Adventure Dog

Most “Dog-Friendly” National Parks

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10 of the most dog-friendly National Parks in the US to visit with your adventure dog. Where they can go and where they can’t.

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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.

The Catwalk in Gila National Forest, New Mexico

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My favorite New Mexico adventure! The Catwalk is such a unique hike tucked inside Gila National Forest. For waterfall enthusiasts, this is the perfect hike!

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My favorite New Mexico adventure! The Catwalk is such a unique hike tucked inside Gila National Forest. After a road trip across the desert and into the mountains, it’s been decided; I am a mountain person, not a desert person. This hike blew us away.

Location: Catwalk Road, Glenwood, NM
Hours: Daylight hours
Fees: $5 per vehicle (self pay station at the entrance)
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash.

Getting There

The Catwalk Recreation area is located just outside of Glenwood, NM. This tiny mountain town is cozy and unique. We stopped in at the gas station and convenience store on the way to the Catwalk trail. The gal at the store used to live in Minnesota, that was fun to hear!

Even the drive to the trail head is an adventure. One of the first encounters you’ll have with the Gila River is crossing it with your car. The river flows right over the road. You’ll have to drive through it to get to the other side.

While we were there, a major construction project was happening to the access road. I’m sure it’ll be awesome when it’s done. We had to wait a little bit, but that was no big deal. Well worth the 20 minute wait.

Trail Head

The pillars at the trail head are a grand entrance. Just beyond the pillars are picnic tables overlooking the river. A perfect place to complete your hike with a lunch. There is also a vault toilet set back a little ways from the river. There are no other opportunities to use the “facilities” along the trail, so take advantage of the primitive restrooms at the trail head.

The trail continues across the Gila river over a bridge. This is the first of many times that hikers will cross the river along this journey.

Dog Friendly

Hurray! A dog friendly adventure! Yes, this trail is dog friendly and most dogs in good hiking condition will do well on this trail. Be sure to follow Dog Etiquette on Trail and be respectful of other hikers.

Most of this hike’s terrain works great for dogs. The catwalk was friendly enough for a super senior dog to adventure in a stroller. An hiking couple had their dog out and about in a redesigns baby jogging stroller. I love seeing folks go the extra mile for their senior adventure dogs.

The Catwalk

High above the river, yet low enough to hear the roar of the water, the catwalk passes over several times. Look down through the holes of the catwalk, the river rushes on below. This is such a cool experience!

**Dog Warning** Dogs can cross the catwalk, but be aware the surface is textured. We didn’t realize this until we were heading out. There are small spikes on the platform. If your dog has tough feet, they should be okay. If not, I suggest protective footwear for your dog. Also, watch the grate hole size versus paw size.

Our Great Dane, Xena, had an okay time on this surface with only a couple of issues . Her feet are large enough to avoid slipping in a hole and her pads are tough from hiking. She did, however, get a toe wedged in a hole coming down the steps at a steep angle. Something to watch for with your pup.

Waterfalls

Waterfall, after waterfall, after waterfall. They just keep coming, it’s amazing. If you’re a waterfall nut, take this hike. The falls kick off right away along the trail and they seem to be cascading around every bend.

Don’t rush through this hike! Take the time to soak it all in. There is so much to see. The longer you observe the falls, the more you’ll find.

Terrain

Majority of the trail is well maintained with steps, gravel paths, catwalks and bridges. There are a few places to duck, so watch your head. The path is well traveled and very obvious, little risk of getting lost or taking a wrong turn.

Along the way there are numerous areas to stop and admire the falls and mountain environment.

Crossing the River

Depending on the water levels, there is an area that will require crossing the Gila River to continue on the trail. The mountain water is chilled from the snow melt. While the river is passable in this area, use extreme caution, hypothermia can set in quickly if one were to become submerged.

We didn’t drive 1,500 miles to be deterred by a little chill. Off came the boots and into the river we went. Scott and I carried the kids across while the dog happily waded over to the other side. Xena is such a trooper!

