Our favorite summer hikes will have your pup bounding through fields of wildflowers, dipping a paw in waterfalls, and meandering on pathways beneath shady canopies. From coast to coast, there’s a trek for every skill level on this list. Don’t forget to keep Fido leashed unless otherwise stated, take plenty of breaks on hot days, and bring the right hiking gear for your dog.
Dog-Friendly Summer Hikes
Posted by
Jones Gap Loop Trail
Get a taste of Upstate South Carolina on the Jones Gap Loop Trail. Covered by the shade of rich woodland, it’s a great summer hike to undertake with your adventurous hound. Along the way, she’ll be rewarded for her “paw-serverance” by the sights of water tumbling over rocks at numerous waterfalls and the sounds of bubbling creeks. While you’re at Jones Gap State Park, check out the other pet-friendly trails, cast a line or try geocaching. The Jones Gap Loop Trail is just over 10 miles out and back and is rated moderate.
Fido can rest his paws in nearby Travelers Rest at this eclectic studio.
Mosca Pass Trail
Flower power is very much alive on the Mosca Pass Trail in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Climb with your pooch through a corridor created by aspens and evergreens. The first section of the trail passes through a valley, so don’t forget to pause and look back at the view before you descend. The pièce de résistance awaits after two miles, when the trail opens up into an expanse of meadows covered with a variety of sniffable wildflowers. Elsewhere in the national park, you’ll find the tallest sand dunes in North America. The Mosca Pass Trail is 6.4 miles out and back and is rated moderate.
After a fun day out on the trails, wind down at Great Sand Dunes Lodge and enjoy views of the national park from your private patio.
Sunset Ridge and Long Trail Loop
Sunset Ridge and Long Trail Loop is a quintessential Vermont hike. Located in Underhill State Park on the west slope of the state’s highest peak, Mt. Mansfield, the hike offers fabulous vistas and a nice waterfall along the way. The loop is six miles and can be difficult, especially when wet. Consider bringing rubber sole boots with grips for Fido, so he can gain traction when needed.
The Lodge at Spruce Peak goes all out to welcome four-legged guests. Fido will even be greeted with a bed and a bowl to use during his stay.
Sandy River Delta Park
Who’s ready for some off-leash action? Sandy River Delta Park consists of 1,000 acres of trails that lead to a river where your pup can cool down. You’ll need a few visits to see it all, but if your dog is responsive, it's a wonderful place to play without the constraints of a leash. Sandy River Delta Park is home to a variety of trails for all hiking skill levels.
Oregon’s beauty is not just reserved for hikes. Sit on the patio and enjoy river views from this pretty waterfront guesthouse.
Sargent Mountain Loop
Jordan Pond is one of Acadia National Park’s finest sights. Formed by glacial melt, the shimmering blue waters cover 187 acres of the park. Sargent Mountain Loop runs alongside the water and across two of the highest peaks on Mount Desert Island, the largest island off the coast of Maine. It's a must-try when Fido visits one of the most pet-friendly national parks in the country.
Enjoy a few days in Acadia with a stay at Coyote’s Den at the Howling Woods, a rustic, off-grid retreat.
Ice Age Trail - Table Bluff Segment
Sculpted by glaciers melting, the Ice Age Trail covers 1,000 miles of Wisconsin countryside. Fortunately for Fido, the Table Bluff Segment is just 4.5 miles of the overall pathway, but it still contains some real gems. Wander together through restored prairies and meadows full of wildflowers and up steep, rocky slopes. This out-and-back pathway is rated moderate.
Hang out with your hound on five acres of countryside surrounded by expansive marshland at this large villa in Cross Plains.
Richland Balsam Nature Loop Trail
Richland Balsam Nature Loop Trail is an easy hike through a cool pine forest in North Carolina. The ramble should take leisurely strollers around an hour to complete, and they’ll be rewarded with views across the Blue Ridge Parkway at one of the highest points in the area. Leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy this trail that offers a mountain air respite during the hotter summer months.
Share a secluded stay with your best friend at this dog-friendly cabin where you can enjoy dinner with a view in the outdoor dining area and s’mores around the fire pit when the sun sets.
Sunset Peak Trail
Sunset Peak Trail is a popular pet-friendly hike that leads to stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountain Range. Most of the pathway is a fire road, so there’s plenty of room to pass safely and no need to carry Fido over obstacles. When you reach the top, enjoy panoramic views of the Baldy Bowl that seem to go on forever. The California heat can be overpowering, so try to set off before sunrise or late in the day to catch the setting sun. Sunset Peak Trail is rated as easy.
After hiking and exploring the San Bernardino Forest, rest up at La Quinta by Wyndham Ontario Airport.
Blood Mountain Loop
The Appalachian Trail is on most serious hikers’ bucket lists, but if you just want to get a taste for the AT, head to Blood Mountain Loop in Chattahoochee National Forest. This six-mile trek takes you to the top of the mountain for incredible views across the southern Appalachians and back down through a shady forest of ferns, great for a cool down on the decline. As a reminder that you’re on a section of the granddaddy of great American trails, there’s a historic, rustic shelter to explore on the way. Blood Mountain Loop is rated difficult.
Wake to the sound of a babbling creek right at your back door at Suches Creekside Cabin. You and your pooch can hop on the pet-friendly trail behind the house for just three minutes to reach a wonderful waterfall.
Mount Ellinor
Make your way through a peaceful forest and wildflower meadows at Mount Ellinor. Active hounds who reach the top will be rewarded with spectacular views of Lake Cushman and Puget Sound. All the trails at Olympic National Forest are pet friendly, so spend a few days in the area and explore river crossings, lakes and more with your pooch. The best time to attempt the trail is from July through September, when the snow has melted away. This six-mile out-and-back trail is moderately difficult, but there are frequent turnaround points for less experienced hikers.
Dogs can dive off the dock all day at this waterfront vacation home nearby.
Three-Dune Challenge
Sand dunes bordering the southern shore of Lake Michigan in Chesterton provide endless recreational opportunities for you and your pooch this summer. Begin your trip at Indiana Dunes State Park, where Fido can accept the Three-Dune Challenge, a hike up the three tallest dunes in the park. The 1.5-mile trail climbs 552 vertical feet and ends with breathtaking views. After conquering the dune challenge, venture over to Indiana Dunes National Park for an afternoon swim to cool off. Dogs are permitted on all beaches in the park except the West Beach swimming area. Before departing, stop by the visitor center to have your pooch certified as an official National Park B.A.R.K. Ranger.
Celebrate Fido’s achievements during your stay at Hilton Garden Inn Chesterton.
Swan River Trail
When planning your perfect summer vacation with Fido, consider the Rocky Mountain town of Bigfork, MT. Your adventurous pup will enjoy hiking with you on the Swan River Trail, a 4.2-mile out-and-back hike along the scenic Swan River. The mostly shaded, flat and easy trail provides gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains and access to the water, if your pup wants to dip his paws in to cool off. However, the mild temperatures throughout summer will help keep your trek comfortable. For more dog-friendly summer hikes in the area, visit the Wayfarers or Yellow Bay sections of Flathead Lake State Park.
Fido will be welcomed with a dog bed, bowls and treats when he checks in at The Islander Inn after a busy day on the trails.
Comments