup. Whether you’re road-tripping to the North Shore or sticking closer to home, you and your dog are sure to find adventure among Minnesota’s autumn leaves.

About Scruff Life Photography:

Hi, I'm Lauren, the pet-loving photographer behind Scruff Life Photography! Based in Minnesota, I specialize in capturing the unique bond between people and their beloved pets. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new furry friend into your life or are cherishing the years spent with a lifelong companion, I’m here to help you preserve those special moments. Pets are family, and their stories deserve to be celebrated with timeless, professional photos you’ll treasure forever. Let’s create something meaningful together — reach out today to schedule your pet photo session!