Closures

Be sure to follow signage along the trail. The terrain can be rough and the mountain unforgiving. We encountered a section of the catwalk that had collapsed and the trail beyond was closed. Pay attention to surroundings and heed the warning signs to avoid incidents.

There was an area that continued after crossing the river a second time. Following a quick scouting mission, it was determined that it would be too difficult for our senior adventure dog to continue on the alternate route. We turned back here, it was still a grand adventure!

Mount Rushmore vs Crazy Horse, South Dakota

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Rushmore or Crazy Horse? Decisions, decisions… Check them out and see which fits your interests. Spoiler: We went to both!

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Of course Mount Rushmore comes to mind when one thinks of a road trip to South Dakota. But what about Crazy Horse? I’m embarrassed to admit that I had never heard of Crazy Horse until we were in Custer State Park for our camping trip at Sylvan Lake.

We happened to see a sign and my husband, Scott, thought it would be a neat stop. It was! Very worth the visit.

Mount Rushmore

Location: 13000 Highway 244, Keystone, SD 57751

Directions: From Rapid City, head south on US 16, watch for signs for Mount Rushmore, they are everywhere. Take the exit for SD 244, really there are signs everywhere.

Cost: Free, but there is a $10 parking fee.

Worth a Visit: Yes, I do think this stop is worth a visit at least once. I don’t think it’s a place I could spend too much time at but a quick visit on our way to other attractions for sure. Mount Rushmore is, of course, such an iconic stop on a SD road trip. There is history, nature and a giant rock with faces on it.

History/Education: Aside from the giant face-filled rock, there is a bit of history to learn in the lower level. Take the elevator down beneath the viewing platform to read about presidential history and the history of the area.

Hiking Trails: There are trails around the national monument, with our shorter visiting timeframe, we did not take extra excursions. The Presidential trail and Nature Trail lie within the park and loop the monument. The longer, more strenuous Blackberry Trail sits outside of the park. The Blackberry Trail does not offer good views of the park, it actually leads away from the park to the Centennial Trail.

Dogs: Dogs are welcome in specific areas including; the entrance area, parking garages, blackberry trail, and the pet exercise area.

Crazy Horse

Location: 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730

Directions: If coming from Rushmore, head west on 244, then take a left when you arrive at 385. Crazy Horse will be on the right.

Cost: $7-$35, depending on passengers per vehicle

Worth a Visit: Yes! I had no idea that this memorial was here and I’m so glad we checked it out. We spent more time here than at Mount Rushmore.

Crazy Horse is still under construction but it was still worth the stop. This was actually not a planned stop, we happened to see a sign for it on our way to get pie at the Purple Pie Place. It was worth a stop.

History/Education: At this location there is a museum with so much Native American history packed inside. They have many artifacts on display, we were lucky enough to catch one of the presentations outside in the square. You can see a finished model of the Crazy Horse monument in the square as well, Sandy thought this was pretty cool.

Tours: From the museum, you do get a great view of the Crazy Horse memorial, but for a closer look there are tours available. With our limited time, we didn’t catch a ride to the top of the mountain, but I wish we would have.

Dogs: Crazy Horse is pet friendly in the outdoor areas. Pets must be on leash.

So which to visit? Well, we did both, and I would actually suggest both to anyone visiting the Rapid City area. There is so much history and work put into these amazing monuments. Both are a marvel to see, just go to both!

Dogs at Mammoth Cave National Park

Dogs love adventures, too! Mammoth Cave National Park is one of the few National Parks that are dog Friendly. Take advantage of this opportunity to adventure with your dogs and visit Mammoth Cave. Know where to go and what you can do at Mammoth Cave with your pup.

**This post does not pertain to service animals.

Climate Considerations

Being a southern state, Kentucky has some higher temperatures during the summer months. Check the forecast before your excursion to ensure that you are prepared for both yourself and your adventure dog. Even in late September, when temperatures are dropping in my home state of Minnesota, the temperatures in Kentucky were in the upper 70’s and 80’s.

