Annually, a lot of visitors usually access America's parks with the goal of hiking with their pet dogs, crushed under the weight of excessive regulations. However, there are some exceptions. Check out these 13 parks that welcome pets—ideal spots for you and your furry friend to unwind.
Congaree National Park
Congaree boasts the largest, unspoiled expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the U.S., where moss-draped trees rise from lush wetlands.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park preserves the 1,943-foot-deep Crater Lake, the deepest in the U.S. The lake sits within a caldera created 7,700 years ago, formed by the collapse of a volcanic peak after a massive eruption.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is committed to protecting both the area's industrial history and its breathtaking natural scenery.
Grand Canyon National Park
In the northwestern corner of Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park stands as the 15th U.S. national park, captivating visitors with its dramatic landscapes.
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is a federally protected area in central Garland County, Arkansas, near the city of Hot Springs.
Mesa Verde National Park
This protected World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park boasts a rich diversity of over a thousand species, including rare ones found nowhere else on the planet.
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
This U.S. national park and preserve was created to conserve the natural beauty and heritage of the New River Gorge in West Virginia.
Olympic National Park
This national park is located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington’s Pacific Northwest region. The park stretches across diverse ecosystems, from towering Olympic Mountain peaks to ancient old-growth forests.
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is in northeastern Arizona. The southern region, known as the Rainbow Forest, boasts vibrant petrified wood and hosts the Rainbow Forest Museum with palaeontology displays and trailheads.
White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is nestled within New Mexico, fully encompassed by the White Sands Missile Range.
Virgin Islands National Park
Virgin Islands National Park dominates the landscape of St. John, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Numerous beaches are bordered by vibrant coral reefs..
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park spans 47,000 acres along Maine’s Atlantic coastline, mostly on Mount Desert Island. The terrain features dense forests, rugged shores, and glacially carved granite peaks like Cadillac Mountain, the tallest point on the East Coast of the U.S.
Shenandoah National Park
Located in Virginia, Shenandoah National Park runs the length of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Skyline Drive runs its length, and a vast network of trails includes a section of the long-distance Appalachian Trail.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Most dog-friendly national park with over 125 miles of hiking trails where dogs are welcome. Leashed dogs allowed throughout the park on nearly all trails and towpath. Six-foot leash required. Offers stunning waterfalls, forests, and scenic rail trails.
Acadia National Park
Allows dogs on 100 miles of trails and 45 miles of carriage roads, making it one of the most dog-friendly parks in the National Park System. Dogs welcome on most trails except ladder trails. Six-foot leash required. Beautiful coastal views and mountain hikes.
Shenandoah National Park
Dogs allowed on almost all of the park's 500+ miles of trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail. Only 20 miles off-limits due to difficult passages. Six-foot leash required. Features scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and mountain vistas along Skyline Drive.
Congaree National Park
Allows dogs on all park trails, boardwalks, and campgrounds. Features old-growth bottomland hardwood forest with champion trees. Leashed dogs welcome throughout. Six-foot leash required. Unique ecosystem with elevated boardwalk loops perfect for dog walking.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Dogs allowed on almost all 15 miles of beaches along Lake Michigan. Leashed pets welcome on most trails and beaches. Six-foot leash required. Features stunning sand dunes, forests, prairies, and wetlands. Popular for beach walks with dogs.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Dogs allowed on the dunes, Medano Pass Primitive Road, and throughout campgrounds. Unique opportunity to explore massive sand dunes with your pet. Six-foot leash required. Hot sand can burn paws - visit morning or evening. Tallest dunes in North America.
New River Gorge National Park
America's newest national park (2020) and one of the most dog-friendly. Pets allowed on ALL trails. Perfect for hiking, rock climbing views, and river scenery with your dog. Six-foot leash required. Over 100 miles of pet-friendly trails.
Central Park
843-acre urban park with 23 designated dog-friendly areas. Off-leash hours 6-9am and 9pm-1am. Leashed 9am-9pm. NYC license and rabies tags required. Most popular city park in America with scenic paths, lakes, and open spaces perfect for dog walking.
Runyon Canyon Park
160-acre Los Angeles park with 90 acres designated for off-leash dog use. Features hiking trails with spectacular Hollywood views. Most popular dog park in LA. Trails range 0.85-3.3 miles. Bring water bowl - fountains available. Sunrise to sunset hours.
Piedmont Park
211-acre Atlanta park with 3-acre off-leash dog park welcoming nearly 1 million dogs annually. Separate areas for large and small dogs. Features benches, shade, water spigots, and waste bags. Free doggie bags throughout park. Consistently ranked Atlanta's best dog park.
Other Dog Accepted Categories: