Springs Valley Recreation Area Trailhead - Paoli, IN
Springs Valley Recreation Area Trailhead – Dog-Friendly Hiking in Paoli, Indiana
Springs Valley Recreation Area Trailhead offers pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts access to beautiful dog-friendly hiking trails in Paoli, Indiana. Known for its scenic lakeside views, forested paths, and well-kept trails, this pet-friendly location is perfect for exploring nature with your four-legged friend. The main loop is around 10–11 miles with a moderate level of difficulty, large gravel parking lot for cars and horse trailers, and beautiful fall colors during the season.
While this location is ideal for hiking, backpacking, and day outings, it does not operate as a traditional fenced dog park in Paoli, Indiana. There are no designated off-leash or fenced dog areas, and pet owners are expected to keep their dogs leashed on the trails. Amenities are limited, with only one picnic table spotted at the trailhead, and no public restrooms or water fountains available. The peaceful setting, friendly visitors, and well-worn trails make it a great spot for active dogs and owners who enjoy the outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the Springs Valley Recreation Area features a well-marked loop hiking trail of about 10–11 miles, ideal for dogs and their owners.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? There is one picnic table at the trailhead. Other seating is not indicated.
- Are restrooms available for owners? No, there are no restrooms at this park.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? The trail loops around a lake, but there is no designated dog swimming area.
- Is there parking at the trailhead? Yes, there is a large gravel parking lot with room for many vehicles and trailers.
- Are there covered shelters or shaded areas? There are no covered shelters, but the trail offers some natural shade from surrounding trees.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? The trails are generally well-kept, though some reports note overgrown or less maintained sections in areas away from the main loops.
Reviews
Excellent 10 mile loop. Easy to medium difficulty provide that you are on good physical condition.
Excellent 10 mile loop. Easy to medium difficulty provide that you are on good physical condition.
Excellent 10 mile loop. Easy to medium difficulty provide that you are on good physical condition.
My husband and myself went here almost lived here when we wher younger camping and fishing and suchbtooknour 3 daughters here for family outings and gatherings ..TODAY….we took our 6 year old granddaughter to see the place mwemaw and pappaw loved so well and show our tree he carved our names in some 36 + years ago ..was VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED to see the place so over grown and unkept NO places to camp or gather with family to picnic. Upper half has been gated off we drove over an hour to turn right back around and drive back home …SO SO DISAPPOINTING TO US NO ANNIVERASY GATHERING HERE SO VERY SAD GUYS..
My husband and myself went here almost lived here when we wher younger camping and fishing and suchbtooknour 3 daughters here for family outings and gatherings ..TODAY….we took our 6 year old granddaughter to see the place mwemaw and pappaw loved so well and show our tree he carved our names in some 36 + years ago ..was VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED to see the place so over grown and unkept NO places to camp or gather with family to picnic. Upper half has been gated off we drove over an hour to turn right back around and drive back home …SO SO DISAPPOINTING TO US NO ANNIVERASY GATHERING HERE SO VERY SAD GUYS..
My husband and myself went here almost lived here when we wher younger camping and fishing and suchbtooknour 3 daughters here for family outings and gatherings ..TODAY….we took our 6 year old granddaughter to see the place mwemaw and pappaw loved so well and show our tree he carved our names in some 36 + years ago ..was VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED to see the place so over grown and unkept NO places to camp or gather with family to picnic. Upper half has been gated off we drove over an hour to turn right back around and drive back home …SO SO DISAPPOINTING TO US NO ANNIVERASY GATHERING HERE SO VERY SAD GUYS..
Decently marked loop trail with a few steep hills. Well worn trail that allows horse and bicycle riders with paid permit, day hikers and backpackers are free. Large gravel parking lot with space for many horse trailers and cars. One good camping spot with a picnic table that I saw, but was another two miles down trail from where I stayed. Spent about 6-8 hours hiking at a 2-3 mph pace with pack to complete the full trail.
Decently marked loop trail with a few steep hills. Well worn trail that allows horse and bicycle riders with paid permit, day hikers and backpackers are free. Large gravel parking lot with space for many horse trailers and cars. One good camping spot with a picnic table that I saw, but was another two miles down trail from where I stayed. Spent about 6-8 hours hiking at a 2-3 mph pace with pack to complete the full trail.
Decently marked loop trail with a few steep hills. Well worn trail that allows horse and bicycle riders with paid permit, day hikers and backpackers are free. Large gravel parking lot with space for many horse trailers and cars. One good camping spot with a picnic table that I saw, but was another two miles down trail from where I stayed. Spent about 6-8 hours hiking at a 2-3 mph pace with pack to complete the full trail.
Nice double track trail with considerable climbing. Full loop including the out and back to the trailhead and all the way around the lake was about 11 miles and 1200 feet of climbing. Fall colors were beautiful and we met some super friendly people riding horses.