15 Dog-Friendly Places To Visit In The National Park System

Few compare to the quiet thrill of open space and a dog trotting by your side. A single scent on the breeze or the crunch of leaves underfoot feels richer with a four-legged friend along. These national parks and national recreation areas understand that—and give your pup room to roam.

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Boardwalks cut through a floodplain forest with tall trees all around. Dogs can join you on the suspended loop and explore several dirt routes weaving through hardwood groves. Some of these shaded areas tend to stay cooler throughout the year. Watch for mosquitoes during summer and mud after heavy rain.

White Sands National Park, New Mexico

Soft gypsum dunes stretch in all directions, and pets on leashes can join you across marked routes or sandy flats. Visiting early or near sundown helps avoid heat. The surreal white setting feels vast and inviting, with plenty of room for relaxed strolls under desert skies.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

Pets can follow you across the first ridge of the dunefield and stroll nearby spots like the Montville Nature Trail. Morning visits are best before the ground gets too hot. Booties protect sensitive paws. The terrain changes shape often, making every trip to a curious canine fresh.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Over 100 miles of hiking routes wind through the park, and leashed dogs are welcome along the carriage roads crafted by John D. Rockefeller Jr. Most areas remain open to pets, with only a few steep climbs off-limits. Expect ocean vistas and pine-scented trails ideal for pups who love adventure.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Leashes are required, but pets are permitted along the South Rim’s paved walking paths, including the long stretch of the Rim Trail. Inner canyon access is restricted, but staying up top brings grand views and gentle terrain. It’s an easy way to enjoy the park with your companion.

New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia

Every trail through this rugged terrain opens to leashed pets, including the well-known Endless Wall Trail with sweeping vistas. Tree-lined paths pass rocky slopes and quiet pockets of water. Many routes stay cool in warmer months, and rest spots along the way give you both a pause.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Only a handful of trails are restricted, so the entire park is accessible to leashed pets. Wander through a portion of the Appalachian Trail or head into peaceful forest sections. Waterfalls next to mossy rocks and quiet turns along the way give both of you something new to look forward to.

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

City meets nature in this compact but welcoming park. Four-legged companions are welcome throughout the walking network, which winds past wooded slopes and historic bathhouses. Creekside stretches stay calm, and tree-covered overlooks offer peaceful views. Nearby sidewalks downtown let you quickly shift from forest to street.

Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

Most footpaths allow pets on leashes, and some shoreline areas permit dogs when birds aren’t nesting. Rolling sand hills and leafy groves keep pups engaged with their mix of scents and textures. Weather near Lake Michigan changes fast, so bringing water and an extra layer is smart.

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Cave tours are off-limits, but a vast network of surface trails welcomes pets on a leash. Tree-lined trails provide cooling shade and quiet for longer outings. On-site kennel services are available if you want to explore the underground while your pet enjoys a safe break.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

Shaded trails stay open to pets on leashes, and select beaches permit access outside the plover nesting season. Scenic turnouts along the main drive allow for quick photo stops. The crisp lake breeze and forest paths make the experience more pleasant. Signposts help identify which areas are pet-friendly.

Big South Fork National River, Kentucky/Tennessee

This sprawling recreation zone welcomes pets across its many trails. All hiking routes and campgrounds are accessible with a leash. Highlights like Angel Falls Overlook and the O&W Bridge provide excellent viewpoints. The park is a favorite for dogs that don’t tire quickly and are ideal for extended outings.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Georgia

Outside Atlanta, this riverside retreat features wooded loops and riverside connectors where leashed dogs can tag along. The terrain is easy to follow, whether on paved or dirt sections. Canines that enjoy splashing near the water will find plenty of spots to sniff and cool off safely.

Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Access includes trails and designated wilderness areas where pets kept on a leash are allowed throughout the park. One of the few parks with such broad access, it’s perfect for relaxed walks past ancient fossilized logs and desert plains. Make sure to bring water and paw protection during the warmer months.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Most hiking routes, including the historic Towpath Trail, welcome pets on leashes. Riverbanks, forest patches, shaded routes, and raised boardwalks bring variety to the trip. While trains and bike paths aren’t for your friend, the peaceful walking options make spending quality time together in the fresh air easy.