Step Foot (or Paw) on an Adventure to These 3 National Parks

The U.S. is home to plenty of national parks that welcome you and your furry travel companions and each one has a unique experience awaiting you and your pet. While all parks follow some of the same rules there are universal key rules to remember as you prepare to embark – emphasis on the bark – on a pet-friendly adventure to a national park.

Popular Pet-friendly Parks and What to Do There

Outside Magazine recently ranked the most dog-friendly national parks in the U.S. by the miles of accessible trails, pet-friendly boarding, nearby kennel services, wildlife safety, travel restrictions, alternative hikes, and viewpoint access. Here are the top three we compiled from their article and dog-tested and dog-approved recommendations on what to do there.

1. Acadia National Park in Maine

   

   Furry friends are welcome to wander around nearly all 120 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of carriage roads and most of the public areas located in Maine’s Acadia National Park. This is the spot for hounds and hiking enthusiasts with hundreds of miles of trails to trek from lowland paths to mountain climbs. Climb up to Cadillac Mountain and take in the views at more than 1,500 feet above sea level. If walking or biking is more your style, there are 45 miles of iconic carriage roads for you and your pup to explore. Some exceptions to consider are a few trails that require climbs that use iron rungs or ladders. The only specific places four-legged friends can’t go are Duck Harbor Campground, Wild Gardens of Acadia and Echo Lake Beach and Sand Beach during peak season which is from mid-May to mid-September. When you and your pup need to stretch your legs and cool down, take a drive around the 27-mile scenic loop of spectacular vistas and more. Blackwoods, Seawall and Schoodic Woods are the campgrounds that permit pets. As an extra treat, dogs can join you on the porch or at picnic tables on patios at nearby restaurants like Jordan Pond House and Seafood Ketch.

2. Shenandoah National Park in Virginia

   

   Canine companions can feel the wind on their face along the famous 105-mile Skyline Drive in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. There are more than 75 scenic overlooks with stunning views, peaceful wilderness and cascading waterfalls that are all accessible to your pup. Plus, there are over 500 miles of hiking trails here and only 20 of which are off limits to pets – so 115.5 miles of the Appalachian Trail that run through the park are fair game for a pet-friendly hike. Little Stony Park (0.9 miles), Hawksbill Gap Trail (2.5 miles), and Rose River Loop (4.0 miles) are just a few noteworthy dog-tested and dog-approved hikes of all levels to step foot (or paw) on.

3. Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona

   

   Pets can wag their tails on all the trails, official wilderness areas and in the backcountry of eastern Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park, if they’re leashed. There are museums and visitor centers located on both ends of the park where you can get a treat for your dog, guidelines for pet explorations and find out how to share your pet’s photos with the park. Maximize sniffing opportunities by stopping at Long Logs and Giant Logs trails in the southern end of the park that holds the greatest concentration of ancient petrified wood. The 28-mile road that runs through the park has several overlooks to see and the Painted Desert is the picture-perfect place for watching sunsets with your four-legged best friend.

B.A.R.K. Ranger Program

Visit a park. Take the pledge. Get a badge. It’s that simple! These new places can be “ruff” for pets which is why the B.A.R.K. Ranger program exists. This program is part of the Healthy People Healthy Parks Initiative and consists of people and their pets who pledge to protect themselves and park resources. When you follow the program’s four simple steps listed below, your next trip to a national park is sure to be a walk in the park for you and your pet.

1. Bag your pet’s waste.
2. Always use a leash.
3. Respect wildlife.
4. Know where you can go.

Key Rules

While all parks follow some of the same rules a few universal guidelines to keep in mind are to always use a six-foot (or shorter) leash, always bag and throw away your pet’s waste and never leave an animal unattended.

Before traveling with your four-legged friends, check park-specific websites for up-to-date information that will help plan for a “pawsitive” visit. And don’t forget about national parks free days in 2021! Tell us about your pet-friendly adventures at national parks in the comments below.

Information from the National Park Service’s website, nps.gov, was used in compiling this article.