Hiking is a great way for dogs and their owners to stay active, spend quality time together, and discover beautiful untouched corners of the country. From off-leash trails and hidden caves to meandering pathways around lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls, here’s a roundup of the top dog-friendly hiking trails in every state.
Top Trails to Hike With Your Dog in All 50 States
Posted by Billy Francis
Alabama
Located in the heart of Birmingham, Ruffner Mountain Preserve spans over 1,000 acres and offers four-legged visitors the chance to explore 14 miles of trails that weave through a biodiverse urban forest. While the city around it grows, the preserve remains a place for visitors to escape the hustle and bustle. The Overlook Trail via Quarry Trail is a great place to start exploring with your pooch. This easy hike is under three miles and leads to a great view of the Birmingham skyline beyond the forest.
After a day of hiking, bring your best friend back to this modern home which features a light and airy living space, hardwood floors throughout, and a nice fenced backyard for off-leash roaming.
Alaska
Portage Pass Trail in Chugach National Forest is one of the highlights of the larger Iditarod National Historic Trail, which encompasses 1,000 miles of main trails and 1,400 side trails. Winter breeds can experience walking in the pawprints of their ancestors on Portage Pass Trail, named after the most famous dog sled race. Fido will start his journey among shrubs that lead to a patch of trees, then up 750 feet of elevation to an open tundra and the only views of Portage Glacier available to hikers. Bring a picnic along to eat next to Divide Lake. This moderate hike is around four miles out and back.
With ample outdoor activities on its doorstep, this dog-friendly cabin in Girdwood makes a great place to rest between adventures.
Arizona
More than one million people visit McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale each year to hike 225 miles of recreational trails that wind through the desert habitat. Lost Dog Wash Trailhead is the “pawfect” springing off point for you and your Spaniel. Here, outdoor lovers will find a selection of easy and moderate trails that show off the natural desert wash, cacti and other native flora, and supreme southern views. The trailhead is also the entrance to the paved and accessible half-mile loop, Kovach Family Nature Trail.
Roaming Retrievers deserve 5-star treatment. Reserve a room at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and sign your pup up for the Posh Paws Program.
Arkansas
Planning a pet-friendly trip to the Ozarks? Visit one of Arkansas’ greatest natural sights, Hawksbill Crag. Whitaker Point Trail is located high above the Buffalo River and leads to the stunning payoff, a magnificent slice of sandstone that juts out high above the trees and offers incredible views of the Ozark National Forest for miles around. Whitaker Point Trail is a popular three mile out-and-back trail rated moderately difficult due to steep sections.
Get ready to rock at Rocking Chair Ridge in nearby Jasper, a cute cabin featuring two rocking chairs on the porch and a tranquil viewing platform.
California
Hikes don’t need to be difficult to be rewarding. Formerly a ranch, Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria is one of the last remaining unspoiled sections of California coastline. This stop along the California Coastal Trail covers 440 acres in total, including eight miles of pet-friendly trails. The most popular pathway in the preserve is the Ridge, Bluff, Arch, and Dolphin Trail. This easy four-mile loop features rolling meadows, pine forests, and coastal bluffs with unbeatable Pacific views.
From the dog on the mailbox to the welcome bag with pet sheets, bowls and bags, Cambria Shores Inn is a coastal gem that rolls out the red carpet for four-legged guests.
Colorado
Pups who love to splash through creeks and streams will jump at the chance to hike Herman Gulch Trail in Silver Plume. Fido can count the colorful columbines in bloom as you strike a course through this classic Colorado valley that springs to life during wildflower season. Dogs and their owners can cool off in the spectacular lake at the halfway point. This popular hike is rated moderate and is just over seven miles out and back.
Nestled in Clear Creek Canyon, spend the night nearby at the Historic Windsor Hotel. Dogs are free to explore the property and can even hang out at reception if you need to make a trip to the store for more treats.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s most dog-friendly attraction, The Cascades at Lake Mohegan is also home to the state’s top trail to hike with your dog. Visitors can let Fido loose in the off-leash open space and tackle the loop trail that circles the lake, where he’s sure to make lots of new canine friends. This easy loop is just over two miles in total and makes a great hike for all levels of trekking Terriers.
If you want to stay in a comfortable vacation rental nearby, book this quaint house situated on a cliff. Inside, tile floors make for easy cleanup and there’s space outside for late night walks.
Delaware
Home to over 37 miles of pet-friendly trails, White Clay Creek State Park is a quintessential Delaware park full of creeks, natural vistas, and shady woodlands. The most popular footpath in the park is Chestnut Hill Trail. This pretty loop between two creeks is nearly four miles long and rated moderate due to rocky terrain. For a shorter hike, take the cut off at the halfway point and head back to the trailhead. Don’t forget to check out Judge Morris Estate, a building that dates back to 1790.
