55This was our first visit to the Mini Forest and this place is really wonderful. It is a large forested area with some large walking paths as well as some smaller trails scattered about. Just after you cross over the bridge there is a lovely little picnic area where we had lunch. The creek is close by there if you want to go down the hill a bit to it. Then we climbed up the hill - you will want some good walking shoes - to some open meadows and additional trails. There are also some outbuildings scattered about and some places to sit. The is a mix of open area and tall shaded tree areas so will be good in the summer. Property is fenced but we saw a few areas that a determined dog could go under. Because the property is large and wooded, if off leash, best to have a good recall. Property was easy to find and parking spot was labeled. If coming from the south, go through Granite Falls as property is closer to there than Arlington. Host Grace met us in the driveway and was very friendly and engaging. She respected that Kai doesn't like to meet people he doesn't know. We wereonly here for an hour for our first visit but we will plan for 2 hours for next time. Great place to bring a picnic and enjoy the surroundings. There is a lot to explore in this peaceful wooded setting!June M.
June M.
June 2020
This was our first visit to the Mini Forest and this place is really wonderful. It is a large forested area with some large walking paths as well as some smaller trails scattered about. Just after you cross over the bridge there is a lovely little picnic area where we had lunch. The creek is close by there if you want to go down the hill a bit to it. Then we climbed up the hill - you will want some good walking shoes - to some open meadows and additional trails. There are also some outbuildings scattered about and some places to sit. The is a mix of open area and tall shaded tree areas so will be good in the summer. Property is fenced but we saw a few areas that a determined dog could go under. Because the property is large and wooded, if off leash, best to have a good recall. Property was easy to find and parking spot was labeled. If coming from the south, go through Granite Falls as property is closer to there than Arlington. Host Grace met us in the driveway and was very friendly and engaging. She respected that Kai doesn't like to meet people he doesn't know. We wereonly here for an hour for our first visit but we will plan for 2 hours for next time. Great place to bring a picnic and enjoy the surroundings. There is a lot to explore in this peaceful wooded setting!
55My two dogs, toddler and I had a great time! The land is well manicured so it’s clear where to go without disturbing the forest feel and the trees offer plenty of shade (which was much appreciated by this 8 months pregnant mama!). The hills were a bit much for my older dog but any agile pup ought to have a grand time! (And my old lady had a great time too, she just had a little trouble towards the end navigating the terrain). The creek is lovely and the boundaries of the property are very clear. Lovely host! We can’t wait to go back and explore again. Mollyrose D.
Mollyrose D.
June 2020
My two dogs, toddler and I had a great time! The land is well manicured so it’s clear where to go without disturbing the forest feel and the trees offer plenty of shade (which was much appreciated by this 8 months pregnant mama!). The hills were a bit much for my older dog but any agile pup ought to have a grand time! (And my old lady had a great time too, she just had a little trouble towards the end navigating the terrain). The creek is lovely and the boundaries of the property are very clear. Lovely host! We can’t wait to go back and explore again.
55Grace was such a welcoming host and her property was wonderful. My two dogs had a blast running around through the forest-like terrain, and I had a great time not worrying about them running off or having any distractions, as we were totally alone and it was fully fenced in, aside from the entrance that leads back towards her house - but it’s easily far enough that the dogs wouldn’t go that way. It was muddy in spots and there was some tall grass depending on which way you go, so wearing some sort of boots is recommended. My dogs were exhausted, and we will definitely be back! Bella R.
Bella R.
July 2020
Grace was such a welcoming host and her property was wonderful. My two dogs had a blast running around through the forest-like terrain, and I had a great time not worrying about them running off or having any distractions, as we were totally alone and it was fully fenced in, aside from the entrance that leads back towards her house - but it’s easily far enough that the dogs wouldn’t go that way. It was muddy in spots and there was some tall grass depending on which way you go, so wearing some sort of boots is recommended. My dogs were exhausted, and we will definitely be back!
55Really cool spot! This was our first time here. Grace is super sweet and greeted us on our arrival. After you pull into the driveway, parking is straight ahead behind a small shed/barn and clearly marked with a Sniffspot sign. You will walk through a gate to a small pasture...there are some goats and a horse but they are totally secured behind fencing and my Cooper barely glanced at them. The Sniffspot starts at the creek crossing and it's fully fenced! Really nice big area of grass and hilly terrain, we really loved it. Very peaceful and lots of trees. There is an outhouse in the family campground when you first enter the Sniffspot so that is really nice for people like myself who drive from over an hour away. We felt completely relaxed and happy and really enjoyed walking through the woodsy setting. We will definitely be back. Thanks Grace!! Susan D.
Susan D.
July 2020
Really cool spot! This was our first time here. Grace is super sweet and greeted us on our arrival. After you pull into the driveway, parking is straight ahead behind a small shed/barn and clearly marked with a Sniffspot sign. You will walk through a gate to a small pasture...there are some goats and a horse but they are totally secured behind fencing and my Cooper barely glanced at them. The Sniffspot starts at the creek crossing and it's fully fenced! Really nice big area of grass and hilly terrain, we really loved it. Very peaceful and lots of trees. There is an outhouse in the family campground when you first enter the Sniffspot so that is really nice for people like myself who drive from over an hour away. We felt completely relaxed and happy and really enjoyed walking through the woodsy setting. We will definitely be back. Thanks Grace!!
