Best Dog Friendly Hikes In Us – If you have an ambitious or energetic pup, walking your dog is one of the best ways to spend quality time together. With hiking trails across the country, from easy to challenging, you can find a pet-friendly walk near you and your dog.
To get you started, we’ve rounded up the best dog-friendly hiking trails in each state. And while this list is far from complete, these dog-friendly hikes vary in distance and difficulty and have something special to see (waterfalls, overlooks, canyons, rivers, cascades) that are still suitable for your four-legged friends . . travel companion (tight, no stones, good smell, cold water inside). Whether you want to plan your next outdoor adventure or simply see dreamy sights, these tail-wagging passages are sure to spark your imagination.
Best Dog Friendly Hikes In Us
Pro tip: Before you leave, make sure you have all the gear you need for a safe and enjoyable trip. And when you are on the trails, don’t forget to respect the highway code, respect the highway code and always take your dog with you.
The Best Dog-friendly Hikes In All 50 States
Perfect for little ones and people of all ages and abilities, the short Bald Rock Trail offers a great reward for your efforts. From the parking lot, an easy trail leads to Bald Rock Outlook, Alabama’s highest point, where you can enjoy spectacular views of forested hills under a wide sky. Plus, if your pup still has enough energy (or just wants to make new friends), you can stop by the Bosarge Memorial Dog Park after the walk to let your dog have some off-leash fun.
If your child is up for a big hike with lots of wild smells and steep vertical climbs, a trip to the top of Flattop Mountain will reward you with an amazing view from the top, which the park says is . one of Alaska’s most popular gatherings. If you catch your breath, it won’t be hard to see why: on a clear day you can see all the way to Denali.
A unique tour of Sedona’s picturesque red rock country, this excursion will allow you to see the iconic formations of Yell Rock and Courthouse Butte. The popular dog-friendly trail gets a lot of traffic, so many areas of the trail are wide and well-paved for easy walking, though there are still a few rocky outcroppings for experienced kids. The towering red rocks are perfect for a selfie pose with a hiking buddy.
Go waterfall hunting with your dog in the spectacular setting of Petit Jean State Park’s Cedar Falls Trail. Officially designated as Arkansas’ first state park in 1923, this hidden paradise of waterfalls, forest trails, and scenic views is popular with locals and visitors alike. Dogs love to frolic around Cedar Creek on shaded trails, and pet parents will be rewarded for their efforts with spectacular views of 95-foot Cedar Falls, one of the highest in the state.
Georgia’s Best Dog Friendly Trails: Our Favorite Dog Hikes
A quintessential California coastal hike within driving distance of much of the bay, Fort Funston offers your child the chance to explore rugged, dog-friendly trails or wide, sandy Pacific beaches. Well-behaved, voice-controlled dogs can frolic on the beach while you soak in the sea breeze and watch the delta glide above you.
If you and your pup want to explore big places that make you feel small, hiking the High Dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park is a unique, dog-friendly Colorado adventure that shouldn’t be missed. . . The hike to High Dune promises breathtaking views in every direction, from the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the vast dune field stretching into the distance. Yes, your dog loves to roll, roam, and dig in the sand—in the spring and early summer he can cool off in the seasonal shallow waters of Medan Creek, which runs along the edge of the dunes near the visitor center.
Escape the woods of Connecticut along the Tower Trail, a dog walk to a stone lookout tower that looks like an ancient castle. The main path to the tower is wide and well-trodden, so you and your child won’t have to worry about biting their toes or feet on hard surfaces. From the top there is a great view of Long Island Sound and the New Haven area. Visit in autumn for a spectacular display of foliage as the hills turn a beautiful shade of red, orange and yellow.
Sea-view? Check it out. A chance to see fantastic wildlife? Check it out. An easy way for your dog to stretch his legs? Also. The Gordons Pond Trail offers tranquil views as it winds around tidal flats, tidal ponds, and a saltwater lake. Additionally, the gravel path is smoother, making it easier for older dogs or small children. With the out-and-back method, you can make your walk as long or short as you like.
Dog-friendly Hiking Trails Near Salt Lake City
You might not expect to find a wilderness area outside of Orlando, but if you and your dog are looking for a truly immersive Florida experience, Black Forest offers an alternative to theme parks. The loop is flat and offers seasonal wildlife and wildflower viewing. The trail winds through cypress swamps and wetlands, giving your dog a wonderful scent while you enjoy the variety. Keep in mind that this route is remote, so sunscreen, lots of water and mosquito spray are recommended.
From lush forests to deep canyons, the areas of Cloudland Canyon State Park are a true adventure for hikers. The West Rim Loop Trail offers areas of the park with several viewpoints from which you can enjoy authentic views and travel up to Daniel Creek. For those not afraid of heights, the trail runs along the edge of the canyon and the forest path is narrow and rocky in places to keep your pup comfortable on the rough terrain. Visit in autumn for a special backdrop as the leaves change colour.
Whether you do it for the view or the exercise (or both), the unique Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail offers a gentle hike to a panoramic view. The lower portion of the trail is leafy and wooded: your child will appreciate the shade and the chance to exercise their nose on the different types of trees, bushes and flowers. The top of the trail rises above the canopy for a nearly 360-degree view of the island, a perfect place for a selfie with your dog. This trail can be very muddy, so skip this hike after heavy rain or come prepared for muddy feet.
A beautiful hike against the backdrop of Idaho’s beautiful Sawtooth Mountains. This hike to Sawtooth Lake will reward you with fantastic views and allow energetic dogs to stretch their legs for a day. Your child should be comfortable crossing streams and steep, rocky terrain, as this trail offers some challenging sections. The popular trail is beautiful in early summer, when the mountainous terrain is filled with wildflowers. Sawtooth Lake is a great picnic spot during the crossing and is beautiful any time of year.
7 Most Beautiful Dog-friendly Hikes In Hong Kong
Abundant wildflowers, tranquil forests, and rushing rivers with picturesque mountains, Starved Rock State Park has something to offer visitors in every season. The scenic LaSalle Canyon Loop takes you on a hike along the Illinois River, past numerous viewpoints, waterfalls, and canyons, giving your dog plenty to explore. For a special post-hike treat, head to The Veranda, Starved Rock Lodge’s outdoor patio, where your pup can order a treat from the Doggie Delights menu.
Half painful walk, half forest hike, Trail 10 in Indiana Dunes State Park is a great way for you and your canine hiking companion to stretch your legs. The highlight for this group of kids and people is the next section toward the shore of Lake Michigan, a route that will be more fun for dogs who like to dip their toes in the water or frolic in the sand.
Take your dog (and yourself) on a scenic walk along the banks of the Mississippi River at Effigy Mounds National Monument. This hidden Iowa gem boasts a beautiful riverfront and important Native American sites. Your dog will enjoy walking on the wide dirt paths, while you can spend some time learning about the sacred cemetery. Visit in autumn for an added flash of colour.
Want to take your dog exploring off-leash? Shawnee Mission Park is off-leash for dogs
