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 is a pet-friendly destination in Front Royal, VA. Travel along the Skyline Drive National Scenic Byway to Waynesboro, stop at one of the 75 scenic overlooks and enjoy over 500 trails. Out of all the trails, less than 20 do not allow your furry friend. Please refer to their website below for the list. See Details
Pet Friendly Jones Point Park
Jones Point Park Jones Point Park is a pet-friendly recreational spot in Alexandria, VA, located on the Potomac River. Your leashed pup is welcome to tag along as you explore one of the historical places in town that features the last remaining lighthouse in Virginia. Restrooms, water fountains and a dog drinking bowl can be found underneath the park's bridge. 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 and trails with your leashed pup, including Mulberry Row, the main street of the 5,000-acre Monticello plantation. See Details
Mill Mountain Star Trail Bring Fido to hike the pet-friendly Mill Mountain Star Trail, located in Roanoke, VA. The trail starts at the base of the mountain and climbs up to the iconic 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
Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail The Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail 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 Abingdon! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Virginia Creeper National Recreation 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
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
Ridgeview Park Ridgeview Park is a dog-friendly, 85-acre park in Waynesboro, VA with a tree-lined path along the South River. The park also features gardens and nature trails. Bring a picnic to share with Fido in the picnic shelter or spread a blanket on the grass! The park is open from sunrise to sunset. See Details
Booker T Washington National Monument Come experience history at the pet-friendly Booker T Washington National Monument in Hardy, VA. This is the birthplace of Booker T Washington, an influential man born into slavery who wrote important accounts of his time as a slave and the time directly after emancipation. Your leashed pup can join you while you explore the grounds, which include a couple of short trails, a picnic area and a farm area. See Details
McAfee Knob McAfee Knob is pet-friendly. One of the East Coast’s most popular hikes and one of the most photographed destinations on the Appalachian Trail, this is a must-visit for you and your outbound hound. Park at Catawba Mountain and hike just over 3,000 feet to the top of the famous overhanging rock at the top. When you reach the unique geological formation, you’ll be greeted by 270-degree views of the luscious valley and a picture perfect place to cherish forever. This moderate trail is nearly 9 miles in length and takes at least four hours to complete. Due to the popularity of the trail, hike during off-peak times. 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
Potomac Heritage Trail The Potomac Heritage Trail is a pet-friendly, multi-use trail that's a great place to walk Fido in Arlington, VA! 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
Leesylvania State Park Leesylvania State Park is a pet-friendly recreation area in Woodbridge, VA. The 556-acre park is nestled along the shore of Potomac River where Native Americans lived for thousands of years. Bring Fido out and spend the day on the trails or cool off in the water. There are also areas for picnicking, fishing and boating. Dogs must be leashed at the park. See Details
Shenandoah National Park Shenandoah National Park is a pet-friendly destination in Waynesboro, VA. Travel along the Skyline Drive National Scenic Byway and stop at one of the 75 scenic overlooks and enjoy over 500 trails. Out of all the trails, less than 20 do not allow your furry friend. Please refer to their website below for the list. See Details
Great Falls Park Dogs are welcome to join their owners at Great Falls Park in McLean, VA. The trails at this pet-friendly park will lead you to an amazing view from the top, and there are several different trails you can explore with your leashed pup. See Details
Mount Trashmore Park Mount Trashmore Park is a dog-friendly recreation area in Virginia Beach, VA. Your leashed pup is welcome to explore 165 acres and see two man-made mountains of compacted layers of solid waste and clean soil. Amenities include a shared-use path, boardwalk, lawn games and pavilions. See Details
Preddy Creek Park Preddy Creek Park is a pet-friendly recreational spot in Charlottesville, VA. Fido is welcome to explore the 571-acre park with you but must remain on a leash. There are over 16 miles of trails for hiking that are also heavily used by mountain bikers or horseback riding. See Details
Island Nature Trail Island Nature Trail in Chincoteague, VA, has a short accessible paved loop for leashed dogs. The pet-friendly portion is located on the south side of Hallie Whealton Smith Drive with an accessible 0.7 mile long paved loop path complete with benches and an interpretive sign display. Pets on leashes are allowed along this portion of the trail only (Fido isn't permitted on the north side). Dogs cannot be left in a vehicle during your visit. See Details
Chessie Nature Trail The Chessie Nature Trail 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 dog-friendly "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Buena Vista! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Chessie Nature Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. See Details
Grandview Nature Preserve and Factory Point Check out the pet-friendly Grandview Nature Preserve and Factory Point in Hampton, VA. This park offers 475 acres of salt marsh, tidal creeks and Chesapeake Bay beachfront. Bring your dog with you as you walk the 2.5-mile trail. Leashed pups are permitted during the off-season. Dogs are not permitted from May 15 to September 15. 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
Virginia