Crystal waters, gleaming creeks, and mighty glaciers: National Parks are natural treasures that allow us to connect to nature. Wherever you are, there’s a National Park close by where you can spend the day or even camp for the weekend.
And why not bring your loving Poochie along?
Let’s explore the country’s most beautiful and dog-friendly National Parks!
But before we begin, there are some important things to consider. Nearly all National Parks require dogs be on no longer than six-foot-long leashes. Owners must bag their dog’s waste and bring along a collapsible bowl to ensure pup stays hydrated.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Let’s start this adventure in the beautiful state of Maine!
Acadia National Park is a national treasure and a favorite among dogs and their families. Here, you’ll find 100 hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads where dogs have a green light to enter. You can put up your tent and enjoy a camping trip on the Blackwoods and Seaground campgrounds. If you want to hop on a ferry to the breathtaking Isle Au Haut, you can take your pup along for a hiking day only.
National Mall and Memorial Gardens, Washington D.C.
Moving down the East Coast, we make a stop in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., offers an impressive number of options for you and your dog to enjoy nature even within an urbanized area. The Tidal Basin Park, with beautiful Cherry Blossom trees, is a gorgeous place to visit with your pup.
If you want to hike, you can visit Theodore Roosevelt Island with two miles of trails by the Potomac River. One of the most popular parts is the Meridian Hill Park, with many fields of green for fluffy to play and run through.
In Rock Creek Park, you’ll find 1,800 acres of nature, with over four miles of hiking trails to explore with your dog. If you enjoy aquatic gardens, you can visit the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Garden, which are very pet-friendly.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Heading to Virginia, you’ll find Shenandoah National Park, with 480 miles of pet-friendly and awe-inspiring natural landscapes.
You and your pup can walk by the Blue Ridge Parkway, a festival of the senses where your best friend will take in through their snout as much of the stunning landscapes as you’ll take in through your eyes. Leashed dogs are allowed on most trails. Owners must bag their pet’s waste and cannot leave bagged waste on trees.
New River George National Park and Preserve, West Virginia
As we move west to the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia, we’ll find New River George National Park and Preserve. This is one of the oldest rivers on the continent and has the most amazing treetop views with alpine splendor. You can take your pup to almost all the preserve’s dazzling trails, including the Endless Wall Trail and Grandview Rim Trail.
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Next, let’s grab our leashes and go to Kentucky!
Here, we’ll find Mammoth Cave National Park, which has 70 miles of outdoor fun for canine buds! This park contains parts of the Mammoth Cave, the longest cave system in the world. Dogs aren’t allowed inside the cave systems; if you’re curious, there are several kennels where you can leave your dog for an hour or two.
You can hike and go camping with your dog and find plenty of pet-friendly cottages and Airbnbs.
Great Smokey Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
Going south, we begin to feel the magic of the Southern Appalachian Mountains!
We can stop by Great Smokey Mountains Park between North Carolina and Tennessee. This is an all-American park where dogs can enjoy themselves in campgrounds and roads, but only wearing leashes at all times.
You can take your dog on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail, two delightful short walking paths. Dogs aren’t allowed on other trails, but you’ll find national forests nearby that allow pets and have great walking and hiking options.
Natchez Place National Parkway, Alabama and Mississippi
Moving eastward, we’ll find Natchez Place National Parkway in Alabama and Mississippi.
This is one of the most pet-friendly parks in the U.S. Here, you’ll find a 444-mile route of historical, archeological, and recreational sites you can enjoy with your furry companion.
It’s a great place to bond with your dog on 28 self-guided hiking trails with many dog-friendly campgrounds to spend the night or stop for an afternoon picnic.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Let’s go to Arkansas to bathe in some healing waters!
In the beautiful Hot Springs National Park, you’ll find steaming waters that seep from Hot Springs Mountain and an extremely pet-friendly national park. Dogs aren’t allowed in thermal areas, but can go on some hiking trails. You can take pooch on a half-mile walk down Bathhouse Row and by the Grand Promenade.
Hot Springs is so dog-friendly that it even has a “park ranger” program for pets called B.A.R.K. and plenty of information regarding dog management inside the park.
Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
As we enter the south, in Texas, we’ll find dunes, prairies, and beaches by the Gulf of Mexico.
Padre Island National Seashore is a treasure of a park to go with poochie, as dogs are allowed almost everywhere. This park is in the world’s longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island. It’s home to a diverse ecosystem, so ensure pup always wears a leash.
If you enjoy the thrill of primitive beach camping, there are 64 miles of beaches that allow dog visitors. You can also camp in two main campgrounds. There’s much to explore on this gorgeous coastline, so think about staying for a few days.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Time to go to New Mexico!
Here, we’ll find the exquisite White Sands National Park, with pristine white dunes that are a joy to roll on. This dune haven is made of gypsum with 275 square miles of whiteness.
Surprisingly, it’s quite dog-friendly. With nine miles of trails, you can explore the entire park with floof. If you’re interested in geography, check out The Playa Trail, Dune Life Nature Trail, and Interdune Boardwalk. All these trails have interesting exhibits about plant and animal life.
There’s much to enjoy in White Sands with your dog; bring plenty of water for both of you. The weather is very similar to the desert, and the high elevation can make you vulnerable to dehydration.
