After organizing a road trip that catered to bringing our dog along, I decided to really investigate which National Parks were the most dog-friendly. We’ve visited a few and I dug into the National Park Service website to compile a list of what seemed to be the best fits for bringing fido along. Here they are.
There are a few rules that apply to all National Parks in terms of canine companions. These rules keep everyone enjoying the park, both dog families and sad individuals who don’t like dogs.
- Dogs must be kept on leash at all times, 6 feet or less in length.
- Clean up after your pet, do not leave bags of poo anywhere.
- Dogs may not be left unattended both outside and inside vehicles.
- No pets allowed in park buildings.
New River Gorge- West Virginia
This new National Park has really embraced the ‘Adventure Dog’ with it’s dog friendly atmosphere! This small park packs a lot of adventure into it’s borders with a lot of camping and hiking options.
Allowed: All park trails (40+ miles)
Not Allowed: Park Ranger led programs
Tips: Bring extra water, natural water sources are home to parasites and bacteria. Be aware of ticks and tick safety.
White Sands- New Mexico
White Sands is not a park that most have heard of. It’s a petite park in terms of the National Parks in the United States. This park is dog friendly all the way. Dogs are allowed all over the park! Anywhere you can go, your dog can go with you.
Allowed: On all trails in the park. Check out 5 Must-do Hikes at White Sands.
Not Allowed: Backcountry camping (which is actually closed currently due to campsite rehabilitation)
Tips: Bring plenty of water for your adventure dog. The temperatures can reach unreasonable numbers in the summer months. Check out temps at different times of the year and consider visiting during a shoulder season to avoid extreme heat.
Congaree- South Carolina
Another park that loves the adventure dog! Congaree has so much adventure with over 25 miles of hiking trails and other activities, that’s a lot of exploring for a pup in one national park.
Allowed: Any trails and boardwalks
Not Allowed: Buildings, that’s it.
Tips: Consider a life jacket for your pup if they aren’t strong swimmers and you plan to canoe/kayak. Watch for ticks. South Carolina can become hot and muggy in the summer months, bring plenty of water.
Shenandoah- Virginia
Hike the 500+ miles of trails within Shenandoah National Park with your adventure dog! Limitless adventure awaits in one of Virginia’s most amazing treasures.
Allowed: All trails with the exception of 11 (listed below).
Not Allowed: There are 11 trails that must be avoided with your dog. These trails add up to less than 20 miles of trails through-out the park. A miniscule amount when compared to the rest of the 500 miles inside the park. Pets are also not allowed on Ranger-led programs.
No Dogs on These Trails:
- Fox Hollow Trail
- Stony Man Trail
- Limberlost Trail
- Post Office Junction to Old Rag Shelter
- Old Rag Ridge Trail
- Old Rag Saddle Trail
- Ridge Access Trail
- Dark Hollow Falls Trail
- Story of the Forest Trail
- Bearfence Mountain Trail
- Frazier Discovery Trail
Bonus: Pet friendly lodging is available at the park. Check out their reservation site. There is a $30 per pet fee for each night.
Petrified Forest- Arizona
Step back time to admire these amazing trees that have turned to stone! Your dog will love all of the different scents from these ancient trees. Many of the trails are paved.
Allowed: Dogs are allowed on all roads, trails, overlooks, and wilderness areas.
Not Allowed: In any park buildings.
Tip: Do not leave dogs unattended in your vehicle. The temperatures in Arizona can become dangerous. Likewise, check pavement temps before allowing your dog to venture out. The hot ground can burn a dog’s pads. Bring plenty of water.
Grand Canyon- Arizona
Arizona loves dogs! The Grand Canyon is the classic American road trip destination. Being dog friendly makes it that much more appealing.
Allowed: Grand Canyon allows dogs to hike all of the trail above the rim.
Not Allowed: Dogs are not allowed inside buildings or below the rim.
Lodging/Kennel: If camping is not your style, there are dog friendly rooms available at the Yavapai Lodge. There is also day and overnight boarding available at the Grand Canyon Kennel.
Tips: Check sand and pavement temps for your dog. Pads can burn quickly and be very painful. Likewise, be aware of prickly plants such as the cactus. Check your dog’s feet regularly for any injury and bring a first aid kit.
Cuyahoga Valley- Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley is the perfect fall getaway with your adventure loving pup. Take in the fall colors and cool crisp air of the Midwest.
Allowed: Over 100 miles of hiking trails in the park.
Not Allowed: East Rim Mountain Bike Trail is a dog free zone. During the sledding season, no dogs are allowed in the Virginia Kendall Hills area.
Hot Springs- Arkansas
The trails in the park are green and beautiful! Great for exploring. In order to soak in the springs, one must use a bathhouse. So Fido won’t be participating in any spa days (good news to your dog!). There are still plenty of other areas to explore, including spaces in the park to observe outdoor springs.
Allowed: Dogs are allowed on all 26 miles of trails in the park and inside the Superior Bathhouse restaurant and brewery.
Not Allowed: While dogs are welcomed into the restaurant, they are not welcome in the park building such as the visitor’s center and bathhouses.
Acadia- Maine
This is a rugged national park. Maine is gorgeous and her trails are spectacularly wild. Being one of the top visited National Parks, it’s a surprise that Acadia is so dog friendly!
Allowed: 100 miles of trails and 45 miles of carriage road are ready and available for your dog’s exploration. Most campgrounds also allow dogs.
Not Allowed: Any water areas, Sand Beach/Echo Lake most of the year, Ranger-led programs, Wild Gardens, Duck Harbor Campground are not open to dogs.
No Dogs on These Trails:
- Precipice
- Beehive
- Ladder Trail to Dorr Mountain
- Beach Cliffs Trail
- Perpendicular Trail
- A section of Jordan Cliffs Trail
Tips: Research trails beforehand and only select trails that you are confident that your dog can handle. Take into consideration the length and terrain of the trail vs your dog’s endurance level and the conditioning of their pads.
Mammoth Cave- Kentucky
Dogs are very welcome topside at Mammoth Cave. Take your dog all around the surface of this jungle of a park. The park has no shortage of hiking trails and boardwalks.
Allowed: Dogs are allowed on the surface trails all over the park and in campgrounds. There are a few dog friendly accommodations available in the park.
Not Allowed: No dogs may enter the caves at the park.
Lodging/Kennel: When in Mammoth Cave, one cannot skip a cave tour! There are limited spaces available for kenneling your dog. There are no overnight boarding kennels, but a day use kennel is available. More information can be found at the Mammoth Cave Lodge website.
