Top Dog Friendly Trails Worldwide

If your dog likes to ruff it, bring Fido hiking. Our dog friendly hiking section includes everything from easy one-hour walks to fantastic overnight trips that won’t be soon forgotten. Seriously, go take a hike!

Garland Ranch Regional Park

Carmel, CA

Garland Ranch Regional Park Dog-friendly Garland Ranch Regional Park is a gorgeous park in Carmel, CA, with the Carmel River running through it. Dogs are allowed off-leash in certain areas, including in the river and on selected trails (not the horse trails). Atop the northern crest of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the trails encounter open oak savannas and spectacular vistas. Along the way, you will travel through maple-filled canyons, dense oak woodlands, and thick stands of chaparral. There are trails for nearly all abilities, from beginner to advanced hiker. Trail maps can be found at the park's visitor center. The park is open dawn until dusk. See Details

Gatlinburg Trail

Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg Trail The Gatlinburg Trail is one of only two pet-friendly trails in the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, TN. The trail is nearly two miles long one-way. It is quite flat and runs through a forested area. The trail offers nice views of the Little Pigeon River, and it runs over a bridge as well. Historians will enjoy the foundations and chimneys of several old homesites along the way. See Details

Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock, NC

Chimney Rock State Park Chimney Rock State Park is a 1,000 acre scenic attraction located in the Hickory Nut Gorge of Chimney Rock, NC. The park features dog-friendly hiking trails and amazing 75-mile views. Hickory Nut Falls Trail is a beautiful hike to take with your leashed dog at any time of year. The 1.4 mile round trip leads visitors to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Magnificent views await those who take this gently rolling trail with gradual, moderate uphill sections, rocky terrain, and a small staircase at the base of the falls. The hike should take 45 minutes to an hour. Picnic tables, benches, and resting areas are located at several points along the trail. See Details

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Canyon, TX

Palo Duro Canyon State Park Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a spectacular dog-friendly attraction near the Texas Panhandle in Canyon, TX. It was formed by millions of years of water erosion, is 120 miles long, as much as 20 miles wide, and has a maximum depth of more than 800 feet. Its elevation at the rim is 3,500 feet above sea level. It is often claimed that Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States. The Lighthouse Trail is a dog-friendly route which is best traversed in cooler months between September and May. Visitors and their leashed dogs can admire beautiful colorful cliffs that surround the valley and one of the park's most famous rock formations known as The Lighthouse. Please note that dogs are not permitted in any buildings at Texas State Parks. See Details

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Houston, TX

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center offers a dog-friendly, 155-acre nature sanctuary with 5 miles of walking trails that wind through forest, meadow and wetland habitats. Please abide by all city ordinances including controlling your dog on the leash at all times and cleaning up after your pet while visiting the Arboretum. Dogs must be kept on the trails (no swimming in the ponds). Dogs are allowed in the building lobby – tiled areas only. Take a self-guided Habitat Hike - Each hike passes one of the educational Field Stations and features some of their Naturalist’s favorite stops like ponds teaming with wildlife, trees with interesting stories, insect houses, and other fun points of interest. See Details

Rock City

Lookout Mountain, GA

Rock City Bring your furry best friend to the dog-friendly Rock City in Lookout Mountain, GA, for a mountain adventure. Leashed pets can explore The Enchanted Trail that takes you through the 14-acre property. You'll see over 400 different species of flora, panoramic views of seven states (on clear days) and even a waterfall. There's a cafe at the top of the mountain that offers a dog menu and pup cups. See Details

Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor, ME

Acadia National Park Acadia National Park has been a popular destination for dog owners for generations. Whatever you love to do in the great outdoors, you'll find an opportunity at this stunning, dog-friendly park in Bar Harbor, ME. Whether you are into camping, hiking, or kayaking, Acadia is the place for you and Fido! You can even get involved in geocache, check out the wildlife, fish, skijor, and more. With over 158 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of carriage roads, and three campgrounds open to pets, you may never have enough time to explore every corner of this park, but even a glimpse will last in your mind for a lifetime. See Details

Garden of the Gods

Colorado Springs, CO

Garden of the Gods Leashed dogs are welcome at Garden of the Gods, a pet-friendly, Registered National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs, CO. Fido can join you as you hike along the beautiful trails through the red rock formations and enjoy the stunning views and landscape. Pets are also allowed inside the Visitor and Nature Center, but must be kept out of the indoor dining space. Please clean up after Fido during your visit. See Details

Gettysburg National Military Park

Gettysburg, PA

Gettysburg National Military Park Leashed dogs are allowed to visit the outside portions of the battlefield at Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, PA. Probably the most famous American battlefield, Gettysburg marked the turning point in the Civil War. Later, President Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address here. The battlefield consists of Auto Touring, walking and you can get tapes or CDs to guide you on your tour. Please note that dogs are not allowed into buildings or the cemetery. See Details

Bonaventure Cemetery

Thunderbolt, GA

Bonaventure Cemetery While a cemetery might not be the first place you think of to visit with your dog, Bonaventure Cemetery is considered a must-see by Savannah locals and visitors alike. This beautiful final resting place is open daily and there is no admission fee to stroll the grounds. Keep your dogs leashed at all times and make sure to clean up any doggie messes. The dog-friendly Bonaventure Cemetery is over 170 years old, and features few modern amenities. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended. See Details

Custer State Park

Custer, SD

Custer State Park Custer State Park offers 71,000 acres of amazing views and dog-friendly outdoor experiences in Custer, SD. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park. The 18-mile Wildlife Loop allows pets and humans to explore the park and view the indigenous wildlife from the comfort of the car. There are also many dog-friendly hiking trails where pets are welcome to join the fun. Set out on a hike along Black Elk Peak Loop, a 7 mile route with stunning views of the Cathedral Spires and Black Hills Wilderness. Visitors should note that dogs are not allowed at designated swimming beaches or in any park buildings (including camping cabins, lodges, and comfort stations). See Details

Paris Mountain State Park

Greenville, SC

Paris Mountain State Park Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife. Pets are not allowed in or around lodging facilities.

