Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Kentucky

If your dog likes to ruff it, bring Fido hiking in Kentucky. Our dog friendly hiking section includes everything from easy one-hour walks to fantastic overnight trips in Kentucky that won’t be soon forgotten. Seriously, go take a hike!

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave, KY

Mammoth Cave National Park Dog-friendly Mammoth Cave National Park in Mammoth Cave, KY, invites you and Fido to camp and hike at this beautiful scenic area. South Side Trails are conveniently situated along the main road and include The Cedar Sink Trail, Sand Cave Trail, Sloan's Crossing Pond Walk. More adventurous travelers can head to the backcountry to explore 37 square miles of forest ridges, valleys, and scenic rivers. Though dogs are not permitted in caves, pets may be boarded at Mammoth Cave Kennels and The Woodland Cottages offer in-park dog-friendly lodging. Visitors who bring Fido should be mindful of ticks, snakes and poison ivy. See Details

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

Clermont, KY

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest Leashed dogs are welcome in all outdoor areas of Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest. The arboretum and forest in Clermont, KY features more than 40 miles of pet-friendly trails through a variety of geographic settings which will delight you and your pup. Please leash and clean up after your pets. See Details

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Golden Pond, KY

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area occupies 17,000 acres of land in Golden Pond, KY. As the name suggests, this dog-friendly area of natural beauty is situated between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake and offers 500 miles of trails to explore. Pets are permitted on trails and in campgrounds but must be leashed and under control. Please clean up after your dog. Pets are allowed at the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and you may also have your pet at the Elk & Bison Prairie in the vehicle only. The Woodlands Nature Station offers kennels for pets whose owners wish to visit the facility. See Details

Garvin Brown Nature Preserve

Prospect, KY

Garvin Brown Nature Preserve Leashed dogs are welcome at Garvin Brown Nature Preserve, a 46-acre pet-friendly preserve in Prospect, KY. Explore this scenic area which lies next to the Ohio River on the boarder of Indiana and Kentucky. See Details

Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park

London, KY

Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park in London, KY is dog friendly. You and your pooch can enjoy the wooded hills and think about the pioneers who once braved the wilderness of Kentucky in search of a better life for themselves and their families. There are two hiking trails that span a total of 8.5 miles in length in the footsteps of those that wandered here over the years. Dogs are welcome to join their owners on a leash under six feet, as long as all mess is cleaned up after them. See Details

Kingdom Come State Park

Cumberland, KY

Kingdom Come State Park Dogs are welcome to join their owners at Kingdom Come State Park, where you'll discover the crest of Pine Mountain near Cumberland, KY. Pet-friendly trails, including the 12 O’Clock Trail, will lead you to eight overlooks around the park that offer great views of the mountain peaks and valleys for miles around. You can bring Fido with you to enjoy the trails and views, as long as they are on a leash under six feet and all mess is cleaned up after them. See Details

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Corbin, KY

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is a dog-friendly recreation area in Corbin, KY. This stunning park is home to the Niagara of the South, Cumberland Falls. You and Fido can jump on the half mile hike to the falls and gaze at the beauty of the water gushing over the rocks. There are a number of other pet-friendly trails throughout the park too. Fido is not allowed on Trail 9, 10, or Eagle Falls Trail. Dogs are welcome in the park, as long all mess is cleaned up after them and they are on a leash. See Details

The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky Although Fido isn't permitted inside the garden or building at The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky in Lexington, leashed dogs are welcome on the pet-friendly Walk Across Kentucky trail. The two-mile paved path features seven geophysical regions of Kentucky with large informational signs explaining each along the walkway. The area contains 60 species of plant life and wildflowers, including some ancient trees aged between 200 to 400 years. Please ensure to clean up after your pets. See Details

Iron Ore Trailhead West

Ashland, KY

Iron Ore Trailhead West Iron Ore Trailhead West is a dog-friendly trail situated within Armco Park in Ashland, KY. This 3.7-mile loop is considered moderately challenging and is best traversed from March to November. The trail is popular with dog walkers, bird watchers, hikers and runners. Pets are permitted to be off-leash in certain areas. See Details

Green River Lake State Park

Campbellsville, KY

Green River Lake State Park Choose your own adventure from over 28 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails in Green River Lake State Park in Campbellsville, KY. Multi-use trails are one-way and range from easy to difficult hikes. On your adventure, you might be lucky enough to spot deer and other wildlife as you walk near the 8,200-acre lake. Make sure to keep Fido leashed on the trails for his protection and the protection of the wildlife. See Details

Rock Bridge Hike Trail Head

Campton, KY

Rock Bridge Hike Trail Head Rock Bridge Hike Trail Head is a pet-friendly hiking trail near Campton, KY. This easy pathway descends into a deep ravine and leads hikers and their canine companions beneath towering hemlock trees. Hikers will have the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil setting near Rock Bridge, a natural standstone arch that spans across the creek. See Details