Water: Keep water available for your adventure dog while at camp. Offer it frequently while out hiking to keep that pup hydrated. Be sure that your pup is drinking clean water. Reduce the risk of parasites by keeping your dog from drinking river water.

If the heat is excessive, try these short trails with your pup. See Short Hikes at Mammoth Cave.

Hikes

All of Mammoth Cave’s above ground hiking trails are open to dogs. That’s pretty amazing considering most National Parks do not allow dogs. Keep Mammoth Cave NP dog friendly by following basic Trail Etiquette for Adventure Dogs.

Horse Trails: Mammoth Cave has many trails that are horse friendly. When encountering a horse on trail, step aside and keep you dogs calm as the riders pass.

Bag It: Clean up after your pet immediately and dispose of waste in a trash can asap. There are many throughout the park. Don’t leave the bagged waste on the side of the trail to pick up on your return. The presence of a bagged poo will tamper someone else’s trail experience.

Caves

Dogs are not allowed in the cave systems. They may cause damage to the cave and there are areas that dogs simply wouldn’t appreciate in the caves, such as grates, slick areas, and tight dark spaces.

For other caving options one might give Hidden River Cave a try.

Ticks

Kentucky has a large number of ticks. It’s a good idea to visit your veterinarian before your excursion to Mammoth Cave to evaluation which tick prevention is right for your dog. See Tips for Ticks: Adventure Dog Safety for more info on tick prevention. Remember to visibly check yourself and you dog frequently during and after a hike in the woods.

Kentucky Ticks:

Lone Star Tick
American Dog Tick
Black Legged Tick (deer tick)

Wildlife

Wildlife is abundant in Mammoth Cave National Park. A scurrying squirrel or bounding deer is pretty enticing for our canine companions. Keep you pup on leash and do you best to keep them from barking at and disturbing wildlife.

Wildlife in Mammoth Cave:

Black Bear
Deer
Turtles
Squirrels
Turkey
Bats
Coyote
Frogs & Salamanders
Venomous Snakes

Tip: Keep treats handy in a treat pouch to distract dogs from wildlife. Offering a treat for a successful “Leave It” cue or simply diverting their attention away with a lure is effective in keeping that prey drive in check.

Venomous Snakes: Mammoth Cave is home to the Timber Rattlesnake and the Eastern Copperhead. Keeping dogs on leash will help keep them from stumbling upon or disturbing animals that may cause them harm. Teaching a strong “Leave It” command is important for adventure dogs in any environment.

The snake above is a non-venomous water snake slinking around Sloan’s Pond.

Buildings

While dogs are allowed on park trails and in campgrounds, dogs are not allowed in any park buildings. The visitor’s center is a really neat spot in the park to visit, but you may have to take turns venturing inside while one person waits outside with the pup. Alternatively, there is short-term boarding available.

Lodging

Adventure dogs are welcome in all of the campgrounds, backcountry camping, and at the Woodland Cottages. The Woodland Cottages are the only lodging accommodations in the park that allow dogs. They are not allowed in the Sunset Terrace rooms or the Historic Cottages.

Boarding

The Lodge at Mammoth Cave offers a small boarding kennel for hourly use. The kennel spaces are outdoors with some shade. The fencing is chain link. These kennels are a nice option for those wishing to attend a cave tour, where dogs are not allowed.

Be Aware: This is NOT an overnight boarding area. This is a day use kennel rented by the hour, only during daylight hours.

Rates: $3.50 First hour, +$1 per hour after

What to bring:

Water Dish (spigot nearby)
Toy/Chews
Lock (limited locks available for rent)
Collar with Tags (Dogs should always have identification on them)
Vaccination Records Required (Rabies, Bordetella, DAP Shots)

Do not leave your dog unattended inside or out at the park. Do not leave dogs in you vehicle.