Skip to content
As summer approaches, it's time to start planning your next outdoor adventure. And what better way to explore the great outdoors than to bring your furry friend along! Many of America's beautiful national parks allow dogs, making them the perfect dog-friendly summer destinations.
Here is an ultimate guide to some of the best dog-friendly national parks to visit with your four-legged adventure buddy this summer.
Acadia National Park (Maine)
Located on the gorgeous Maine coastline, Acadia National Park offers miles of scenic hiking trails and carriage roads perfect for exploring with your pup. This is a popular dog friendly national park. Some highlights include the Ocean Path which skirts along the rocky Maine shoreline, as well as the Jordan Pond House where you and your dog can stop for a meal on the lawn overlooking the beautiful lake. Just be sure to bring your dog's leash and clean up after them, as Acadia requires all pets to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
With over 500 miles of hiking trails through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park has plenty of pet-friendly trails for you and your dog to explore. Some of the most scenic include Limberlost Trail which passes by cascading waterfalls, as well as the popular Skyline Drive which offers 75 overlooks to take in views of the Shenandoah Valley below. Dogs are welcome on trails and in campgrounds but be aware they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
From alpine lakes to wildflower meadows with towering Teton mountain peaks in the background, the spectacular scenery of Grand Teton makes it a dream summer destination to explore with your dog by your side. Some dog-friendly trails to check out include Jenny Lake Trail, a moderate 7.1 mile loop, as well as Swan Lake and Heron Pond trails perfect for an easy hike.
Dogs must be kept on leash and are not allowed on backcountry trails or in the backcountry, but there are plenty of front country trails and campgrounds perfect for your four-legged pal.
Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
With glistening alpine lakes, abundant wildlife, and epic mountain scenery, Rocky Mountain National Park offers some of the best hiking and outdoor adventures in the country. And dogs on leash are welcome to join you and explore many areas of the park.
Some top dog-friendly trails include Bear Lake Trail which circles the stunning, turquoise-colored Bear Lake, as well as the easy Alberta Falls Trail which rewards you with a scenic waterfall at the end. Just be sure to steer clear of wilderness areas in the park which don't allow dogs. Due to the availability of trails, you can place it on the top list for a dog friendly national park.
Acadia National Seashore (Maine)
Located on Mount Desert Island along the Maine coast, Acadia National Seashore features a stunning landscape of rocky shoreline, evergreen forests, lakes, and mountains ready for you and your dog to discover. Some highlights include Sand Beach which allows dogs in the winter and spring months, as well as Echo Lake Beach perfect for letting your pup take a dip and cool off during the summer. And with over 45 miles of scenic hiking trails, there are endless options to lace up your hiking shoes with your faithful companion by your side.
Cape Cod National Seashore (Massachusetts)
Miles of sandy beaches, peaceful woodland trails, marshes, and dunes await discovery with your dog in beautiful Cape Cod National Seashore. The Nauset Bike Trail offers a flat scenic path perfect for bringing your dog along for a ride, while the 3 mile loop trail around Fresh Pond is great for an easy hike with rewarding views over the pond.
When visiting this dog friendly national park in a RV, you need to take a pet temperature monitor with you. It will help you to ensure that no heat Stroke in dogs will take place.
No matter which national park summertime adventure you choose, bringing your four-legged best friend lets you bond even more with nature together. And with these dog-friendly national park destinations, you and your pup are bound to have a howling good time all summer long. Just don't fur-get the leash, pet snacks and extra tennis balls!
