Your Next 5 Dog Friendly National Park Trips
There are hundreds of gorgeous National Parks scattered across the United States but not of all these wondrous lands are four-legged friendly. Below is a short list of parks that are sure to meet your need to feel the sun on your face and the wind at your back with the company of your furry companion. From deep canyons to vast ocean views to massive trees, these select parks will satisfy your pet’s wild spirit and the adventurer in you.
1. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado
Your pet can be your copilot as you overlook the striking Black Canyon, located in the heart of Colorado. According to the National Park Service(NPS), this gorgeous land of overlooks is home to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock formations, and craggiest spires in North America. Pets are welcome on park roads, in campgrounds, and at all pullouts, as well as on a handful of trails. Take your four-legged friends on the Cedar Point Nature Trail, North Rim Chasm View Nature Trail, and Rim Rock Trail. Keep in mind, the NPS says that pets are not allowed on any other hiking trails, cross country ski trails, or inner canyon wilderness.
2. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia
America’s newest national park allows dogs on all the trails within the park and preserve if they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. According to NPS, the 70,000 acres of luscious land is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities for you and your four-legged buddy. Visitors say that some of the park’s highlights include the 2.4-mile Endless Wall Trail, with beautiful vistas into the gorge, and the 3.2-mile Grandview Rim Trail.
3. Badlands National Park in South Dakota
Your pet can explore wherever your car can go in the Badlands, located outside of Rapid City, South Dakota. Leashed pets can explore the Badlands Loop Road and delight in all the gorgeous sights of the Badlands Wall. Dogs are also allowed on dirt byways, like the Old Northeast Road near popular Cedar Pass. The NPS requests that four-legged visitors steer clear of any prairie dog areas, such as Sage Creek Campground and Roberts Prairie Dog Town. Pets are also prohibited from hiking trails, public buildings, and backcountry areas.
4. Biscayne National Park in Florida
Biscayne is surprisingly animal friendly despite being primarily a water-based park. Your pet is welcome to peruse the scenic land and taken in the ocean breeze. Dogs are also welcome to splash around the shallow parts of the beach. Take your fur-baby on the grounds surrounding the visitor center, where you’ll find mangroves and vistas of several small keys. The NPS states that pets are also allowed to camp and hike around with you on the developed areas of Elliott Key if they are leashed.
5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio
Your pets will have more than 100 miles of trails to explore at Cuyahoga National Park, which includes 20 miles of the multi-use Towpath Trail. The NPS simply requests that pets steer clear of the East Rim mountain-bike area, park buildings, and the Scenic Railroad. Pets must be on leashes no longer than 6 feet to ensure the safety of your pet and the environment. With a little planning, you and your pet can have a very enjoyable visit.
Bonus Park -
Redwood National Park in California
Pets are allowed to roam on beaches, in developed campgrounds, in picnic areas, and along roads at Redwood National Park as long as they are leashed. The NPS states that if you’d like to walk your dog among old-growth forests, they recommend Cal Barrel Road and Walker Road, which are both located in nearby state parks. There are carnivores like bears, coyotes and mountain lions, as well as herds of very protective Roosevelt elk in the parks, according to the NPS. You, or your pet can quickly get into trouble if wildlife is encountered so be prepared and take precautions with you into the wilderness.
There are plenty of parks to explore for you and your fur-baby but as always, don’t forget the Leave No Trace Principles. If you’re rusty on the rules, you can read about them here. Happy adventuring and make sure to bring Triumph treats as you hit the old dusty trails.
