11 Best National Parks to Visit With Your Dog

Visiting a national park is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and bond with your furry pal. In this article, HICC Pet™ breaks down the best national parks to visit with your dog. Read further to learn about the ideal places, essential rules and regulations, dog-friendly hiking trails, accommodations, and park activities your dog will love. Grab the leash, and let's unleash the adventure!

Are you ready to explore the great outdoors with your furry friend? National parks provide the perfect opportunity to bond with your dog while enjoying breathtaking scenery and fresh air. Imagine the groundbreaking views of rolling hills, swirling mountains, aerial clifftops, and the delightful scents of nature. Combine nature's picture-perfect canvas with man's best friend, and you've created the ideal experience for you and your dog. 
 

The best national parks offer a vast expanse of natural beauty to explore. National parks have miles of land that dogs can enjoy for endless frolicking. These parks are protected areas preserved for their outstanding natural, cultural, and historical significance. Most national parks allow canines, but even most dog-friendly national parks have rules and regulations. Read further to get the inside scoop on the best national parks to visit with your dog. 

Visiting national parks with your dog has its benefits. Some great reasons to see the best national parks with your dog include the following: 

• A great way to bond with your furry friend outdoors 
• Allows your dog to exercise, socialize, and explore new environments
• Reduces stress and anxiety for both you and your dog
• Offers mental clarity 
• Provides an opportunity to try new activities and adventures

Before planning your trip, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations for visiting national parks with your dog. Each park has different rules, but the general guidelines include the following: 

• Keeping your dog on a leash at all times
• Cleaning up after your dog
• Ensuring that your dog doesn't disturb wildlife 
• Discovering any designated dog-friendly areas

Some dog-friendly national parks have wildlife roaming around that may threaten your pup. All guidelines vary per park, so brush up on the rules before you go! Always clean up after your pooch and wipe the dirt away from your dog's paws after every hiking adventure to stop bacteria from collecting. 

Now that you know the rules and regulations, it's time to plan your visit. Here are some of the best national parks for dogs:

Acadia National Park is a paradise for dogs and their owners. Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, carriage roads, and campgrounds. Not a camper? Not to worry, you and your dog can venture on a boat ride around the park or explore the park's famous beaches: Sand Lake Beach and Echo Beach. 

There are over 100 miles of landscape to enjoy with you and your companion. As one of the most dog-friendly national parks, no wonder Acadia is at the top of our list. Plan your trip accordingly to determine what you can and cannot do when visiting Acadia National Park. 

Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails that dogs can explore. This makes Shenandoah one of the most dog-friendly national parks to visit. Get those hiking boots ready to take in gorgeous views beyond your imagination. 

Dogs are also allowed on the park's scenic drive and campgrounds but prohibited from venturing specific trails due to wildlife danger or rocky paths. Look into the Shenandoah National Park guidelines for more trail information. 

The Grand Canyon is the most majestic park in the states! Stretching over 277 miles, there's always something new to explore or discover each time you visit. The Grand Canyon is one of the best national parks to visit with your dog because it is pet-friendly. If leashed, dogs are allowed on the Greenway and South Rim trails (6 ft or less). 

Even if you want to explore the campgrounds alone some days, kennels and pet lodging places are available for your pet to have fun without you too! On a cautionary note, always have water to hydrate your pet on those long hikes. Without proper preparation, the grand canyon's heat will seek up on you depending on the time of year. Research the areas before traveling with your pet and set off for this popular destination ASAP! 

Cuyahoga Valley is one of the most dog friendly national parks since dogs are allowed to venture all 125 miles of their magnificent trails. Cross rivers, streams, wetlands, and small valleys in this pet-friendly gem. Avoid highly populated areas like the East Rim mountains filled with bikers and buildings.

Cuyahoga offers a lot of history, like the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad or Towpath trail, which is open 24 hours a day. With history and freedom to go wherever your heart desires, Cuyahoga is a must-see for one of the best national parks to visit with your dog. 

Rocky Mountain National Park is an ideal place to bring your pup, with a few exceptions. Pets are allowed on the campgrounds but prohibited from trails. If you've been dying to cross this park off your bucket list, do not worry, there are plenty of local boarding facilities and even a dog park on-site for your puppy to enjoy. On top of that, after a long day of exploring, stroll in the pet-friendly restaurants and breweries nearby for the ultimate pet-friendly experience. 

Take about breathtaking views. Yellowstone park stretches along several states for miles of hiking trails, backcountry, and boardwalks. Yellowstone is one of the most dog-friendly national parks, but with a few restrictions. Dogs are not allowed on the trails or country roads for their safety. On the bright side, plenty of lodging is available for your pup. If you take the road trip route, you can take a driving tour and let your dog feel the wind in its hair. 

