Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in the United States

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

Pet Friendly Gatlinburg Trail
Gatlinburg Trail The Gatlinburg Trail is one of only two pet-friendly trails in the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, TN. The trail extends 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city. Hikers will see beautiful views of the Little Pigeon River and come across foundations and chimneys of several old homesites along the way. See Details
Pet Friendly Fort Pulaski National Monument
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. While visiting, they offer Fido the chance to join the Bark Ranger program and receive a free tag for his collar. This program consists of learning what each letter in B.A.R.K. stands for and practicing these lessons during your visit. See Details
Cliff Walk The Cliff Walk in Newport, RI, is a dog-friendly public trail with beautiful views of the Newport shoreline and historic Newport. The path is roughly 3.5 miles in length and is a great way to see the area's landscape. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they are cleaned up after. See Details
Robert H. Treman State Park You and Fido can enjoy a day out in nature at dog-friendly Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca, NY. Keep your pup on a leash and explore over nine miles of trails. The highlight of the park is Enfield Glen, a gorge with 12 stunning waterfalls to admire. Dogs are permitted in some camping sites and cabins at Robert H. Treman State Park but are not allowed in any swimming areas. See Details
Tahquamenon Falls State Park Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise, MI, is dog friendly. The centerpiece of the park's 50,000 acres is the waterfalls of the Tahquamenon River. The Upper Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, has a drop of nearly 50 feet, more than 200 feet across, and a water flow of more than 50,000 gallons per second. Dogs aren't permitted in buildings or swimming areas. See Details
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve New River Gorge National Park & Preserve in Glen Jean, WV, is pet friendly. Dogs are allowed on the trails that wind around the banks of the river which passes through rocks, rock outcrops, trails and coal mines. In the gorge, there is typically a 1,000-foot difference in elevation between the river bottom and the adjacent plateau. The park is 70,000 acres, ideal for hiking, rock climbing and rafting on a whitewater river. Take Fido along the 2.4-mile Endless Wall Trail which passes through rich forest, crosses Fern Creek, then zig-zags along the cliff edge until reaching the overlook at Diamond Point. See Details
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
North Carolina Arboretum The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre natural treasure with 65 acres of cultivated gardens and 10 miles of dog-friendly hiking and biking trails adjacent to the Bent Creek Experimental Forest in Asheville, NC. The trails are rated easy to difficult, and leashed dogs are allowed on all of them. Dogs are not, however, allowed in any of the buildings and some of the gardens. An entry fee does apply to visitors. See Details
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
Gettysburg National Military Park Leashed dogs are allowed to visit the outside portions of the battlefield at the pet-friendly Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania. Gettysburg was one of the most famous American battlefields, which marked the turning point in the Civil War. Later, President Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address here. The battlefield consists of auto and walking tours. Please note that dogs are not allowed into buildings or the cemetery. See Details
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's often claimed that Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the United States. 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
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 seven-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
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
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Houston, TX's 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
Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens in Jacksonville, FL, is pet friendly. This 120-acre urban woodland is full of trails for you to explore and enjoy with your pooch. In addition, over 3 miles of rustic hiking trails wind quietly through a series of distinct ecological habitats. Chill out on one of the benches around the park, have a picnic and enjoy a day outside with your pup. See Details
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
Anna Ruby Falls Anna Ruby Falls is a beautiful waterfall near Helen, GA. Located in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, this picturesque spot can be accessed from a pet-friendly, half-mile trail within Unicoi State Park. The short hike is fairly steep, but the view of the falls is worth it. Dogs are welcome on the trail, as long as they are leashed and cleaned up after. See Details
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. Be sure to check out their visitor center and ask how your pup can join the BARK ranger program. Dogs are welcome, as long as they are well-behaved and all mess is cleaned up after them. See Details
Red Mountain Park Visit Red Mountain Park, a nonprofit organization in Birmingham, AL featuring 1,500 wooded acres. Visitors can enjoy 20 dog-friendly miles of walking, hiking and mountain biking trails, Remy’s Dog Park, and beautiful destination sites – the historic Redding Hoist House, three treehouse views and glimpses of iron ore mine entrances. Dogs must remain on a leash while not in the dog park. See Details
Mammoth Cave National Park Dog-friendly Mammoth Cave National Park in Mammoth Cave, KY, invites you and Fido to camp and hike at this beautiful scenic area. South Side Trails are conveniently situated along the main road and include The Cedar Sink Trail, Sand Cave Trail, Sloan's Crossing Pond Walk. More adventurous travelers can head to the backcountry to explore 37 square miles of forest ridges, valleys, and scenic rivers. Though dogs are not permitted in caves, pets may be boarded at Mammoth Cave Kennels and The Woodland Cottages offer in-park dog-friendly lodging. Visitors who bring Fido should be mindful of ticks, snakes and poison ivy. See Details
United States