Sky Bridge Trail

Pine Ridge, KY

Sky Bridge Trail Sky Bridge Trail is a dog-friendly loop which leaves the Sky Bridge parking area and extends along a high narrow ridge to Sky Bridge and scenic overlooks. Located near Pine Ridge, KY, in the Daniel Boone National Forest, this route offers spectacular views of the Red River Gorge below and the natural sandstone arch known as Sky Bridge. Please note that the trail passes over and beneath Sky Bridge, and then up a flight stairs (75 steps) back to the parking area. Dogs must be leashed for their safety. See Details

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Union, KY

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Once the home of huge mammoths drawn to the area by salt lick deposited around sulphur springs, Big Bone Lick State Historic Site in Union, KY, now welcomes smaller, furry things to explore on the pet-friendly trails. The Discovery Trail is a great way to get around the park, including a boardwalk, dioramas, and skeletal remains. The trail will lead you through grassland, wetland, and savanna and take you back through time to a place where great beasts once roamed. The area is now also inhabited by bison that can be seen all year round. Dog owners are reminded to keep their pets on a leash under six feet to protect the wildlife in the area and to preserve the park, always clean up after your pooch. For people who want to stay a little longer, there's pet-friendly accommodations around the park too. See Details

Pine Mountain State Resort Park

Pineville, KY

Pine Mountain State Resort Park Dogs are allowed to join their owners at Pine Mountain State Resort Park in Pineville, KY. This pet-friendly park is home to 12 miles of self-guided trails. Depending on which pathway you choose, you can hike to lots of different natural landmarks in the area, such as Chained Rock, the Hemlock Garden, Honeymoon Falls, Rock Hotel, and Timber Ridge. Fido is welcome to join you on the trails, as long as they are on a leash under six feet and you clean up any mess that they leave behind. See Details

John James Audubon State Park

Henderson, KY

John James Audubon State Park Enjoy a hike along the dog-friendly trails within John James Audubon State Park in Henderson, KY, and listen to the beautiful songs of the birds which fill the park. Popular park activities include bird-watching, hiking, boating, fishing, and picnicking. Keep your dog on a leash at all times and clean up after him. See Details

Auxier Ridge Trailhead

Stanton, KY

Auxier Ridge Trailhead Bring Fido on an outing to Auxier Ridge Trailhead in Stanton, KY, and hike the dog-friendly loop of Auxier Ridge and Double Arch trails. This shaded trail is 6.2 miles in length and leads to amazing views of the Red River Gorge Geological Area. There is a small series of metal stairs along the way, so you may want to pick up your pooch at this point, if possible. See Details

Daniel Boone National Forest

London, KY

Daniel Boone National Forest Dog-friendly Daniel Boone National Forest in London, KY, provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation with Fido. Visitors can explore over 600 miles of trails, two federally recognized wildernesses areas, and more than 250 recreation sites. The forest is a popular spot for camping, fishing, hiking, boating, cycling, OHV riding, picnicking, scenic drives, winter sports and activities on the water. Pets are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after. See Details

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park

Jamestown, KY

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park Lake Cumberland State Resort Park in Jamestown, KY is dog friendly. Bring your adventurous pup to explore 52,000 acres of water and 1,225 miles of shoreline at Lake Cumberland. There are plenty of activities to get involved with at this park, including hiking, boating, and frisbee golf. There are three trails in total and the Lake Bluff Trail is the longest at 4 miles, taking you up steep slopes which lead to an overlook with a lake view. Dogs are welcome on a leash under six feet, as long as you clean up any mess after them. See Details

Taylorsville Lake State Park

Mount Eden, KY

Taylorsville Lake State Park Dogs are welcome at pet-friendly Taylorsville Lake State Park in Mt. Eden, KY. Visitors and their four-legged companions can explore the 24-mile trail system winding around various sections of the park. Discover every nook and cranny of this interesting park which includes Taylorsville Lake, a huge man-made reservoir. Pet owners are reminded to keep their pooch on a leash for the duration of their visit and to clean up any mess that they leave behind. See Details

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Dawson Springs, KY

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park in Dawson Springs, KY is dog friendly and lies on top of a high cliff that overlooks Pennyrile Lake. Dogs are welcome on the many trails that weave around the park, as long as they are on a leash under six feet in length. The shortest trail is the Thompson's Hollow Trail that leads you to a picnic area; and the longest trail is Pennyrile Nature Trail, 13.5 miles of moderate pathway that will take you on a guided tour of the scenic pine woodland in the area. There are a number of other trails that lead to various overlooks and interesting landmarks. See Details