Planning your next big adventure with your four-legged family? We’ve rounded up the best dog-friendly national parks in the U.S. to make your trip planning a breeze.
Whether you are looking to hike scenic trails, explore historic landmarks, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of our nation's national parks, these destinations offer plenty of pet-friendly trails and activities for you and your dog.
🐾 DJANGO Photo Challenge: National Parks Edition 🌲
Got an epic shot of your pup repping DJANGO gear in a national park? We want to see it! Email your photos to hello@djangobrand.com, and we’ll round up all submissions at the end of the summer and feature them right here at the bottom of this article. Want credit? We’ll happily tag your Instagram and/or TikTok handle — just confirm those when you email us your pics!
Remember, pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (2 meters) at all times, per federal regulations. Here's our curated list of the top 10 national parks ideal for pet-friendly adventures — in geographical order from East to West.
Best 10 Dog-Friendly U.S. National Parks
1. Acadia National Park, Maine (Northeast)
Why We Love This Dog-Friendly National Park
Acadia National Park is celebrated for its dramatic coastline, rugged granite cliffs, lush forests, and iconic lighthouse views. Located just a short distance from the charming town of Bar Harbor, the park offers over 100 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails and 45 miles of scenic carriage roads. The popular Jordan Pond Path is especially popular for leisurely, leashed walks. The best times to visit Acadia are spring through fall, with autumn offering particularly spectacular foliage.
Pet Policy
Dogs are allowed on most of Acadia's trails, carriage roads, and in campgrounds. However, they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. The park also allows dogs in many picnic areas, though some areas, like certain beaches, may have restrictions.
Pets are not permitted on public beaches and several Acadia trails due to their steep and difficult-to-navigate terrain. These include (but are not limited to): Acadia Mountain, Flying Mountain, Giant Slide, West Face of Cadillac Mountain, Pond Trail’s east end, Norembega Goat, Bubbles-Pemetic, Penobscot Mountain (Spring), Upper Beachcroft, and Upper Gorge.
2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (Mid-Atlantic)
Why We Love This Dog-Friendly National Park
Shenandoah National Park is celebrated for its spectacular Blue Ridge Mountain scenery, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. Conveniently located just 75 miles from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah offers over 480 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails—one of the highest amounts among U.S. national parks. The park's iconic Skyline Drive provides access to numerous trailheads and breathtaking overlooks, especially stunning during spring blooms and vibrant fall foliage.
Pet Policy
Leashed pets can explore nearly all of Shenandoah's extensive trail system, including the popular Hawksbill Summit Trail and scenic Rose River Loop. Pets are not allowed on certain rock scramble trails and within certain facilities and buildings.
3. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia (Appalachian region)
Why We Love This Dog-Friendly National Park
Renowned for its stunning gorge views, dense forests, and world-class whitewater rafting, New River Gorge National Park is an outdoor enthusiast's and dog lover's dream. All trails within the park are pet-friendly. Consider a visit in spring and fall. Autumn is especially beautiful with vibrant foliage throughout the gorge.
Pet Policy
All trails within the park are pet-friendly, including the Endless Wall Trail and Long Point Trail. Pets are not allowed inside park buildings and visitor centers.
4. Congaree National Park, South Carolina (Southeast)
Why We Love This Dog-Friendly National Park
Congaree National Park protects the largest remaining area of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in North America. Fed by the Congaree and Wateree rivers, the park’s forests and watersheds provide clean air and water well beyond the park’s boundaries.
For pet owners, Congaree offers an unforgettable experience in one of the most unique forest landscapes in the country. Don’t miss the elevated 2.6 mile Boardwalk Loop Trail—a favorite for leashed dogs and their owners.
Pet Policy
Leashed pets are welcome on all trails, including the 2.6-mile Boardwalk Loop Trail and the scenic Weston Lake Trail. Pets are not allowed inside visitor centers and park buildings.
5. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky (Southeast/Mid-South)
Why We Love This Dog-Friendly National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park has the longest cave system in the world. Above ground, visitors and their pets can explore over 70 miles of lush woodland trails along rolling hills, rivers, and diverse wildlife habitats.
Trails such as the Green River Bluffs Trail offer great views and are pet-friendly. Located conveniently between Louisville and Nashville, Mammouth Cave National Park is perfect for both day trips and extended stays, with spring and fall offering ideal temperatures for outdoor adventures.
Pet Policy
Over 70 miles of surface hiking trails are open to pets, including popular trails like the Green River Bluffs Trail and Heritage Trail. Pets must be leashed at all times and are not allowed in the caves or park buildings.
6. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio (Midwest)
Why We Love This Dog-Friendly National Park
Cuyahoga Valley combines lush forests, scenic wetlands, and historical landmarks within easy reach of major cities like Cleveland and Akron. With over 100 miles of pet-friendly trails, including the famous Towpath Trail, it’s perfect for relaxing hikes year-round, with fall being exceptionally vibrant.
Pet Policy
Pets are allowed on over 100 miles of trails, including the pet-popular Towpath Trail. Pets are not allowed inside park buildings or on the scenic train.
7. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado (Rocky Mountains)
Why We Love This Dog-Friendly National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park features North America's tallest sand dunes, set dramatically against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This dog-friendly park offers a unique hiking experience as visitors and their pets can trek across expansive dunes and splash through seasonal streams like Medano Creek. Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, when water levels are higher.
Pet Policy
Pets are permitted in the Preserve, including Mosca Pass Trail and the iconic High Dune Trail. Pets are also allowed in main use areas of the Park, including Piñon Flats Campground, Dunes Overlook Trail, and along the Medano Pass Primitive Road. Pets must remain leashed at all times.
Pets are not allowed in visitor centers, in the backcountry of the dunefield, and in backcountry camping sites located in the national park
8. White Sand Dunes National Park, New Mexico (Southwest)
Why We Love This Dog-Friendly National Park
White Sands is famous for its surreal landscape of bright white gypsum sand dunes, creating an otherworldly environment unlike any other. Pets can freely explore this unique landscape, making it a favorite spot for photography and leisurely strolls. Visit in cooler months or early mornings during summer for the best experience.
Pet Policy
Pets are welcome throughout most areas, including the stunning Alkali Flat Trail, and must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. Pets are not allowed in visitor centers or backcountry camping areas.
9. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona (Southwest)
Why We Love This Dog-Friendly National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is a vibrant desert landscape where rainbow-hued badlands meet 200-million-year-old fossilized trees. The park is known for its vast stretches of multicolored rock formations, ancient archaeological sites, and scattered petrified logs. Visitors and their pets can enjoy scenic drives and several dog-friendly trails across the Martian-like terrain.
Located just off historic Route 66 in northeastern Arizona, this park offers out-of-this-world scenery and a unique, unforgettable experience . Cooler months from fall through early spring provide the most comfortable hiking weather.
Pet Policy
Leashed pets are welcome on all designated trails, including the scenic Painted Desert Rim Trail. Pets are not allowed inside buildings or off designated trails.
10. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (Southwest)
Why We Love This Dog-Friendly National Park
The Grand Canyon offers breathtaking, panoramic views from its pet-friendly rim trails. The South Rim Trail provides approximately 13 miles of accessible pathways perfect for walks with your pet, featuring some of the park's most iconic vistas. It's conveniently accessible from major cities like Flagstaff and Las Vegas, making it ideal for a memorable road trip.
Pet Policy
Pets can explore the South Rim Trail, approximately 13 miles along the canyon’s rim, offering spectacular views. Pets are not allowed in inner canyon trails, park buildings, and shuttle buses.
🐾 DJANGO Photo Challenge: National Parks Edition 🌲
Taylor and her adventure dachshund, Jingle
"Our new DjangoPack dog backpack carrier went on its first hike this weekend, and 5 stars!! Thanks for a seriously great product that lets us take our little dude on all of our adventures!"
