Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Is the park I want to visit a dog-friendly National Park? Let’s face it, our furry companions are more than just pets – they’re family. And what better way to bond with your four-legged friend than exploring the breathtaking landscapes of America’s National Parks? The good news is, many of these natural wonders welcome canine adventurers with open arms (or paws!). And the great news is I’ve updated this with a new top dog-friendly park based on my most recent visit 🐾 (Updated September, 2024)
But navigating the park system with your pup can be tricky. Different parks have different regulations on where dogs are allowed. Fear not, fellow dog lovers! This guide will unveil the top 10 dog-friendly National Parks in the US, offering unforgettable adventures for you and your furry explorer.
I’ve included a “paws on the ground” Ruby Rating(TM), since she has been to at least six national parks.
1. Cuyahoga National Park, Ohio:
New Number One Dog Friendly Park for Leashed Adventures: I just returned from a three-day visit to Cuyahoga National Park near Cleveland, Ohio, and I was blown away by how dog friendly this park is. Based on the number of dogs I saw, this is the most dog-friendly of the US National Parks. I used to have this as number six, but my trip bumped this to the top.
CVNP offers a beautiful mix of forests, rolling hills, and winding rivers, perfect for both nature lovers and their dogs. Located between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, this park features dog-friendly hiking trails like the flat Towpath Trail, Pine Grove Trail, and Buckeye Trail. I saw the most dogs on the Ledges Trail, where at one intersection we pet about ten different dogs!
The only places dogs are not allowed in Cuyahoga Valley are on the East Rim mountain bike trail, and on the Virginia Kendall Hills during sledding activities. Dogs are also not allowed on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Train. I mean, a dog on a train? Crazy!
Otherwise, dogs are allowed and encouraged on all trails. I even saw one cat being walked on a leash. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is definitely the most dog friendly park I’ve been to.
Must-Do with your Dog: The Ledges Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a 2.2-mile loop that takes hikers through massive sandstone cliffs, moss-covered boulders, and unique rock formations. This trail stays cool even on very hot days thanks to the shade and cooling rock features. Be sure to bring plenty of water for Fido if you take this trail.
Pro Tip: CVNP is free to visit, and can be visited year round. The many easy trails make this a great weekend trip for your pup, even in the off season. Keep an eye out for ticks – the visitor center gift shop sells tick keys for easy removal if you find one.
🐕 Ruby Rating: 11/10
🏞️ Cuyahoga BARK Ranger program
2. Congaree National Park, South Carolina:
Leashed Swamp Adventures: For a truly unique dog-friendly national parks experience, head to Congaree National Park in South Carolina. Congaree is one of the least-visited parks in the country, but in my expert opinion, it’s the one of the most dog-friendly! I visited there last year and met many very good boys and girls on the trails. (This was my former number one, but after visiting Cuyahoga, it dropped to number two.)
This park is home to the largest expanse of old-growth floodplain forest in the southeastern United States. Leashed dogs are welcome on many of the park’s trails, including the boardwalk paths that wind through the swampy wilderness. Explore the towering cypress trees, observe diverse wildlife (from a safe distance!), and enjoy the peacefulness of this hidden gem.
Must-Do with your Dog: Hike the Boardwalk Loop Trail for an immersive experience in the heart of the Congaree swamp. Keep your eyes peeled for fascinating wildlife like alligators and turtles (from a safe distance of course!). Stop by the Visitor Center to get a Bark Ranger badge for your dog.
Pro Tip: Mosquitoes can be abundant in Congaree National Park, especially during warm and humid months. Bring insect repellent for both you and your dog. Congaree floods during the winter, so check at the Visitor Center to see if trails are dog-accessible.
🐕 Ruby Rating: 10/10
🏞️ Congaree BARK Ranger program (look for Nova, their mascot, when you visit!)
Also see: Is Congaree National Park Worth It? (spoiler, I think it is)
3. New River Gorge, West Virginia:
Leashed Adventures Await: This national park, established in 2020, boasts stunning scenery with the New River carving its way through deep canyons. Thankfully, New River Gorge National Park is a leader in dog-friendly exploration. Leashed pups are welcome on all designated trails within the park, offering endless opportunities for hiking, exploring, and bonding with your canine companion. I visited NRG many, many times pre-national park status, but never with my dog. I can’t wait to take her on ALL the trails!
Must-Do with your Dog: Hike iconic overlooks like Long Point and Endless Wall to historic routes like the Kaymoor Miners Trail and Rend Trail, there’s a trail for every pup’s personality and energy level. Explore lush forests, dramatic cliff faces, and cascading waterfalls – all with your furry friend by your side.
Pro Tip: New River Gorge can experience extreme flooding during heavy rains. Check weather before leaving. Also leave your pup at home if you are doing any rafting or kayaking on the river. Those rapids are serious! Hi Friends It’s Julia was a rafting guide on the New for several years, she should know!
🐕 Ruby Rating: NA – Ruby hasn’t been here and I haven’t since it became a NP.
