Best National Parks for Hiking with Dogs

This Washington state gem allows dogs on many leashed trails, including parts of the Hall of Mosses and Ruby Beach. It is one of the most accommodating parks in the system, featuring diverse ecosystems from rainforests to alpine zones.

As one of the most visited parks, it permits dogs on leashes in developed areas and on nearly every mile of its 800 miles of hiking trails. This makes it an excellent destination for serious hikers looking to bring their pets along.

Located in Virginia, this park allows leashed dogs on the Skyline Drive and all major trails, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Its proximity to major East Coast cities makes it a popular choice for weekend hiking trips with dogs.

While dogs are not allowed on the popular canyons, the park offers several pet-friendly trails like the Pa’rus Trail which runs alongside the river. This unique arrangement allows for scenic hiking with pets in a dramatic desert landscape.

Maine’s only national park welcomes dogs on many trails, particularly in the Ocean Zone and along the Jordan Pond Path. The rugged coastline and granite peaks provide stunning views for both humans and their four-legged companions.

Dogs are permitted on the South Rim trails, including the Rim Trail and portions of the Hermit Road Trail. While they cannot go below the rim, these scenic overlooks offer breathtaking views without requiring difficult terrain navigation.

This Colorado park allows leashed dogs on paved roads, parking lots, and specific trails like the Timber Creek Trail. It offers cooler temperatures and alpine scenery, making it a great summer escape for hiking with pets.

Located near Cleveland, this park features the popular Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail which is fully accessible to leashed dogs. It provides a mix of forest, meadows, and waterfalls, making it ideal for easy to moderate hikes.

This unique urban park allows dogs on most of its hiking trails surrounding the thermal springs. Its compact size and accessible trails make it perfect for shorter, leisurely walks with pets in a historic setting.

South Carolina’s only national park features boardwalk trails like the Boardwalk Loop that are fully dog-friendly. The ancient floodplain forest offers a serene environment for hiking with pets, with no steep elevation changes required.

While primarily known for its underwater features, the park’s coastal trails and visitor centers welcome leashed dogs. It is an excellent destination for those interested in marine life and coastal hiking experiences with their pets.

This vast Texas park allows leashed dogs on several trails, including the South Rim Trail and Boot Spring Trail. The remote desert landscape offers solitude and dramatic vistas, perfect for adventurous hikers and their dogs.

Dogs are permitted on paved roads and specific trails like the Devils Garden Primitive Loop. The iconic sandstone arches provide a stunning backdrop for pet-friendly hikes, though water scarcity requires careful planning.

This Montana park allows leashed dogs on developed paths and roads, such as the Highline Trail head. While many backcountry trails are off-limits, the available options offer spectacular alpine scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.

This designated recreation area in Missouri allows dogs on many of its hiking and hiking trails near the springs. It offers cool water opportunities and wooded trails, making it a relaxing spot for nature-loving dog owners.

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, this park allows leashed dogs on many trails and beaches. The diverse habitats include dunes, wetlands, and forests, providing varied terrain for hiking with pets in the Midwest.

This Minnesota park features the Kabetogama Lake Trail, which is accessible to leashed dogs. The boreal forest and lake views offer a serene hiking experience, with limited road access encouraging more trail use.

Accessible only by boat, this park allows leashed dogs on the Rock Harbor Village area and some trails. It offers a unique wilderness experience with moose and wolf populations, ideal for remote hiking adventures with pets.

This California park permits leashed dogs on most roads and some trails, such as the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. The extreme heat requires careful timing for hikes, but the stark beauty is rewarding for prepared pet owners.

These connected parks in California allow leashed dogs on many trails, including parts of the General Sherman Tree path. The giant sequoias provide a majestic setting for hiking, with cooler temperatures in the higher elevations.