Not all national parks roll out the welcome mat for dogs, but some go above and beyond to make tails wag and paws feel welcome.
Across the U.S., these special parks offer scenic trails, fresh air, and plenty of room to roam, without leaving your furry friend behind.
Whether your pup’s idea of adventure is a mountain hike or a lakeside stroll, these dog-friendly parks deliver unforgettable memories for humans and canines alike.
1. Acadia National Park (Maine)
Rugged coastlines and Fido? Perfect match! Acadia offers over 100 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails where your canine companion can sniff the salty air and explore dense forests alongside you.
The park’s carriage roads provide smooth terrain for older dogs or those who prefer leisurely strolls. Just remember to keep your pup leashed and bring plenty of water for those ocean-view hikes.
2. Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
Tail-wagging heaven awaits in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains! Almost all of Shenandoah’s 500+ miles of trails welcome leashed dogs, making it one of the most pet-friendly national parks in the system.
Scenic waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and the famous Skyline Drive provide endless exploration opportunities.
Your pup will love the varied terrain and abundant wildlife scents throughout all four distinct seasons.
3. Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado)
Sandy paws and happy jaws! Your four-legged friend will think they’ve discovered doggy paradise when bounding across North America’s tallest dunes.
The main dunefield is completely open to pets year-round. Morning and evening provide cooler sand temperatures for sensitive paws.
After playtime in the dunes, cool off together at Medano Creek (seasonal) where your pup can splash in the shallow waters beneath towering sandy mountains.
4. White Sands National Park (New Mexico)
Brilliant white gypsum dunes create a surreal playground for adventurous pups!
The contrast of your dog against the snow-white landscape makes for frame-worthy photos as they romp through this desert wonderland.
Unlike regular sand, these gypsum crystals stay cool even in summer heat, protecting sensitive paw pads.
Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the dune field and on all trails, making White Sands a bucket-list destination for pet parents.
5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)
Midwest magic awaits in this hidden gem! Towering trees, babbling brooks, and over 125 miles of trails welcome your furry explorer through Ohio’s natural wonderland.
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail offers a flat, accessible 20-mile route perfect for dogs of all athletic abilities.
Seasonal highlights include spectacular fall colors and spring wildflowers that will have both you and your pup stopping to appreciate nature’s beauty.
6. Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)
Journey back in time with your furry paleontologist! This colorful desert landscape of ancient, mineralized trees welcomes leashed dogs on all park trails – a rarity in the national park system.
Rainbow-hued badlands and 225-million-year-old fossilized wood create an otherworldly backdrop for your adventures together.
Early morning hikes offer the best temperatures and lighting for exploring this unique landscape with your four-legged companion.
7. Congaree National Park (South Carolina)
Swampy adventures await curious canines! This lesser-known gem features the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States.
The elevated 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop Trail keeps paws dry while offering glimpses of towering champion trees and diverse wildlife.
Morning visits increase your chances of spotting river otters and deer while avoiding the worst of the notorious mosquitoes.
8. Yosemite National Park (California)
Iconic granite cliffs aren’t just for human admirers! While Yosemite has more restrictions than some parks, dogs can still experience plenty of Sierra Nevada majesty along paved roads, sidewalks, and the Wawona Meadow Loop.
The pet-friendly areas offer stunning views of El Capitan and Half Dome without venturing onto prohibited trails.
Developed areas like Yosemite Village welcome leashed pets, making this bucket-list destination surprisingly accessible for four-legged travelers.
9. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Rim-walking with Rover! The South Rim Trail offers 13 miles of paved pathways where leashed dogs can safely experience America’s most famous canyon without venturing below the rim.
Sunrise and sunset cast dramatic shadows across the massive chasm, creating unforgettable moments with your four-legged companion.
The park’s free shuttle buses even welcome well-behaved dogs, making it easy to explore multiple viewpoints without exhausting your pup.
10. Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)
While Fido can’t explore the famous underground labyrinth, the surface trails more than make up for it!
Over 70 miles of forested paths weave through this Kentucky wonderland above the world’s longest known cave system.
Scenic river valleys, historic sites, and lush hardwood forests create a sensory paradise for curious canines.
The Green River Bluffs Trail offers particularly spectacular views that both you and your pup will appreciate after a day of woodland exploration.
11. New River Gorge National Park (West Virginia)
America’s newest national park rolls out the welcome mat for four-legged adventurers!
Despite its name, the New River is actually one of the oldest rivers in North America, carving a spectacular gorge your pup can help you explore.
Nearly all trails welcome leashed dogs, with highlights including the Canyon Rim Boardwalk’s breathtaking views and the historic Kaymoor Miners Trail.
Fall foliage transforms the gorge into a kaleidoscope of colors that will have both of you pausing in wonder.
12. Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas)
Urban wilderness meets spa town charm! This unique national park surrounds the historic town of Hot Springs, offering 26 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails just steps from civilization.
While pups can’t enter the bathhouses, they’ll love the shaded mountain paths and downtown promenades.
The Grand Promenade provides a scenic mile-long brick walkway perfect for an evening stroll after exploring the more challenging forest trails together.
13. Gateway Arch National Park (Missouri)
City pups, rejoice! This urban national park welcomes leashed dogs throughout its 91 acres of landscaped grounds surrounding the iconic 630-foot stainless steel arch.
Riverside walking paths offer spectacular views of the Mississippi River and St. Louis skyline.
Evening visits provide cooler temperatures and stunning photo opportunities as the arch catches the golden hour light, creating perfect memories with your four-legged city explorer.
14. Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana)
Sandy shores and wooded trails create a Midwest paradise for beach-loving dogs! This Lake Michigan gem allows leashed pets on most of its 50 miles of trails and certain beach areas during off-peak seasons.
The Dune Ridge Trail offers breathtaking lake views after a moderate climb through diverse ecosystems.
Pawprints in sand, splashes in shallow water, and scampering through fallen autumn leaves make this park a year-round sensory playground for your four-legged companion.