Sleep off the day’s exploits at nearby SpringHill Suites Newark Downtown. This comfortable, modern hotel has a convenient pet relief area outside.
Florida
Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon showcases the crystal clear blue waters of a classic Sunshine State spring. Rainbow Springs Yellow Trail will guide you through mossy hammocks, alongside patches of tropical plants, underneath shady trees, and down to the sapphire-blue waters of Rainbow Springs. This easy hike is just under two miles in length and suitable for all hiking levels. After he sees the inviting water from land, Fido will be aching to get a closer look. Paddle through the park with your pooch in a pet-friendly rental from Clear Kayaking Rainbow Springs.
Swing on the hammock, chill in the screened porch, or gather around the fire pit with your pup at Rainbow River Getaway.
Georgia
Located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Mount Yonah Trail in Cleveland is a challenging hike through the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. Hiking hounds will need to traverse more than 3,000 feet of elevation gain, varied terrain, and rocky staircases to reach the top of the mountain. Looking for a romantic way to start the day? Begin your hike early and catch the sunrise from the top. This difficult hike is nearly five miles in length and might be tricky for senior dogs. For an easier hike in the area, head to Moccasin Creek State Park and explore Hemlock Falls Trail.
Travelers who want a taste of life in a yurt can reserve the Roundhouse. This stunning home in the woods welcomes four-legged guests and even has a huge doggy mural on the wall of the game room.
Hawaii
Kuliouou Forest Reserve protects vast swathes of luscious tropical rainforest around Honolulu. The best way to see this stunning natural attraction is on the Kuliouou Ridge Trail. Start on forest pathways under shady trees before you reach the epic staircase lined with wildflowers and shrubs. When you reach the top, you’ll be treated to views of the Pacific Ocean in the distance, Lanikai Beach, and the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail. This beautiful Hawaiian hike is under five miles out and back and is rated moderately difficult due to the descent down the steep stairs.
Stay in the heart of the Hawaiian capital at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa and enjoy ocean views with Fido from your private balcony.
Idaho
Fill up on baked goods from Stanley Baking Company & Café, then set off on an adventure on Hell Roaring Creek Trail within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. You and your pooch will pass wonderful waterfalls and crystal pools full of rainbow trout on this secluded hike through Gem State backcountry alongside the trail’s namesake, Hell Roaring Creek. At a fork in the creek, veer left to reach the stunning lake, where pups and people can paddle and cool off. Hell Roaring Trail is relatively flat and suitable for all hiking levels at six miles roundtrip.
Make a reservation at Mountain Village Lodge in downtown Stanley. Fido can relax next to you as you enjoy the in-ground hot tub with uninterrupted views of the mountain range in the distance.
Illinois
Far from the crowds and spectacle of the Grand Canyon sits the charming Little Grand Canyon in Shawnee National Forest. This popular hike starts off on a gravel pathway that winds through the forest and offers views of the Mississippi and Big Muddy rivers. Then, using a natural stone staircase, hikers descend into the canyon on a more rugged section of trail. At the bottom, the canyon walls stretch 100 feet on either side with a small creek running through them. Little Grand Canyon is a 3.5-mile loop trail rated moderate due to the steps to the canyon floor. For an easier hike, enter at the parking lot and turn back at the observation area.
Fido doesn’t need to tie the knot to experience the Labrador Lakehouse Inn & Wedding Venue, although he might fall in love with Maggie, the inn’s resident Labrador.
Indiana
Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres at Newfields in Indianapolis is one of the largest contemporary sculpture parks in the world and features a number of unique displays designed for human (and canine) interaction. Take to the easy trails and get up close to a variety of amazing exhibits, including playful yellow benches around a 35-acre lake, a secret tunnel that leads to a quiet garden full of colorful flowers and plants, and a huge skeleton called Funky Bones that pups can hop around for a great photo opportunity. In addition to the unique artwork, the nature park is home to the largest native pollinator meadow in Indianapolis.
Looking for a luxury Airbnb? Book this Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood home with a big fenced backyard and hardwood floors throughout.
Iowa
Named for the Native Americans who once lived in the region, Maquoketa Caves Loop in Maquoketa is one way to check caving off Fido’s summer bucket list. Dawdle with your doodle on this distinctive walk through the woods in Maquoketa Caves State Park and wind your way through caves of varying sizes. Squeeze through small spaces with your Corgi and listen to his bark echo against the walls on this unusual hike in The Hawkeye State. Maquoketa Caves Loop is under two miles and should be a comfortable hike for all four-legged fitness levels.
