The 10 Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in USA National Parks
Finding a good hiking trail becomes a little harder when you have a dog to factor into the mix. You want to make sure the hike is dog-friendly and you may have a preference for either leashed or off-leash trails, depending on your pup. If you have a big dog, you may want a challenging trek, and if you have a small dog, you may be looking for something more relaxed. Luckily there are lots of dog-friendly trails in USA national parks to choose from!
If you’re wondering, “Can I bring my dog here? What are the rules?” don’t worry… we’ve got you covered!
Here are 10 of the best hikes for you and your four-legged hiking buddy.
Acadia National Park
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Location: Maine
Rules for Dogs:
- Dogs are permitted on most trails and carriage roads
- There are some trails where pets are prohibited
- Service animals can accompany their owners to all park areas
- Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet (2 meters) at all times
- Pets cannot be left unattended
- Pet waste must be properly disposed of
Acadia National Park is positioned right on the coast of Maine with the majority of the park spread right across Mount Desert Island. It’s actually the only national park located in Maine. There is lots to see and do in the park including skiing, fishing and hiking. There are over 160 kilometres of dog-friendly hiking trails to choose from. For an easy 2.3 kilometre round-trip hike through lush forest and out to the ocean, bring your pup along on the Wonderland Trail.
Shenandoah National Park
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Location: Virginia
Rules for Dogs:
- Dogs and other pets are allowed on most trails but not all of them
- Dogs are prohibited on Ranger Programs
- Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet (2 meters) at all times
- Pets cannot be left unattended
- Pet waste must be properly disposed of
Full of towering waterfalls, wilderness and wildlife, and beautiful scenic views, Shenandoah National Park has a little something for everyone. There are over 162 kilometres of hiking trails and dogs are prohibited on 11 trails, so there are still tons of places to enjoy with your pup. One good trail to bring your furry companion on is the Blackrock Summit Loop which uses a section of the Appalachian Trail to reach a rocky viewpoint. Blackrock Summit is a popular and relatively easy loop and is 1.8 kilometres long.
Yosemite National Park
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Location: California
Rules for Dogs:
- Dogs and other pets are allowed in developed areas and on paved roads and sidewalks
- Dogs and other pets are prohibited from entering lodging areas, public buildings, undeveloped wilderness areas, walk-in or group campgrounds, on shuttle buses and on the trail to Vernal Falls
- Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet (2 metres) at all times
- Pets cannot be left unattended
- Pet waste must be properly disposed of
Yosemite is one of the USA’s most popular national parks. The park is known for its rushing waterfalls, ancient sequoias, colossal granite monoliths and plunging valleys. You can bring your dog on paved roads, sidewalks and developed areas as well as to Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Falls, Cook’s Meadow Trail and the Wawona Meadow Loop Trail. The Wawona Meadow Loop Trail is around 5.8 kilometres long and loops around a large, beautiful meadow. In spring, visitors can enjoy wildflowers; in autumn, expect sunset-coloured foliage. Aside from being an excellent hike for dog-owners, this park is also popular among trail runners and horseback riders.
Dog-Friendly Yosemite Itinerary
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
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Location: Ohio
Rules for Dogs:
- Dogs and other pets are allowed on over 160 kilometres of the park’s hiking trails
- Dogs are not allowed in park buildings unless they are service animals
- Both pets and service animals are prohibited on the East Rim mountain bike trails
- Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet (2 meters) at all times
- Pets cannot be left unattended
- Pet waste must be properly disposed of
Dogs are allowed on over 160 kilometres of hiking trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Situated in northern Ohio, the park is home to stunning waterfalls, jagged rock formations and plenty of flora and fauna. Popular activities in the park include golfing, kayaking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and of course, hiking. Bring your furry companion with you on trails such as Buckeye Trail to Blue Hen Falls. You can start the hike on Buckeye Trail in Boston, Ohio and complete it at Blue Hen Falls before heading back. The trail features a small waterfall streaming over a beautiful, dark, cliff-like rock formation and is 5.6 kilometres round-trip.
Zion National Park
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Location: Utah
Rules for Dogs:
- Pets are only allowed on the Pa’rus Trail and not on any other trails
- Dogs and other pets are prohibited in wilderness areas, shuttle buses, bodies of water and public buildings
- Dogs must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet (2 meters) at all times
- Pets cannot be left unattended
- Pet waste must be properly disposed of
Renowned for its red rocks and popular with those who love canyoneering and rock-climbing, Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise. The park is located in the southwest of Utah close to the Arizona and Nevada borders. The only trail dogs are permitted on in Zion is the Pa’rus Trail. The trailhead is conveniently located right by the Zion Canyon Visitor Centre. Pa’rus is a 5.5 kilometre out-and-back trail in the valley which offers up plenty of wonderful views of a river and the burnt orange and red rocks the park is so famous for.