55OMG! my german shepherd, Maverick enjoyed the place so much! it was worth the drive from Des Moines. I should have booked 2 hours as 1 hour went by too quickly, not enough time to leisurely check out the rest of the lovely ‘mini forest’. Next time I will pack a nice lunch with me as the picnic area looks very inviting. The gracious host, Grace said that her siblings & their families would camp here almost every year in the past. I enjoyed the hike, i needed it. i loved the sounds of the creek, the birds, the trees & the calmness, peaceful, serene feeling up the hill. I also enjoyed sitting on the porch on one of the tiny cabins, while Mavey sniffs around and sat on my feet later on to rest. I will definitely come back, don’t know when yet, but i will.Susan C.
Susan C.
July 2020
OMG! my german shepherd, Maverick enjoyed the place so much! it was worth the drive from Des Moines. I should have booked 2 hours as 1 hour went by too quickly, not enough time to leisurely check out the rest of the lovely ‘mini forest’. Next time I will pack a nice lunch with me as the picnic area looks very inviting. The gracious host, Grace said that her siblings & their families would camp here almost every year in the past. I enjoyed the hike, i needed it. i loved the sounds of the creek, the birds, the trees & the calmness, peaceful, serene feeling up the hill. I also enjoyed sitting on the porch on one of the tiny cabins, while Mavey sniffs around and sat on my feet later on to rest. I will definitely come back, don’t know when yet, but i will.
55Great spot! I wish I booked two hours. Very friendly and helpful host. Fence has some spots that smaller dogs or adamant on escaping dogs could fit through. I will be returning here again and again. Garrett O.
Garrett O.
May 2020
Great spot! I wish I booked two hours. Very friendly and helpful host. Fence has some spots that smaller dogs or adamant on escaping dogs could fit through. I will be returning here again and again.
55My dogs absolutely loved this space. We had such a great time here and will definitely be back! It was quiet and peaceful but not too far from the city. Jenna H.
Jenna H.
May 2020
My dogs absolutely loved this space. We had such a great time here and will definitely be back! It was quiet and peaceful but not too far from the city.
55Both of our boys had an absolute blast!! Our great Dane is hard to take to a regular dog park (due to his intimidating size) and giving him open room to run with his (smaller) brother was the absolute best day ever! :) Our host was extremely gracious when we got lost getting to their location as well! Bring hiking shoes as the people got quite a work out as well as the dogs!!!! Absolutely beautiful and the small creek was the favorite spot for the furballs. Will happily return soon. Emily Z.
Emily Z.
May 2020
Both of our boys had an absolute blast!! Our great Dane is hard to take to a regular dog park (due to his intimidating size) and giving him open room to run with his (smaller) brother was the absolute best day ever! :) Our host was extremely gracious when we got lost getting to their location as well! Bring hiking shoes as the people got quite a work out as well as the dogs!!!! Absolutely beautiful and the small creek was the favorite spot for the furballs. Will happily return soon.
How do Richmond's private dog hiking trails work?
Private rentals by the hour
Our hosts are locals that are renting their yards and private land to dog owners
Trust and safety first
Spots are designed for safety and both hosts and guests are reviewed after each visit
Designed for private play
Only the people and dogs in your booking are allowed in the spot during your visit
Reactive dogs welcome
Many of the spots we list are designed with sensitive dogs in mind
Become a Sniffpass holder!
Get discounts on all bookings at all spots by buying monthly credits! Learn more!
FAQ about our Richmond dog hiking trails
Are dog hiking trails safe?
While public dog parks have a number of safety issues, such as aggressive dogs, inattentive owners, disease transmission and general cleanliness, Sniffspot dog parks are much safer than a city or county park. With a Sniffspot off-leash area all bookings are private for just you and dogs you bring with you and we require all dogs to be vaccinated (or have equivalent titers). All Sniffspot locations are vetted and reviewed by guests so you can find the perfect place for you and your dog. 93% of reviews on Sniffspot visits are 5 stars. Our hiking trails tend to be outside the city, which lends to more privacy, but it is also important to follow typical hiking safety precautions, such as potentially having trail maps.
How do I know if a dog hiking trail works for my dog?
Sniffspot provides the tools to find the ideal spot. Start by applying basic filters, such as fencing 6 feet tall and distractions, to find a dog park with trails that works for your dog. You can also filter by size if you are looking for a certain acre park, an expansive off-leash dog park. If your dog doesn't have good recall, you can visit one of our fully fenced dog hiking trails. If your dog is reactive to other dogs, you can visit one of our dog hiking trails where there are no dogs audible or visible nearby. Since you are looking for trails, make sure to check photos to see if it the spot has flat trails or gnarly trails. You can also browse by specific amenities, if you are looking for a view or a beach, for instance, or other activities or fun features. You can check whether the spot has off or on street parking, the regular park hours, whether it has paved trails or a modern restroom.
What are the requirements to bring my dog to a Sniffspot dog hiking trail?
In order to hike the trails, we require that all dogs have basic vaccinations or equivalent titers. We do not permit dogs with a bite history. We require that guests sign our waiver and agree to follow our safety rules.
Will there be other dogs at the Sniffspot hiking trail at the same time as me?
Sniffspot only allows one booking at a time and any host dogs are required to be kept away from the spot during visits. We also enforce 30 min time buffers between bookings.
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