🏞️ NRG BARK Ranger program
4. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia:
Leashed Adventures Await: Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park boasts over 500 miles of trails, with plenty of options for you and your leashed pup. Hike through hardwood forests alongside cascading waterfalls, or take in the breathtaking views from the Skyline Drive, a scenic parkway that traverses the Blue Ridge Mountains. Many campgrounds are dog-friendly, making this a perfect option for a multi-day national park adventure.
Must-Do with your Dog: Hike the Lower Hawksbill Trail to the overlooks for stunning vistas of the Shenandoah Valley.
Pro Tip: Be aware of wildlife encounters, especially bears. Keep your dog leashed closely and follow proper food storage protocols at campsites. There is a list of 11 trails that dogs are not allowed on, see below on their site for specifics.
🐕 Ruby Rating: NA – I haven’t been here yet!
🏞️ Shenandoah BARK Ranger program
5. North Cascades National Park, Washington:
Leashed Mountain Adventures: Nestled in the Cascade Mountain Range of Washington State, North Cascades National Park offers stunning scenery, from jagged peaks and glaciers to turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls. While many trails in the national park do not allow dogs, most of the hiking off of Highway 20 is actually in a National Recreation Area – which is incredibly dog-friendly. I have taken my Trusty Pup to North Cascades/Ross Lake area several times on many adventures.
Additionally, dogs are allowed in the park on certain sections of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that traverse the park. This legendary long-distance trail offers a true wilderness experience, but be prepared for challenging terrain and long distances. For these reasons, I consider North Cascades a very dog-friendly national park, especially in Washington.
Must-Do with your Dog: Hike the scenic Thunder Creek trail just off the highway through old-growth forests. On the other side of North Cascades, Winthrop and Mazama have dog-friendly restaurants too!
Pro Tip: The weather in North Cascades National Park can be unpredictable, and Highway 20 is closed during the winter. Check the park website and weather reports before hiking. Also watch out for bears!
🐕 Ruby Rating: 9/10 – Ruby loves it!
🏞️ North Cascades BARK Ranger program
Also see: North Cascades Dog-friendly Guide
What about Olympic National Park and Mt. Rainier National Park?
Ruby has been to both parks, and I’ve written a guide to Mt. Rainier’s dog-friendliness. For my money, there is more in and around Olympic that is dog-friendly, including Port Angeles hotels and AirBnbs, plus national forests. Mt. Rainier is great, as most of Longmire allows dogs, but you’ll need to head to the national forests nearby for hiking.
6. Redwoods National and State Parks, California:
Limited Leash Access: California’s Redwoods National and State Parks protect some of the tallest trees on Earth – the awe-inspiring coastal redwoods. While the majesty of these ancient giants is undeniable, exploring the park with your canine companion comes with some limitations. Leash laws are strictly enforced, and dogs are not allowed on many hiking trails within the national park boundaries.
However, much of this combined park is still dog-friendly! These areas typically consist of paved paths or old roads that allow you and your dog to experience the redwoods in a limited way. For a more substantial hike with your furry friend, explore the beaches bordering the park. Certain sections of beaches allow leashed dogs, offering a scenic walk with the sound of crashing waves and the towering redwoods as a backdrop.
I took Trusty Pup here a few years ago and we enjoyed many paved and old logging road trails throughout the state and national park. We stayed at a great dog-friendly VRBO right on the water, so she could run around chasing seagulls every day. I would absolutely go back to this dog-friendly national park with my dog!
Must-Do with your Dog: Hike the Elk River Corridor Trail near Eureka, or the Cal Barrel Road in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Dogs are also allowed on many of the beaches in this area! Watch out for waves – and elk!
Pro Tip: This area has a number of elk herds, so while dogs are permitted it’s best to keep them on a leash. Do a thorough search for ticks after hikes.
🐕 Ruby Rating: 9/10 – Ruby loved it!
🏞️ Redwoods BARK Ranger program
See also: How I visited Redwood NP with my dog
7. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas:
Leashed Leisure: Looking for a unique dog-friendly national parks experience? Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas offers a surprising adventure for you and your pup. Leashed dogs are welcome on all 26 miles of trails, including paved trails throughout the park, and the scenic Grand Promenade that winds its way past the steaming hot springs. Explore the Bathhouse Row historic district, or take a dip in the naturally heated pools (not recommended for dogs!).
Must-Do with your Dog: Hike the scenic West Mountain Trail for panoramic views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains. Afterwards, explore the Bathhouse Row and learn about the fascinating history of the hot springs.
Pro Tip: The hot springs can get quite crowded, especially during peak season. Be mindful of other park visitors and maintain control of your dog. Dogs are not allowed in the facilities.
🐕 Ruby Rating: NA – Neither of us has been here yet
🏞️ Hot Springs BARK Ranger program
8. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado:
Leashed Exploration (with limitations): The tallest sand dunes in North America can be found at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado. Leashed dogs are welcome in the Preserve portion of the park and main use areas of the park. Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails in the fragile dune ecosystem, and the scorching sand temperatures in summer can be dangerous for paws. However, during cooler months, exploring the dunes with your pup can be a unique and exciting adventure.