If you see a dune and want to slide, bring a sled (you can also buy one there). If you’re into hiking, there are many trails; just be aware that the dunes are not flat. The Alkali Flat Trail has very high dunes. It’s a 3-hour hike but worth the amazing, endless horizon view. Only take your dog if you know they won’t get tired.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
We’ve reached Northern Arizona, home to the beloved Grand Canyon National Park.
This park is a favorite among many Americans, with one of the most spectacular examples of erosion in the world. Dogs and their owners can explore all 13 miles of the South Rim Trail and be astonished by its bigger-than-life natural beauty.
You cannot take your dog to the shuttle buses or below the rim. However, pup will be more than welcome in several campgrounds, such as Mather, Desert View, and Trailer Village.
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
No cross-country road trip is complete without a stop at Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona.
This is a great park to visit with your dog. It’s in Eastern Arizona, named after the petrified wood deposits throughout rugged badlands.
Leashed dogs are allowed in all park trails, roads, and official wilderness areas. Watch for petrified bones; they may not be safe for chewing. Consider bringing in your dog’s own chewing toys and bones.
Death Valley National Park, California
Time to dive into California!
You’ll find the amazing Death Valley National Park in this sunshine state. Discover rocks with all of the colors of the rainbow, salt flats, and bad water basins. It’s truly “otherworldly,” and it’s no wonder that Episode IV of Star Wars had some scenes filmed here.
Dogs are allowed on the park’s developed roads, including the Boardwalks and the Salt Creeks.
Bryce Canyon National Park and Preserve, Utah
Let’s go to Utah and visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Preserve! This park is a true beauty of epic proportions, with amazing views of ancient red rock formations.
Dogs are allowed on all sites’ paved viewpoints (except Piracy Point) and in the campgrounds, parking lots, and paved roads. A section of the Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points is great to walk with your dog.
Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado
Time to head to Colorado!
In Rocky Mountains National Park, you’ll find crystal lakes and pine tree forests. It’s a beautiful place for a visit with your furry friend. Dogs are allowed in developed areas, picnic areas, and campgrounds.
You can explore the woods with your dog, but only if they wear a leash. You can let them sniff around exhaustively but watch out for anything they may ingest. There’s a rich biodiversity in this park so be extra careful with your pet here.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Sliding further into the depths of Colorado, we’ll find Great Sand Dunes National Park. This park is home to the tallest dunes in North America, as well as tundras, transparent lakes, wetlands, and grasslands.
If you go on a moonless night, you can visit the International Dark Sky Park at night, where you can see portions of the Milky Way (visible during mid-summer or early fall).
Dogs are allowed in the preserve (including the Mosca Pass Trail) and the park’s main use areas, including the Piñon Flats Campground, Dunes Overlook Trail, and the Medano Pass Primitive Road.
Leashes must always be worn, and owners should clean up after their dogs.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Time to reach Montana and visit Glacier National Park!
We sense the beautiful northern region by means of snow-topped mountains and glacier-capped peaks. You have 1500 square miles of pure wilderness in this mesmerizing National Park. Just be careful with the wildlife, which includes grizzly bears and mountain goats.
You can visit one trail with pup: the McDonald Creek Bike Path between the West Glacier and the Apgar Village. Check out several pet-friendly lodges and cottages to stay in. Keep your dog leashed and always within your sight.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Entering the Midwest, we are almost back where we started! In Ohio, we’ll find the delightful Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This park is loads of fun for you and your dog, as pets are allowed in all 125 miles of the park trails!
This land has woodlands, wet fields, and green old fields, some requiring crossing over stepping stones or log bridges. Watch poochie’s steps carefully!
You’ll find the best scenery in Bradford Reservation, a five-mile trail of Tinker’s Creek.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
The majestic Lake Michigan takes center stage The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. If you love gazing at great bodies of water, this park is for you.
Pets are allowed in selected areas, on most hiking trails, and on specific stretches of beach. Ensure you follow the rules and regulations of the park, as violation could result in a ticket or fine.
Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
Mighty Lake Michigan can also be admired in Indiana Dunes National Park! What makes this park stand out is its amazing similarity to the Caribbean. Think pristine waters washing up the shore. The 15-mile stretch of tropical-like beaches was formed by retreating glaciers. It also has plenty of creeks, prairies, and forests (we are in the Midwest, after all).
Pets must be leashed and are welcomed on the beaches, picnic areas, and campgrounds. You can also take them to all trails except Greenwood Dune, Great Marsh, and Pinhook Bog.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Hawaii
Aloha Hawai! Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is a place that preserves ancient Hawaiian history and culture with sublime tropical beauty. There are many trails and places to hike. Entrance is free.
Pets must be leashed at all times and are prohibited in certain areas like the Kaloko Fishpond, Aimakapā Fishpond, and any anchialine pool. Dogs are permitted in picnic areas and selected beaches; they can swim on coastal waters only if they’re wearing a leash.
More Parks!
We’ve gone around the U.S.A. and visited many National Parks. Now, we can assuredly affirm that we’re in a blessed land! Creeks, mountains, canyons, and dunes, if you love nature, look no further than home. With the proper precautions and keeping well informed, you can certainly take your dog or dogs and enjoy wonderful moments of nature and peace.
Here is a list of 25 other national parks throughout the U.S. that you can look into.
Alaska
Arizona
California
Florida
Idaho, Montana, Wyoming
Michigan
Minnesota
North Dakota
Ohio
Oregon
South Carolina
South Dakota
Texas
Utah
Washington
