Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Virginia

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

Pet Friendly Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park Shenandoah National Park in Luray, VA offers 500 miles of trails, all but 20 of which are dog friendly. Travel along the Skyline Drive National Scenic Byway from Front Royal to Waynesboro, stop at one of the 75 scenic overlooks, and enjoy the abundance of nature at this paradise in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on Hawksbill Loop, a circuit hike to Shenandoah’s highest peak. The viewing platform on top of Hawksbill offers a magnificent 360-degree view of the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Virginia Piedmont. See Details
Pet Friendly Jones Point Park
Jones Point Park Leashed dogs are welcome at Jones Point Park! Located on the Potomac River, the Park is a critical piece of Alexandria's history, and it features the last remaining riverine lighthouse in Virginia. Pets must be cleaned up after and on a leash no longer than six feet during their visit. Restrooms, water fountains, and a dog drinking bowl can be found underneath the Park's bridge, and trash bins are scattered throughout the park. Jones Point Park is open year-round from 6am to 10pm. See Details
Crozet Railroad Tunnel Crozet Railroad Tunnel is a dog-friendly activity in Afton, VA, that is a 4.5 mile trail in its entirety. Start at either trailhead (address will take you to the east trailhead). There are information markers along the trail so you can learn all about the tunnel and the surrounding area. After the first half mile you'll be at the entrance to an old railroad tunnel. BRING A FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP! You and Fido can walk the 1-mile tunnel and continue on or turn around. Dogs must be on a leash. The trail leading up to the tunnel is quite wide so plenty of space. Inside the tunnel is a bit narrower but easily manageable. See Details
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Ellanor C. Lawrence Park is a dog-friendly, 650-acre park in Centerville, VA. The park has approximately four miles of trails for hiking, bird watching, jogging and walking in upland and bottomland forest and along meadows, one trail of which forms a loop around a large pond. Trail maps are available at the Walney Visitor Center. Please note that dogs are not permitted inside buildings. See Details
Rose River Falls Loop The 4-mile Rose River Falls Loop is one of Shenandoah National Park’s best hikes for water-loving dogs as you'll get to see plenty of streams and waterfalls. See Details
Mount Trashmore Park Known for its 60-foot tall and 800-foot wide mountain, made of compacted layers of solid waste and clean soil, Mount Trashmore Park is dog-friendly! The Park encompasses 165 acres and features two man-made mountains, two lakes, two playgrounds, picnic areas, a skate park and vert ramp, outdoor fitness stations, and multi-use paths. Leashed dogs are allowed to explore the park as long as their owner cleans up after them. There are plenty of dog waste stations scattered throughout Mount Trashmore. Visitors can stop by the park office to check out corn hole boards and bags, footballs, Frisbees, horseshoes and more. Mount Trashmore's hours vary seasonally, so dog owners should check its website or call ahead before planning their outing. See Details
Thomas Jefferson's Monticello Thomas Jefferson's Monticello is a historic, pet-friendly attraction in Charlottesville, VA. For almost 100 years, Monticello has been maintained and kept open to the public by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. Explore the grounds with your pooch, including Mulberry Row, the main street of the 5,000-acre Monticello plantation. Leashed dogs are welcome, as long as all mess is cleaned up after them. See Details
Island Nature Trail Island Nature Trail in Chincoteague, VA, has a short accessible paved loop for leashed dogs. Located on Hallie Whealton Smith Drive, this dog-friendly trail offers a scenic 0.7 mile route with benches allowing you to rest and admire your surroundings. Please note that pets are not allowed on the longer pine forest trail which is located on the north side of Hallie Whealton Smith Drive. Dogs cannot be left in a vehicle during your visit. See Details
Grandview Nature Preserve Bring your dog with you as you walk this 2.5 mile trail to a beautiful sandy beach. Dogs permitted on-leash during the off-season. Dogs are not permitted from May 15 to September 15. See Details
Potomac Heritage Trail The Potomac Heritage Trail is a multi-use trail that's a great place to walk Fido in Arlington! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Potomac Heritage Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details
Elizabeth River Trail (Atlantic City Spur) The Elizabeth River Trail (Atlantic City Spur) is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Norfolk! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Elizabeth River Trail (Atlantic City Spur). Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details
Cub Run Stream Valley Park A 800 acre mostly a wooded flood plain and mostly paved. It is approximately 5 miles. A very quiet park. Dogs can dip in the creek. There is plenty of shade when walking. See Details
Mason Neck Park Nice park with wooded trails and bay views. Took the pup swimming here in the calm bay water with a nice sand/mud beach. Pets must remain on leashes and of course clean up after them. Watch out for wildlife- we passed a big snake on the trail. But not very crowded so a nice place to walk with the pup. See Details
Lake Accotink Trail Lake Accotink Trail is pet-friendly. The trail on the north side of the lake, as well as the paved trail downstream from the lake, are part of the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail which traverses Fairfax County. To protect the forest habitat, users should stay on established trails and avoid creating new ones. Dogs must be leashed and all mess cleaned up after them. See Details
Manassas National Battlefield Park 5,073 acres, dog friendly

