Exploring the great outdoors is a joyful experience, and for pet owners, having their furry friends along makes it even better.
However, not all national parks are pet-friendly when it comes to hiking trails.
Here, we delve into eight national parks welcoming pets on trails and five where they are not allowed.
This guide will help you plan your next adventure with your four-legged companions, ensuring you and your pets enjoy nature responsibly and comfortably.
Acadia National Park (Maine)
Acadia National Park offers an exhilarating experience for both pets and their owners. With roughly 145 miles of trails and 45 miles of carriage roads, dogs on a leash can explore a wide variety of terrains. However, certain ladder and cliff trails are off-limits to ensure safety.
The park’s lakes are also restricted areas, but the breathtaking views from the trails provide ample opportunity for memorable outings. Whether hiking through wooded paths or wandering carriage roads, Acadia promises a delightful adventure for all. Pets must remain leashed and under control at all times for a harmonious visit.
Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
Shenandoah National Park is a haven for pet enthusiasts, allowing leashed dogs on nearly 480 miles of trails. With only about 20 miles restricted, there’s plenty to explore, including segments of the famous Appalachian Trail.
The park’s diverse landscape, characterized by lush forests and panoramic vistas, provides an ideal backdrop for a day out with your pet. Dogs must be leashed to protect both wildlife and the natural environment as you traverse the trails. Enjoy the serenity of the park while ensuring your pet’s safety and that of fellow visitors.
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (West Virginia)
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve offers a pet-friendly experience unlike any other. Dogs on leashes are welcome on every trail, including popular ones like Grandview Rim and Endless Wall. These trails provide stunning canyon overlooks that captivate both pets and their owners.
The park’s rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems invite exploration, while leashed pets ensure a respectful interaction with nature. Whether hiking along riverside trails or exploring forested paths, pet owners can enjoy a harmonious adventure in this beautiful preserve. Safety and respect for wildlife are paramount during your visit.
Congaree National Park (South Carolina)
Congaree National Park is a paradise for pet owners, boasting trails that welcome leashed pets throughout. The elevated 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop offers a unique above-ground perspective, perfect for an afternoon stroll with your furry friend.
Pets are welcome in campgrounds too, providing ample opportunity for extended stays. With its rich biodiversity and towering trees, the park offers a serene environment for both visitors and their pets. Leashed pets ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, allowing everyone to enjoy the park’s natural splendor without disturbing its delicate ecosystems.
Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)
Petrified Forest National Park is a unique destination where leashed dogs can roam freely across all trails and designated wilderness zones. Pets can even walk along roadsides, offering a comprehensive exploration of the park’s outdoor splendors.
The park’s ancient landscapes, marked by petrified wood and vivid desert hues, provide an inspiring backdrop for pet-friendly adventures. While enjoying the open spaces, pet owners must keep their dogs leashed to ensure a safe and respectful interaction with the environment. Discover the timeless beauty of the park with your faithful companion by your side.
Grand Canyon National Park – South Rim (Arizona)
Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim is a pet-friendly zone above the rim, where leashed pets can explore trails like the Rim Trail and Greenway. Although below-rim hiking is prohibited, the panoramic views from above offer an awe-inspiring experience.
Boarding kennels and some pet-friendly lodging options are available, ensuring pets are comfortable during extended visits. As you traverse the rim, the majestic landscapes unfold, providing a scenic adventure for you and your pet. Keeping pets leashed ensures their safety and that of the diverse wildlife that inhabits this iconic destination.
Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana)
Indiana Dunes National Park welcomes leashed dogs on most trails and beaches, offering a picturesque setting for outdoor fun. While some seasonal restrictions apply, the park’s diverse landscapes—from sandy dunes to lush forests—promise endless exploration.
Whether strolling along the shoreline or venturing through wooded trails, pet owners can enjoy a vibrant natural environment. Indiana Dunes provides a unique blend of ecosystems, making it a captivating destination for pet-friendly adventures. Ensuring pets are leashed and under control helps protect the fragile dune habitats and other park visitors.
Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas)
Hot Springs National Park is a delightful destination for pet-loving hikers, with every one of the park’s 26 miles of hiking trails open to leashed dogs. The park’s campgrounds and picnic spots also welcome pets, creating a comprehensive pet-friendly environment.
Amidst the healing waters and serene landscapes, pet owners can find tranquility while exploring the park with their furry companions. The trails’ accessibility ensures a rewarding experience for all, with pets adding an extra layer of joy to nature walks. Remember to keep dogs leashed to maintain harmony with nature and fellow visitors.
Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
While Rocky Mountain National Park captivates with its majestic peaks and alpine vistas, pets are restricted to developed areas. Roadsides, parking lots, campgrounds, and picnic spots are open to leashed pets, but trails and wilderness areas remain off-limits.
This policy ensures the preservation of the park’s delicate ecosystems, while still allowing pets to enjoy some of its beauty. Visitors can take advantage of pet-friendly facilities while respecting the park’s regulations. Although trails are restricted, the surrounding areas provide opportunities for memorable experiences with pets in this stunning national park.
Yosemite National Park (California)
Yosemite National Park is renowned for its natural beauty, but when it comes to pets, restrictions are in place. Leashed pets may roam paved areas, campgrounds, and some roads, but almost all hiking trails and backcountry are off-limits.
This ensures the protection of Yosemite’s pristine wilderness, while still allowing pets to experience its grandeur. Pet owners can enjoy a taste of the park’s stunning landscapes with their pets in designated areas. By adhering to leash regulations, visitors contribute to the park’s preservation efforts and ensure a safe environment for all.
Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming/Montana/Idaho)
Yellowstone National Park, with its geothermal wonders and vast landscapes, remains largely inaccessible to pets on trails. Dogs may only stay within 100 feet of roads, parking lots, or campgrounds, with no trail access, boardwalks, or backcountry entry permitted.
This restriction helps preserve the park’s unique natural features and wildlife. Pet owners can still capture the essence of Yellowstone by visiting pet-friendly areas, ensuring a responsible and enjoyable visit. Respecting these boundaries allows pets to be a part of the Yellowstone experience without impacting the park’s delicate ecosystems.
Glacier National Park (Montana)
Glacier National Park is a breathtaking wilderness, but its trails are mostly off-limits to pets. The only exception is the paved McDonald Creek Bike Path, whereas most wilderness areas are restricted to ensure ecosystem protection.
Pet owners can still appreciate the park’s dramatic scenery from accessible areas, keeping pets leashed and respecting the park’s guidelines. This approach balances pet enjoyment with conservation efforts, safeguarding the park’s natural splendors. While opportunities are limited, a visit with pets can still provide a glimpse of Glacier’s awe-inspiring beauty from designated areas.
Zion National Park (Utah)
In Zion National Park, pets can only explore the paved Pa’rus Trail and some roads, campground areas, and the Zion Lodge grounds. All other trails and wilderness areas remain prohibited to pets.
This policy preserves the park’s unique landscapes while providing a taste of its grandeur to pet owners. By adhering to these restrictions, visitors help in maintaining Zion’s ecological integrity. The Pa’rus Trail offers a scenic and accessible option for pet-friendly exploration, allowing visitors to enjoy stunning vistas with their pets in designated areas, ensuring a safe and respectful visit.