From a special hike to a special home, the Wapsi River Retreat is a round home situated steps away from a river with a big backyard and fire pit area.
Kansas
Shawnee Mission Off Leash Dog Park is one of the world’s largest dog parks, but it also contains The Sunflower State’s top trail for pups who love to roam off leash. Spanning 44 acres of grasslands, wooded areas, and open fields, the park provides the perfect backdrop for a game of fetch. But the trails lead to the stunning centerpiece, a 120-acre lake with a dog beach and swimming hole. After a doggy paddle, explore miles of paved and unpaved trails that wind around the lake and through the woods. Dog park maps and trail guides are available at the visitor center.
If your pooch still has energy left, take the designated dog walking trail at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Overland Park West. Four-legged guests will even receive a treat at check-in.
Kentucky
Searching for a shady hike in The Bluegrass State? March with your mutt on Auxier Ridge Trail in Daniel Boone National Forest, which will take you along a high, narrow ridge between sheer cliffs. You’ll have a chance to glimpse some of Kentucky’s most unique rock formations like Haystack Rock, Courthouse Rock, and Raven Rock. Auxier Ridge Trail is just under 4.5 miles out and back and is rated moderate. If you want to extend the hike and see another natural landmark, a trail spur leads to a rock formation known as Double Arch.
For a clean and comfortable stay in nearby Corbin, book a room for two at Best Western Corbin Inn. Treats are available at the front desk and there’s a grassy relief area on the premises.
Louisiana
Louisiana is known for its swampy sections of river called bayous. Get a taste for these marshy outlets on The Gorge Run Trail at Bogue Chitto State Park. This winding woodland pathway is shady with benches and a small pavilion with a fishing pier for public use. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators lounging in swampland, beaches that lead to the water, and native plants like American Beech, Southern Magnolia, Persimmon, and Red Mulberry. The Gorge Run Trail is a 5.5-mile loop rated as moderately difficult.
Spend the night between downtown NOLA and the park at Moore's Chateau. Pups can play off leash in the fenced backyard while you lounge on the comfortable furniture.
Maine
The Pine Tree State is home to the most dog-friendly national park in the U.S., Acadia National Park. With over 158 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails to choose from, there’s something for every type of hiking hound. Wander with your best friend along the Ocean Path Trail, arguably the most popular pathway in the park that leads through old-growth forests and showcases Acadia’s famous jagged pink granite formations. Then, visit Jordan Pond and experience one of the park’s most serene places. Ocean Path Trail is just under 4.5 miles long and Jordan Pond is just over three miles. Both hikes are easy enough for all dogs and humans to enjoy.
Located in The Village of Otter Creek, Blackwoods Cottage makes the ideal place for Fido to rest his paws between hikes and join you for a relaxing night around the fire pit.
Maryland
Do you dream of hiking the AT with your best friend? If you don’t feel like trekking all 2,180 miles of the famous thru-hike, Annapolis Rock via the Appalachian Trail near Boonsboro is a great way to get a feel for it. This shady walk through the woods is a mix of rocky pathway, stairs, and soft forest floor. Eventually, it opens up to reveal incredible views across the Cumberland Valley, Greenbrier Lake, and Black Rock Cliff. On the way up, stop for a chat with the trail caretaker at the campsite to find out more about the area’s wildlife. Annapolis Rock is a five-mile hike rated moderately difficult due to steep sections.
Wake up to garden views from the balcony of this Victorian home, where Fido can explore the fenced backyard off leash.
Massachusetts
Tumbling water, roaring cascades, and refreshing spray make waterfalls a refreshing feature of any hike for four-legged wanderers. Bash Bish Falls Trail in Bash Bish Falls State Park is an unmissable dog-friendly waterfall hike in The Bay State. Get down to business on the rugged trail through mature forest over boulders and alongside a brook, before an ascent up natural stone and manmade wooden stairs. The pretty payoff is a view of the highest single-drop waterfall in Massachusetts at the end of the trail. Bash Bish Falls Trail is two miles out and back and is an easy hike that allows all hiker levels to enjoy the falls.
If you want to see more of the pet-friendly Berkshires region, snag this Berkshires Dream House across the border in New York.
Michigan
Planning on plodding with your pooch in Michigan? Located along 40 miles of Lake Superior shoreline, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising is one of the most popular places in the state to explore on foot. Miners Castle Trail is a quick way to see one of the epic natural rock formations here. This easy walk is under a mile in length and should be comfortable for all hiking levels, leading to three viewing platforms that overlook the lake, shoreline, and rugged rocks. For a more expansive trek, backpackers can hop on a section of the North Country Trail from Grand Marais to Munising here, too.