Manassas National Battlefield Park, located north of Manassas, in Prince William County, Virginia, preserves the site of two major American Civil War battles: the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861, and the Second Battle of Bull Run which was fought between August 28 and August 30, 1862 (also known as the First Battle of Manassas and the Second Battle of Manassas, respectively). The peaceful Virginia countryside bore witness to clashes between the armies of the North (Union) and the South (Confederacy), and it was there that Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson acquired his nickname "Stonewall." Today the National Battlefield Park provides the opportunity for visitors to explore the historic terrain where men fought and died more than a century ago. More than 900,000 people visit the battlefield each year.
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Lake Accotink Park 493-acre park with a 55-acre lake for boating and a four-mile hiking trail. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails. See Details
Stumpy Lake Natural Area Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the Stumpy Lake Natural Area. The Natural Area features a 278-acre lake, a canoe and kayak launch, and 1.65 miles of soft shared-use trails. The soft surface trails are surrounded by 970+ acres of dense forest, so Fido should be on a leash at all times. Park hours are listed on its website and vary by date. See Details
Chippokes Plantation State Park Chippokes Plantation State Park is a dog-friendly recreation area in Surry, VA. Please note that state regulations prohibit pets on public swim beaches and require pets to be confined or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and kept under supervision while in the park. Pets are also not allowed inside public facilities (bathhouses, visitor centers, park offices, restaurants, etc.) To avoid potential inconvenience, they ask that you bring proof of current rabies vaccination. This is strongly recommended in Virginia Beach where a rabies alert is in effect. See Details
Warrenton Branch Greenway The Warrenton Branch Greenway is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Warrenton! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Warrenton Branch Greenway. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details
Belle Haven Park Belle Haven Park is dog-friendly! The large park sits along the quaint Belle Haven Marina and welcomes leashed dogs. Ample parking and picnic tables are available. Dog owners must clean up after their pet. The Park is open from 6am to 7pm, seven days a week. See Details
Fountainhead Regional Park Discover Fountainhead Regional Park, 2,000 acres of rugged adventures in Fairfax Station, Virginia. Whether you’re a cyclist, kayaker, hiker or miniature golf aficionado. Fountainhead Regional Park contains shared-use hiking and equestrian trails and provides trailhead access to the 19.7 mile Bull Run Occoquan Trail. Leashed dogs are welcome on trails. See Details
Mill Mountain Star Trail The dog-friendly Mill Mountain Star Trail traverses from the Roanoke River to the city's highest point, the summit of Mill Mountain (1703 ft), and the Roanoke Star. There are 500 acres of parkland atop Mill Mountain, featuring picnic areas, overlooks that provide 20-60 mile vistas, access to additional hiking trails, the Mill Mountain Zoo, and much more. Leashed dogs are welcome on this moderate hike. See Details
Preddy Creek Trail Park Preddy Creek Trail Park is dog-friendly. There are ten miles of trails for hiking, running, mountain biking and horseback riding around the area. The rolling trails range from easy to moderate, so most hikers and their canine companion will find a trail that suits. The main loop is 3.5 miles of sustainable trail built by Charlottesville Area Mountain Bike Club. The park can be accessed from 7am until dark throughout the year. See Details
Raven Rocks Trail Leashed dogs are welcome on this 5.8 mile moderate hiking trail. Prepare for some steep climbs, but the magnificent view at the top makes it all worthwhile. Accessible from April until October. See Details