I've had lots of requests for dog-friendly hikes in the Adelaide Hills. If you've got a four-legged mate, you'll know the signs. The tail thump. The head tilt. That hopeful stare that says, "Are we going or what?". These trails are all dog-friendly on lead, easy to get to, and packed with the kind of scenery that makes a walk feel like an adventure: bushland valleys, winding creeks, and wide pine-scented paths. Whether your pup's a power walker or a stop-and-sniff-everything type, there's a trail here with both your names on it.
FIVE LEADS-ON TRAILS
Dog-friendly walks, all on lead
1. Totness Recreation Park Loop (Totness)
A hidden gem tucked just off the freeway near Mount Barker. The gentle loop circles the old dam, with a boardwalk and picnic spots at the water's edge. An easy one to ease into.
Where: Totness, near Mount Barker
Distance: 1.2km loop
More info
2. Anderson Loop Trail (Chain of Ponds)
A moderate 3.6km circuit through upper forest trails in Mount Crawford Forest. Native gums, great views, and active dog heaven.
Where: Chain of Ponds
Distance: 3.6km circuit
More info
3. Wirraparinga Trail Loop (Brownhill Creek)
A 5.5km loop through the Brownhill Creek valley, with the creek for company and historic river red gums along the way. Shady, close to town, and full of good sniffs.
Where: Brownhill Creek Recreation Park
Distance: 5.5km loop
More info
4. Grand Belair Loop (Belair National Park)
A 6km walk through Belair National Park, weaving past woodlands, creeks, and historic old railway remnants.
Where: Belair National Park
Distance: 6km
More info
5. Knot Hill Northern Loop (Kuitpo)
A wide, pine-scented loop through open forest. Ideal for high-energy pups who love a good sniff.
Where: Kuitpo Forest
More info
BEFORE YOU GO
Leads required, water essential, tails guaranteed to wag, and be sure to scoop the poop. It's also worth checking out the map from Adelaide Hills Council that highlights all the areas that are dog friendly for walks, so you can keep finding new tracks to share with your mate.
Header photo: Yu Chu Chin via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Body photo: Yu Chu Chin via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.