Share more stunning lake views at Holiday Inn Express Munising Lakeview. Guests traveling with pets sleep on the ground floor for easy access to the grassy relief area outside.
Minnesota
Gooseberry Falls State Park in Two Harbors boasts 20 miles of pet-friendly trails along the Gooseberry River, but the real spectacles here are the grand waterfalls on display. Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop takes visitors to the foot of a terrific tiered waterfall, which makes a great place for a photograph. This loop trail is three miles long and rated easy. If Fido prefers the level nature of a rails-to-trails adventure, a paved section of the Gitchi Gami State Trail is also located within the park.
Pups can put their paws up around the fireplace at Knife River Gooseberry Suites. The closest lodging to the state park has access to pet-friendly trails beyond the backdoor.
Mississippi
Clark Creek State Park in Woodville is one of Mississippi’s most beautiful natural areas. Located in the southwestern region of The Magnolia State, this gorgeous 700-acre park features 50 waterfalls. Clark Creek Primitive Trail will take you on a walk through the woods alongside a creek and is known for its abundance of edible mushrooms and foraging opportunities. Hot dogs can cool off in the creek or underneath one of the waterfalls along the way. This moderate loop is just over four miles and includes a few steep sections that may be a scramble for some.
Surrounded by the Homochitto National Forest, Thunder Ridge at the Forest Retreat in nearby Gloster has a private path down to its own stretch of creek for more splashing.
Missouri
People and pups who prefer the city to the countryside can still get their hiking fix at Gateway Arch National Park. Take a break on Fido’s Route 66 road trip in St. Louis to see The Show-Me State’s most famous landmark. Leashed pups can explore trails, relax on a grassy hillside overlooking the Mississippi River, and have their photo taken with the iconic monument. Jefferson National Expansion Memorial is the main trail in the park. This easy urban trail is under two miles and offers views of the impressive Arch and the Mississippi River.
Book a room overlooking the monument at Hyatt Regency Saint Louis at the Arch.
Montana
There’s no better place to experience Montana’s natural beauty than on the Beehive Basin Trail in Big Sky. An epic hike, it features jaw dropping views at every turn, including a large meadow full of wildflowers, snow capped mountains for miles in the distance, and a crystal clear mountain lake at the very top. Beehive Basin Trail is seven miles out and back and is rated moderately difficult due to occasional steep sections along the way. But when combined with plenty of flat areas, it’s a manageable trek for most fit furballs.
Huntley Lodge is in Gallatin Canyon near the trailhead. Pups are welcome to stay here and can enjoy a leashed wander around the grassy relief area. Food and water bowls are available upon request.
Nebraska
Situated between Lincoln and Omaha, Fido can get his tail on a trail at Platte River State Park in Louisville. The main pathway through the park is the Platte River State Park Trail Loop, which meanders beneath trees alongside the river and features a pretty waterfall en route. This hike is under seven miles and rated moderate due to steep inclines along the way. Water loving pups can float along a different pathway in a canoe or kayak on the Platte River Water Trail close to the mouth of Decker Creek.
Treat your pooch to a unique camping experience at Tentrr State Park Sites, featuring pre-pitched tents, a dog-friendly walking trail, and water access.
Nevada
Narrow valleys with cave-like formations and cathedral-like spires formed over tens of millions of years await you and Fido at Cathedral Gorge State Park in Panaca, NV. This dog-friendly photographer’s paradise includes over five miles of trails through soft bentonite clay,formed by volcanic eruption. Take your leashed pup on a short hike to Moon Caves where you’ll find a maze of slot canyons to explore. Plan your visit for late afternoon or early evening when the sun hits the caves just right, illuminating the walls with a golden hue. If you’re up for more slot canyon exploring, keep the adventure going with another short hike to dog-friendly Cathedral Caves.
Camp among the spires at Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground, or venture 10 minutes up the highway to Pioche and relax in this one-bedroom home. You’ll also be near more dog-friendly trails at Echo Canyon State Park.
New Hampshire
Formerly the home of The Old Man of the Mountain until the unique natural landmark crumbled from the rock face in 2003, Franconia Notch State Park in Lincoln remains a worthy place to visit with your pooch. Experienced outdoor adventurers can test their skills on the Franconia Ridge Loop, one of the most popular hikes in New England. This difficult trek is nine miles long and includes ascents up Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, and Little Haystack. For an easier journey, clamber with your canine along the Whitehouse Trail and return on the paved bike path.
