10 Best National Parks To Visit With Your Dog
Taking your dog to a national park is basically the ultimate bonding experience. Just imagine it—you and your furry best friend, surrounded by stunning views, sniffing all the trails (okay, your dog doing most of the sniffing, but still). While many parks have strict rules about pets, there are plenty of spots where your pup can join in on the adventure.
If you’re ready to plan your next outing, leash up, pack the treats, and check out these amazing U.S. national parks that roll out the red carpet for you and your dog.
Best National Parks To Visit With Your Dog
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
What Makes It Great for Dogs:
Acadia is a dog’s paradise. With 100 miles of pet-friendly trails and 45 miles of carriage roads, your pup can go full adventure mode. The best part? They can join you in exploring the rocky Maine coastline and thick forests.
Pro Tip:
Ticks are no joke here, especially in late spring through early fall. Make sure to check your dog (and yourself!) thoroughly after a hike. Also, steer clear of the ladder trails unless your dog has a secret set of opposable thumbs.
2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
What Makes It Great for Dogs:
Almost the entire park is open to dogs. That’s nearly 500 miles of hiking trails, including sections of the iconic Appalachian Trail. Imagine the sheer joy your dog will have wagging along the scenic trails while you take in the Blue Ridge views.
Pro Tip:
Bag your doggo’s poop—like, always. Leaving plastic bags under trail signs isn’t cool. Just stash it in your pack until you hit a trash can so nature stays pristine.
3. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Colorado
What Makes It Great for Dogs:
Dogs are allowed on the dunes, and honestly, what dog doesn’t love rolling in sand? They can hike to the first ridge, frolic in Medano Creek, and then snooze in a tent at one of the pet-friendly campgrounds.
Pro Tip:
Bring paw booties! Colorado sand gets hot in the summer, and while your dog might not realize it at first, those pads can get burned fast.
4. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
What Makes It Great for Dogs:
While pups can’t join you below the canyon rim, they’re welcome on all the South Rim trails, including the Rim Trail’s oh-so-Instagrammable spots. Bonus points for the park’s kennel near the South Rim, in case you need a safe place for your dog while you check out inner canyon spots.
Pro Tip:
Keep that leash tight—literally. The Rim Trail has no fences in some areas, and no one wants a stressed-out pup on cliff edges (or worse).
5. Yosemite National Park, California
What Makes It Great for Dogs:
Yosemite lets your dog be part of the magic (well, some of it). Pups are allowed on paved trails, including the Wawona Meadow Loop, a 3.5-mile scenic stroll. It’s a dream walk that even includes wildflower sightings in the spring.
Pro Tip:
Bears. That’s it. Don’t tempt bears by leaving dog food out in your car or campsite because “dog food” also translates to “bear food.”
6. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
What Makes It Great for Dogs:
This hidden gem is ideal for pups. From the iconic Towpath Trail to shorter routes like Brandywine Falls, dogs are welcome on 110 miles of trails. The surroundings are picturesque, whether you’re tackling rocky ridges or paved paths along the historic canal.
Pro Tip:
Like in Acadia, ticks are a thing here. Stick to open trails and check yourself and your pup when you get back to the car.
7. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
What Makes It Great for Dogs:
Here’s a park where your dog can run on surreal gypsum sand dunes, and yes, the sand stays cool even in summer! Whether hiking the Dunes Drive or watching the pastel sunsets, your dog can explore it all.
Pro Tip:
Water—lots of it. The New Mexico heat can sneak up fast, so be sure you’re hydrating your pooch along the way.
8. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
What Makes It Great for Dogs:
This is one of America’s newest national parks, but it’s already a hit for pet owners. You can hike every single trail with your dog, including routes leading to epic views of the gorge and historic mining towns.
Pro Tip:
Want to hike and climb? Bring a friend who can pet-sit your dog at the base while you scramble up the rock walls.
9. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
What Makes It Great for Dogs:
No, your dog can’t spelunk through the caves with you, but this park features more than enough scenic trails above-ground to make up for it. You can also book a spot at the park’s pet-friendly Woodland Cottages.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning to explore the caves, drop your pup off at the on-site kennel for the day. It’s safe, affordable, and ensures they get a break while you channel your inner adventurer.
10. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
What Makes It Great for Dogs:
Congaree’s swampy, hardwood forests offer an intriguing, uniquely Southern vibe. Most trails, including the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop, are dog-friendly, making it perfect for a slow-paced day outdoors.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye out for gators. Seriously, this is the South. If you’re near water, make sure your dog is securely leashed and stays well clear.
These parks prove that adventures with your canine BFF don’t have to be limited to your local trail or dog park. From sandy dunes to towering forests, these spots offer plenty of ways to explore, bond, and (most importantly) sniff around together. Which park will you and your pup explore next?