One of the oldest protected areas in the state is gaining popularity as a beautiful retreat in a metropolitan area.

Formerly a watershed for the city of Greenville, the 1,275-acre Paris Mountain features large stands of old growth hardwood forests that canopy over hiking and biking trails, a family campground, picnic areas and Camp Buckhorn, a group-camp complex. See Details

Cliff Walk

Newport, RI

Cliff Walk The Cliff Walk in Newport is a dog-friendly public trail with beautiful views of the Newport shoreline and historic Newport. The trail is roughly 3.5 miles in length and is a great way to see the landscape of the area. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they are cleaned up after. See Details

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Mosca, CO

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Leashed dogs are allowed in the main, pet-friendly day use areas at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Mosca, CO. Unless you are in the moist, cool sand of Medano Creek, plan to hike with your pet in the morning or evening in summer months to avoid the hot sand on their paws. Be sure to clean up after Fido. Please note that leashes can be no longer than 6-feet, and dogs are not permitted in the backcountry of the national park. See Details

Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Holland, MI

Saugatuck Dunes State Park A day-use park along a secluded strip of the dog-friendly Lake Michigan shoreline, Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers 2.5 miles of shoreline. The park has freshwater coastal dunes that are over 200 feet tall. The terrain varies from steep slopes to rolling hills. Leashed dogs are welcome but not permitted in buildings or public swimming areas. However, a pet swim area is located a half mile from the parking lot via the Yellow Trail. Your furry friend must always be on a six-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. See Details

White Sands National Park

Alamogordo, NM

White Sands National Park Fido is welcome to explore the extremely rare gypsum sand dunes at White Sands National Park in Alamogordo, NM. Dogs are permitted as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6', cleaned up after, given lots of water, and never left unattended. Dogs are not allowed inside White Sands' visitor center. Admire the expanse of sparkling sand and panoramic mountain views by hiking the pet-friendly Alkali Flat Trail. This sandy trail is well-marked but does not have any shade. Visitors should plan to hike the trail in Spring, Autumn, or in the early morning and evening if visiting in summertime. Carry plenty of water for yourself and Fido. See Details

Wright Brothers National Memorial

Kill Devil Hills, NC

Wright Brothers National Memorial Bring your leashed pup to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, NC, and see the site of the first successful airplane flights. While there, you can fly kites, visit the beginning and end locations of the first flight, see the reconstructed 1903 camp buildings and visit the Wright Brothers National Monument. The area is dog-friendly, but Fido must be leashed at all times and is not permitted inside any buildings. See Details

Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park

Sevierville, TN

Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park is a dog-friendly activity in Sevierville, TN. Cross the Prosperity Bridge and hike up to Lost Mine Falls. The trail is a little rugged but doable for most. Along the way, you'll see beautiful scenery and a waterfall. They also offer zip lining and tours. See Details

Gateway Arch National Park

St. Louis, MO

Gateway Arch National Park Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, MO is dog friendly. Bring your dog for a walk on the trails around this park and enjoy views of the Gateway Arch. Dogs are welcome, as long as they are well-behaved and all mess is cleaned up after them. See Details

Centennial Park

Nashville, TN

Centennial Park Dog-friendly Centennial Park is one of Nashville's premier parks with a 132-acre area that includes the iconic Parthenon, a 1-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, the Centennial Art Center, historical monuments, an arts activity center, a beautiful sunken garden, band shell, events shelter, sand volleyball courts, dog park and an exercise trail. See Details

Fort Pulaski National Monument

Tybee Island, GA

Fort Pulaski National Monument Pet-friendly Fort Pulaski National Monument in Tybee Island, GA, offers dog owners the chance to experience many interesting and exciting activities year-round. Fort Pulaski itself is a large-scale outdoor exhibit. The main structure, together with outlying works including demilune, drawbridges, ditches, and dikes, is a fine example of historic military architecture. Leashed dogs are welcome to enter the fort and explore the hiking trails within the monument. Fido is also allowed to walk along the shoreline; however, they should not enter the water due to the very strong current. See Details

Washington Park Arboretum

Seattle, WA

Washington Park Arboretum Washington Park Arboretum is a dog-friendly park in Seattle, WA. Leashed pets welcome on the extensive trails of this beautiful Seattle park with plenty of benches for resting and lots of local wildlife. Please note that dogs are not permitted inside buildings. See Details

Sands Point Preserve

Sands Point, NY

Sands Point Preserve Bring Fido to hike up the cliffs at Sands Point Preserve, overlooking the Long Island Sound. Or, walk along the Sand Point Castle. Fido must be leashed at all times. Dogs are not permitted on the beach at any time. The Dog Run – also known as Charlie’s Run – offers two large spaces for pups to romp and socialize, one for small dogs and one for dogs of any size. See Details

Northside Park

Ocean City, MD

Northside Park North Side Park is a beautiful recreation area in Ocean City, MD featuring dog-friendly walking trails for you and Fido to enjoy. This 58-acre park is home to athletic fields, a foot bridge, a playground, picnic shelter, two piers and over one mile of walking paths. Dogs must be leashed at all times and cleaned up after during their visit. See Details