Dog Friendly Travel

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.

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!

Tag: Dog Friendly Travel

Most “Dog-Friendly” National Parks