Three Rivers Park District offers several opportunities for exercising your dog, including paved park trails, regional trails, off-leash areas and skijoring/dogsledding trails.

NEW Dog Walking Trails
Note: The following policy will be enforced starting May 1, 2009 on a park-by-park basis as signage is installed. Until new signs are installed, dog walking will remain on the previously designated trail. Park maps on this website will be updated when new signs are installed.

Dogs may now be walked on a 6-foot non-retractable
leash on any paved park trail and on all regional trails unless posted otherwise. Leashed dogs are also allowed on mowed turf shoulders of paved trails.

Dogs are no longer permitted on turf trails, except on designated trails in parks where no paved trails exist.

Owners must clean up after their dogs.

See our park maps directory for dog trail locations.

Why is this change being implemented?
Three Rivers Park District attempts to balance the needs of dog owners with other park visitors while maintaining a commitment to protect natural resources. The new plan nearly triples the miles of dog-walking trails, and the policy is simpler and easier to understand than the previous mix of designated trails. By providing dog-walking oppportunities in the active use areas of the parks, the plan helps protect sensitive natural areas.

Where are dogs not allowed?
Any place other than paved trails, including picnic areas, beaches, play areas, ski trails, nature centers, inside buildings and selected other posted areas. Also, as in the past, no dogs are permitted at Gale Woods Farm, The Landing and Noerenberg Gardens

Why is a non-retractable leash required?
Retractable leashes complicate enforcement of the 6-foot leash rule and do not keep dogs within the designated width of the trail. A fixed-length leash provides better control of the dog and maximizes safety for trail users and dogs.

Is there a fee for dog walking?
No, it is free.

Dog Off-leash Areas
Designated off-leash areas for dogs are available at the following parks:

• Bryant Lake Regional Park - 9.3 acres; fenced, separate area for small dogs
• Carver Park Reserve - 27 acres; fenced, separate area for small dogs
• Cleary Lake Regional Park - 28 acres; fenced
• Crow-Hassan Park Reserve - 40 acres; unfenced
• Elm Creek Park Reserve - 29 acres; fenced
• Lake Sarah Regional Park - 40 acres; fenced

See our park maps directory for off-leash area locations.

An annual or daily pass is required to use these facilities. Passes may be purchased online.

Annual dog off-leash area passes also are available from the Park District Administrative Center, Cleary Lake Visitor Center, Lowry Nature Center and Eastman Nature Center. The fee is $30 per year for the first permit in a household and $15 for a second permit if needed. For more information and full text of rules, see the Dog Off-Leash Area Rules and Agreement.

A daily fee option is available via drop box at all 6 sites. The daily dog off-leash area fee is $5. Envelopes at each drop box will indicate the required fees and will include a Use Agreement, which must be signed.

Skijoring and Dogsledding Trails
Dogsledding and skijoring are permitted on designated trails within Three Rivers Park District. A special use permit is required on two trails that are shared with snowmobiles; other multi-use trails do not require a permit and are not open to snowmobiling. See more information.

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