Crater Lake National Park
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Location: Oregon
Rules for Dogs:
- Dogs are permitted on five designated park trails and prohibited on all others
- Dogs and other pets are prohibited from entering all bodies of water and all public buildings
- Dogs are allowed to enter parking areas, paved walkways, Mazama and Lost Creek Campgrounds and all other picnic areas
- Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet (2 meters) at all times
- Pets cannot be left unattended
- Pet waste must be properly disposed of
Crater Lake National Park is home to a 53 kilometre portion of the famous Pacific Crest Trail which pets are permitted on year-round. Dogs and other pets are also allowed on various other trails including the Lady of the Woods Trail. This is an easy 1.1 kilometre loop with views of rugged mountains and forest surrounding the trail. It’s also not a super popular trail so it’s a great one to choose if you want to escape the crowds.
Olympic National Park
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Location: Washington
Rules for Dogs:
- Dogs and other pets are allowed on five different hiking trails as well as at the beaches between the Hoh and Quinault Reservations
- Dogs are also welcome in drive in campgrounds and picnic areas, and paved and dirt roads, but cannot dig or roll around in plants thereby disturbing vegetation
- Dogs and other pets are prohibited from entering public buildings, wilderness areas, and interpretative walks
- Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet (2 meters) at all times
- Pets cannot be left unattended
- Pet waste must be properly disposed of
With beaches, waterfalls and plenty of trails to choose from, Olympic National Park is a wonderful retreat for the whole family. Dogs and other pets are allowed on five different hiking trails including the Peabody Creek Trail which is a moderate 8.4 kilometre out-and-back trail popular amongst hikers, dog owners and trail runners. Visitors and their pups can enjoy the lush green forest, well-maintained pathways and gurgling of Peabody Creek.
Hot Springs National Park
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Location: Arkansas
Rules for Dogs:
- Dogs are allowed on all 42 kilometres of the park’s trails
- Dogs and other pets are prohibited from entering Federal Buildings or the Visitor Center
- Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet (2 meters) at all times
- Pets cannot be left unattended
- Pet waste must be properly disposed of
Hot Springs National Park boasts plenty of both natural and semi-urban hiking trails connecting nine bathhouses. From babbling creeks to sweeping mountain vistas to abundant forest scenery, Hot Springs National Park has it all. Bring your pup on the Goat Rock Trail for a moderately challenging 3.9 kilometre out-and-back trek. This trail has breathtaking mountain views plus trail signs along the way that explain the history and geology of the area.
Congaree National Park
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Location: South Carolina
Rules for Dogs:
- Dogs and other pets are allowed on all park trails, plus the boardwalk and campgrounds
- Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet (2 meters) at all times
- Pets cannot be left unattended
- Pet waste must be properly disposed of
Congaree National Park in South Carolina is super pet-friendly! Dogs are allowed on all park trails plus the boardwalk and campgrounds. Check out Bates Ferry Trail with your dog and enjoy 3.7 kilometres out-and-back of Congaree river views, wooded trail sections as well as plenty of flora, fauna and wildlife. This trail is popular among hikers, trail runners and bird-watchers alike.
Mojave National Preserve
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Location: California
Rules for Dogs:
- Dogs and other pets are allowed on all Mojave National Preserve trails.
- Dogs and other pets are prohibited from entering buildings.
- Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet (2 meters) at all times.
- Pets cannot be left unattended.
- Pet waste must be properly disposed of.
Dogs and other pets are allowed on all of the trails in Mojave National Preserve. With beautiful Joshua trees, a sprinkling of wildflowers, red rocks and sand dunes, this desert park is a great place for a hike. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and other ways for you and your pup to cool off. Bring your pup along on the North Mid Hills Trail. This trail is a moderately challenging 2.4 kilometre loop with sweeping views of the surrounding desert and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
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Disclaimer: The information for this article was provided by Honest Paws.
About Honest Paws: Honest Paws is a pet wellness brand that prides itself on its products not only being made in America but also being made of natural, organic ingredients.
Before you head into nature with your furry companion, make sure you read all about dog hiking gear and dog safety with this in-depth guide by Honest Paws.
