There are numerous lovely dog-friendly hiking trails in Gauteng that you may visit with your family. However, only some parks welcome your fur baby. Furtunately, there are a few hiking trails in Gauteng that allow dogs. You and your dog will love these pawsome dog-friendly hiking trails in Gauteng!
Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Johannesburg
1 Huddle Park Golf and Recreation
Located in Linksfield, Huddle Park is dog walker heaven. You and your four-legged friend can explore a variety of routes for different fitness levels or make your way through little forests and ponds. You can enjoy various outdoor recreational activities in this area, such as golf, ziplining, and nature walks. There are dog-friendly hiking trails that are clearly marked, so you know which paths to walk.
Find out more about the park here.
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2 Walkhaven Dog Park
With 22 hectares of gently rolling grassland, Walkhaven Dog Park is an excellent place for your pet to run around. In addition to numerous hiking trails, braai and picnic areas, there are two dams where your dog can swim. Your dog can go about without a leash, which is the best part. Be sure to always pick up after your dog. You and your dogs can also stop by the Dog Box Grill and Pizza Mutt after taking a beautiful stroll through the dog-friendly hiking trails at Walkhaven. Sit in the tea garden under the leafy trees and order something delicious from their pub or pizza menu.
Find out more about Walkhaven Dog Park here.
READ| Top 10 Amazing Dog parks in Johannesburg
3. The Wilds Nature Reserve
The Wilds Nature Reserve is a 16-hectare nature reserve peaceful where you can escape from the adjacent inner city suburbs and take your dog for a walk. It is one of the best dog-friendly hiking trails in Johannesburg, Gauteng. You can have a picnic or hike with your dog on a lead. There is lots of shade around the park, so you can spend all day there.
Get more info about the park here.
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4 Delta Park
Delta Park is one of the most popular dog-friendly hiking trails in Johannesburg, Gauteng This 8.9-kilometer loop trail. It is generally classified as a moderately difficult route, taking an average of 2 hours 18 minutes to complete. This area is a popular destination for mountain bikers, runners, and pedestrians, so you are likely to encounter other people as you explore the trail. Dogs are welcome on this trail and may be kept on a leash in certain areas.
Find out more about Delta Park here.
5 Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
The Johannesburg Botannical Gardens feature a mix of interlocking native and exotic plants, framed by lawns with panoramic views of 7,5 hectares of Emmarentie Dam. The gradens is also one of the top dog-friendly hiking trails in Johannesburg Gauten. You can find a 3.5-kilometer loop trail. It is considered to be a moderately difficult route, taking an average of 54 minutes to traverse. This is a popular walking area, so you are likely to encounter other people as you explore. Dogs are welcome on this trail, although some areas may require an off-leash dog.
Get more details about The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens here.
6 Gemmil Park
Gemmil Park is great place to walk with the kids and have picnics in the park. There are art pieces to admire, benches for you to sit on and water to soak in. The park also has a great dog-frindly hiking trail. It has a 2.3 km loop trail and is generally considered a moderately difficult route. It takes about 30 min on average to complete this trail. It’s one of the most popular trails for walking in the area and you can still get some peace and quiet during the quieter hours of the day. The park is dog-friendly and dogs are allowed in the park in some areas.
Get more details about the park here.
Top Dog-Friendly Trails Near Pretoria
7 Ground The Venue
Ground The Venue is another lovely place to visit in Muldersdrift. There is plenty of room for you and your dog to explore; remember to pack comfortable shoes, drink, sunscreen, and a hat! It has one of the best dog-friendly hiking trails in Gauteng. The routes range in length from 3 to 9 kilometres. Dogs are acceptable if they are well-behaved and constantly on a leash. If you’re searching for a family stroll, there is also a suitable route for children and strollers. Find out more about the Ground The Venue here.
Enjoy these dog-friendly hiking trails with the whole family next time you go out.
8 The Big Red Barn
If you and your furry friends are in Pretoria on the weekend, take a trip around Centurion’s The Big Red Barn. It has one of the best dog-friendly hiking trails in Pretoria, Gauteng. Visit their eucalyptus-scented forests for a peaceful stroll on their dog-friendly hiking trails; they provide more than 40 kilometres of the beautiful bike, running, and hiking pathways. It’s a nice place to relax and re-establish contact with nature. There are many things to do at The Big Red Barn for people of all ages. You can go ziplining with Acrobranch, visit Ludwig’s Roses Center, craft at Clay Café, dine at Red Barn Café, and take the kids go-karting.
Get more information about The Big Red Barn here.
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Tips for Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails
Choosing Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails:
Before hitting the trail, research and select hiking routes that explicitly allow dogs. Look for designated dog-friendly hiking trails to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for you and your furry companion.
Check Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Regulations:
Familiarize yourself with any specific rules or regulations regarding dogs on the trails. Some areas might require dogs to be on a leash, while others allow off-leash hiking, but with strict recall commands.
Assess Your Dog’s Fitness For Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails
Just like humans, dogs need to be physically fit for hiking. Gradually increase the length and difficulty of hikes based on your dog’s endurance and fitness level. Start with shorter, easier hikes and build up to longer treks over time.
Pack Essentials for Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails
Carry a backpack for your dog with essential items like water, collapsible bowl, doggie waste bags, and some treats. Make sure your dog is wearing a comfortable and secure harness, and attach identification tags with updated contact information.
Hiking Safely with Your Dog-
- Watch for snakes and wildlife
- Bring tick prevention and removal tools
- Check for foxtails and burrs
- Monitor for overheating
- Know emergency vet contacts
Do you and your dog have any favourite hiking trails? Please share your favourites in the comments. While in Gauteng with your fur buddy, do these fun pet-friendly things in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