If you're looking for the ultimate dog-friendly adventure, don't hesitate to check out Mount Rainier National Park. The park is an active volcano, surrounded by beautiful glaciers and meadows as far as the eye can see. While dogs are not allowed in the wilderness or on most trails, there is one exception. The 9-mile Crystal Mountain trail system is an ideal place to venture with your pup that is sure to wear it out! 

Suppose you love diverse scenery, lowland forest paths, glistening rivers, and exploring parts of the temperate rainforest. In that case, Olympic Park is one of the best national parks to visit with your dog. This park has over 50 miles of wilderness and wildlife scaling the coastlines for an optimal hiking adventure. You can explore six different trails and beaches with your dog, with a few prohibited areas for safety. Check out these Olympic National Park guidelines to know where to go with your pup. 

Yosemite is one of the most dog friendly national parks for your exploration list. Leashed dogs can trek the paved path to Glacier Point at over 5,000 feet. This vantage point offers you and your four-legged companion the most jaw-dropping views of Yosemite Valley. 

With White Sands National Park, there are generally no restrictions. You can explore the stunning dunes and landscapes with a leashed dog with your furry friend. Dogs can enjoy the soft sands between their paws and avoid overheating due to the park's mild and comfortable climate during the winter and spring. White Sands is in the desert with rolling cascades of sandy dunes and blue skies to enjoy. Stay hydrated and enjoy making memories with man's best friend. 

For several reasons, Congaree National Park in South Carolina is one of the best national parks to visit with your dog. Various trails range from easy to moderate, providing leisure stroll options and more challenging hikes. Also, the park's captivating beauty is a must-see for dogs and owners alike. The park's diverse ecosystems, including hardwood forests, swamps, and creeks, offer you and your dog an excellent opportunity to experience and explore nature together. You can observe a wide range of wildlife, including deer, otters, and many bird species.

Hiking is an excellent way to explore national parks with your dog. Check out some of the best hiking trails for your dog to enjoy: 

• Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Old Rag Mountain is a challenging hike, but the views are worth it. Dogs are allowed on the trail with a leash at hand. 

• Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

The Skyline Trail is a moderate hike that offers stunning views of Mount Rainier. Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they are leashed. 

• Lake Solitude Trail, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

The Lake Solitude Trail is a beautiful hike that offers breathtaking views of the Teton Range. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail. 

Before hitting the trails, it's essential to keep your dog's safety in mind. Here are some safety tips for hiking with your dog:

1. Check the weather before you go and avoid hiking in extreme weather conditions.

2. Bring plenty of water for both you and your dog.

3. Keep your dog on a leash at all times.

4. Be aware of your dog's limitations, and don't push them too hard.

5. Watch out for wildlife and keep your dog away from them.

If you plan on staying near a national park, many dog-friendly accommodations are available. Here are some of the best options:

1. National Park Lodge: Many national parks have dog-friendly lodges. These lodges offer comfortable accommodations and are often located within the park.

2. Pet-Friendly Hotels: Most dog-friendly national parks offer accommodations like pet hotels, boarding homes, or kennels nearby. These hotels and dog stay options provide a variety of amenities, such as dog beds, treats, and friends to play with. 

3. Campgrounds: Although some parks have trail restrictions, many national parks have dog-friendly campgrounds where you can pitch a tent or park an RV.

In addition to hiking, you can do many other activities with your dog in national parks. Here are some of the best options:

1. Swimming: Many national parks have dog-friendly swimming areas and beaches where your dog can cool off on a hot day.

2. Picnicking: National parks are great places to picnic with furry friends. Read the guidelines for which areas you can enjoy your picnic to avoid attracting wildlife. 

3. Wildlife Watching: Many national parks have designated areas to watch wildlife with your dog.

4. Boating: Some parks allow dogs on boats, like the Everglades National Park Boat Tours, so that you can explore the park's wet and wild areas with your furry friend.

National parks are a great place to visit with your furry friend. They offer a vast expanse of natural beauty to explore, and many of them are dog-friendly. Before planning your trip, research the rules and regulations for the national park you plan to visit. Also, pack plenty of water, food, and pet cleaning supplies for your dog. 

Pet cleaning supplies like HICC Pet™ pet wipes make hiking and cleaning your pet on-the-go a breeze. Unleash the adventure and enjoy the best national parks to visit with your dog. Subscribe online to our pet community for more awesome pet tips and guides.