Must-Do with your Dog: Hike the Mosca Pass Trail in the early morning or evening for a scenic walk alongside the creek. Be sure to bring paw booties for your dog to protect them from the hot sand.
Pro Tip: The sand dunes can get extremely hot during the summer. Plan your visit for spring or fall, and bring plenty of water for both you and your dog. The NP website has several maps indicating where pets are allowed.
🐕 Ruby Rating: NA – Neither of us has been here yet
🏞️ GSD BARK Ranger program
9. Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana:
Leashed Lakeside Adventures: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at Indiana Dunes National Park on the southern shores of Lake Michigan. Leashed dogs are welcome on most of the park’s trails, including those that wind through towering sand dunes and lush forests. The same is true for the neighboring state park.
Must-Do with your Dog: Hike the Pinhook Upland Trail for a diverse landscape experience, with sand dunes, forests, and a wetland boardwalk. Afterwards, cool off with a swim in Lake Michigan. Pets are allowed on beaches year round except for the lifeguarded swimming area of West Beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Pro Tip: Indiana Dunes National Park experiences all four seasons. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and check trail closures before heading out.
🐕 Ruby Rating: 7/10
🏞️ Indiana Dunes BARK Ranger program
10. Acadia National Park, Maine:
Leash Love: Acadia National Park on the rugged Maine coast is an incredibly dog-friendly national park. Leashed pups can join you on a majority of the park’s hiking trails, carriage roads, and even some campgrounds. Especially the paved carriage roads, which once held horses but now provide a gentle walking or cycling experience throughout the park. Explore the granite peaks of Cadillac Mountain, soak in the ocean views at Sand Beach, or wander through the historic village of Bar Harbor – all with your canine companion by your side.
Must-Do with your Dog: Enjoy one of the 100 miles of dog-friendly trails in Acadia, like the carriage roads. Stop off in Bar Harbor for a stroll through the adorable town as well!
Pro Tip: Dogs are not allowed in the lakes within the park, or popular trails like Beehive or Precipice. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season. Always carry water and waste disposal bags for your furry friend.
🐕 Ruby Rating: 8/10
🏞️ Acadia Bark Ranger program
How do I know if a national park is dog friendly?
Each unit of the National Park Service has a webpage indicating what parts of the park are dog-friendly. In general, pets are allowed wherever cars can go: main roads and parking lots, and within 50 feet of main roads. Dogs are also usually allowed in campgrounds, although they should not be left unattended. Some parks allow pets or dogs on many more trails, as listed on the website. You can fill in the bold portion of this URL below with the abbreviation of the park. North Cascades is noca, Redwoods is redw, etc.
https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/pets.htm
Planning Your Dog-Friendly National Park Adventure:
- Do your research: Every national park has its own regulations regarding pets. Before you pack your bags, visit the park’s website or call the visitor center to confirm leash laws, dog-friendly trails and campgrounds, and any other restrictions. I’ve linked to the Pets page for each dog-friendly national park listed, but it’s best to check for updated policies.
- Choose the right park: Consider your dog’s age, breed, and fitness level when selecting a park. Not all trails are created equal, and some may be too challenging for your furry friend.
- Pack smart: Essentials include a sturdy leash, water bowl, waste disposal bags, and a first-aid kit (for both you and your pup!). Bring along food for your dog, and consider paw booties for hot sand or rough terrain.
- Be prepared for the elements: Weather conditions can change quickly in national parks. Pack for all possibilities, including rain gear, sunscreen, and extra layers of clothing.
- Respect wildlife: National parks are home to a variety of wild animals. Keep your dog leashed at all times, and be mindful of wildlife encounters. Never leave your dog unattended, and avoid areas where wildlife is known to frequent.
- Leave No Trace: Following Leave No Trace principles is essential for preserving the beauty of national parks for everyone. Always pick up after your dog, dispose of waste properly, and stay on designated trails.
Beyond the Top 10 Dog-friendly National Parks:
The National Park Service manages over 400 parks across the United States, and many of them offer some degree of dog-friendly access. If none of these top 10 parks pique your interest, don’t despair! Head to the National Park Service website and utilize their search filters to find parks that allow dogs on trails or in campgrounds. I’ve brought my dog to Olympic National Park several times, which makes it #11 in my book. I’ve also researched Mt. Rainier NP, although Ruby hasn’t joined me there yet. (She’s also been to Lassen and Crater Lake!)
I also found Happy People Hike‘s post with his dog Cotopaxi to be helpful in identifying a few parks I hadn’t been to yet with my dog.
Hitting the Trail with Your Furry Best Friend:
Exploring the wonders of our national parks with your canine companion can be an unforgettable experience. By following these tips and choosing a park that caters to both you and your pup, you can create lasting memories and deepen the bond with your furry friend. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your leash, and get ready to unleash an adventure!
Check out MY DOG-FRIENDLY GUIDE TO NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK. Want to read more about dog-friendly national parks ? All of my dog-friendly posts are here.
