10 Dog-Friendly National Parks
If you’re starting to plan your summer vacations and looking to hit up some national parks along the way, it’s important to do your research before going—especially if you’re planning on bringing your pet. Unfortunately, many national parks are not very pet-friendly and have many rules set in place. Most parks restrict where pets can and cannot go to preserve the park’s resources and wildlife. But there’s no need to fret, we’re highlighting the top 10 national parks that are pet-friendly so you know exactly where you should vacation with your dog this summer! Don’t forget to bring along our USDA Organic Hemp Oil and Edibites for Dogs to help promote calming during stress from traveling as well as supporting healthy joints during long hikes and walks.
As many of these areas can get extremely hot during the summer months, make sure to protect your dog from the summer heat and visit the parks in the early morning or evening when the sun isn’t too hot. Also, make sure to keep you and your pet hydrated!
All parks below require that your dog is always leashed and that you’re cleaning up after your pet.
Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
If going to the Grand Canyon has been on your bucket list with your pup, you’re in luck! Although dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the Grand Canyon, dogs are allowed on the trails above the rim, Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, Trailer Village, and throughout other developed areas. With two campgrounds to choose from, why not make a camping trip out of it and explore the Rim Trail with your leashed dog to see some gorgeous canyon views.
Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado
Bring your dog along to a sandy paradise! Again, you may want to use caution as the hot temperatures can make the sand extremely hot. Make sure to plan your visit in the early morning or evening to protect you and your dog from the excruciating heat. Don’t forget to bring along our Canna Care CBD Topical for Dogs to keep your dog’s paws moisturized and relieve burns on the paws. Pets are welcome in most areas of the Great Sand Dunes, including the Preserve, that has the Mosca Pass Trail as well as main use areas of the park.
Yosemite National Park in California
Yosemite is home to incredible rock formations and the largest waterfall in North America—who wouldn’t want to go visit? There are many dog-friendly shorter hikes in the Yosemite Valley area for you and your dog to enjoy. Pets are allowed in developed areas, on fully paved roads, bicycle paths, as well as most campgrounds. If you’re not interested in camping, there are also some pet-friendly lodges throughout the area as well, such as Tenaya Lodge. They also offer dog-sitting services in case you want to explore any parts of the park that might not be dog-friendly.
Acadia National Park in Maine
Acadia is one of the most pet-friendly National Parks with 100 miles of hiking trails as well as 45 miles of carriage roads that pets are welcome to explore! AllTrails offers a list of dog-friendly trails in Acadia National Park that you and your pup can utilize on your trip. Many lakes in the park are not available for people and pets to swim in, but just outside the park border is a 1,000-acre park called Little Long Pond where dogs are welcome to swim in!
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan
Do you and your dog love the beach? Sleeping Bear Dunes offers many beaches that are pet-friendly as long as your dog is leashed! Some great trail recommendations that are available for you and your pets would be Pyramid Point and Empire Bluff trails. Although both have a steep uphill climb, getting to the top may be worth it to see the amazing views of Lake Michigan.
White Sands National Park in New Mexico
The only restriction for pets at White Sands National Park is that they’re not allowed in any buildings! That means you and your dog can enjoy the whole park together on a leash of course. Make sure to bring lots of water as the dry heat and elevation can cause dehydration if you’re not careful. As always, please clean up after your pet!
Congaree National Park in South Carolina
Congaree National Park is another park that is very accommodating to pets! Dogs must be leashed, but they’re allowed to explore all trails as well as the boardwalks and campgrounds. Congaree is known for some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States and diverse plant and animal life. Make sure to snap a photo of your dog next to one of the large trees and add it to your dog’s Instagram account!
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio
Pets are welcome to more than 100 miles of hiking trails at Cuyahoga Valley National Park! The only places pets are not allowed is inside park buildings, the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad, and on the East Rim mountain bike trails. Whether you’re looking for a short hike or a long hike, this park has you covered with trails like, Towpath Trail and Buckeye Trail to keep your trip interesting.
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon
Leashed pets are allowed on paved roads in Crater Lake and parking lots that are free of significant snow. In the summer and fall, pets can venture out on many of the park’s best hiking trails. Did you know that Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the USA and the seventh deepest lake in the world? You may just need to change your profile photo to a selfie of you and your pup in front of the lake!
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
Enjoy the peaceful serenity of Shenandoah National Park with your fur friend! If you’re looking to stay at the park, there are pet-friendly campgrounds as well as lodging to accommodate your travel needs. There are a few day hikes you can go on with your dog while you’re there, such as Hawksbill Gap Trail and Rose River Loop. With more than 500 miles of hiking trails, there are only less than 20 miles that pets can’t venture on!
Looking for more ways you can bond with your pet this summer?
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