Pet-friendly Airbnb cabins are popular among families traveling with pups. This cute cabin has a fenced backyard with a hammock you can swing in while Fido roams.
New Jersey
Mount Tammany is the southernmost peak in the Kittatinny Mountains, a stretch of the Appalachian range found in New Jersey. Mount Tammany: Red Dot and Blue Dot Loop Trail will deliver you and your Terrier to the top of this magnificent mountain. The Red Dot Trail offers incredible views of The Delaware Water Gap, a stretch of the Delaware River on the New Jersey and Pennsylvania border. The descent down the Blue Dot Trail is a more gradual decline with a swimming hole where pups can cool off. This tricky trail is just over 3.5 miles and rated as difficult due to rocky terrain and a steep climb at the start.
After a day of strenuous hiking, enjoy the seclusion of the Glenwood Home. This historic vacation rental has 50 acres of outdoor space for you and your dog to sniff out together.
New Mexico
Canines keen on beautiful views will love hiking along the 2.5-milke Osha Trail in Cloudcroft. This loop trail in the Lincoln National Forest is open year-round and provides hikers on two legs and four with beautiful views of the Sacramento Mountains and the sparkling gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park. Visit New Mexico’s top trail to hike with your dog during summer to catch dazzling wildflower displays and be on the lookout for horses that share the trails with hikers.
Catch 40 winks in a 40's Cottage in Old Town Alamogordo. This homely vacation rental has hardwood floors throughout and a walled backyard outside.
New York
Peppy pups on a vacation to the pet-friendly Finger Lakes will find an abundance of outdoor activities to keep them busy in the region. Robert H. Treman State Park has nine miles of trails that welcome dogs, including the popular Rim Trail and Gorge Loop Trail. This shady woodland pathway features a craggy waterfall with a swimming hole and a creek for paddling along the way. Learn more about the region’s flora and fauna by reading the interpretive signs dotted along the footpath, too. The loop is just over four miles long and rated moderate due to steep sections.
Escape to Firelight Camps for an elevated dog-friendly camping experience. The camp’s furnished tents are outfitted with hardwood floors and a private tented porch with rocking chairs.
North Carolina
Located 25 miles from the pet-friendly city of Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park is a “pawfect” place for Fido to stretch his legs during a tour of The Blue Ridge Parkway. Panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure await those who ascend 499 steps of the moderately difficult Outcroppings Trail. For another vantage point, climb just over half a mile on the Exclamation Point Trail to an elevation of 2,480 feet. Or, proceed on the easy Hickory Nut Falls Trail, a 1.5-mile jaunt that leads to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.
Watch clouds roll over the mountains from the quiet deck of this romantic cabin. Featuring a fenced-in yard with a fire pit, guests can let loose and enjoy the natural beauty with the whole pack.
North Dakota
Get high with your hound in The Flickertail State on White Butte Trail in Bowman. The trail begins by weaving through sandy gulches, which quickly turn into native North Dakota grass as you ascend a ridge to the top of the butte. At the peak, pause for a moment and enjoy the seclusion and panoramic prairie views from the highest point in the state. Dogs with voice control can roam by your side off leash. This towering out-and-back trail is 3.5 miles long and is suitable for all levels of canine and human hikers.
The 8512 Bungalow is a pet-friendly home with hardwood floors and a cozy living space nearby.
Ohio
Hocking Hills State Park in Logan attracts visitors from all over The Buckeye State in search of pet-friendly trails that highlight the region’s waterfalls, creeks, and curious caves. Upper Falls to Lower Falls via Buckeye Trail stops by some of the park’s most revered natural formations. You’ll see Old Man’s Cave, named after a hermit who once lived there, and two beautiful waterfalls. Part of the hike features a section of The Buckeye Trail, which is over 1,400 miles and connects all four corners of Ohio. Upper Falls to Lower Falls via Buckeye Trail is just over a mile loop and is rated moderate due to carved stone stairs offering a challenge.
Reserve The Overlook for a fun-filled stay nearby. This cool cabin is on a lake and has a hot tub for soaking sore muscles after a day of hiking.
Oklahoma
Friends Trail Loop in Beavers Bend State Park should be renamed “Best Friends Trail Loop” thanks to its popularity among dogs and their owners. This well-maintained walkway through the woods and alongside a creek leads to views of a waterfall and rock formations. Beginning at Spillway Creek below the dam, hikers can climb steep hills to get a good vantage point of the water. Friends Trail Loop is 1.5 miles long and rated moderate due to the incline. For an easy hike in the park, take the Tree Trail to a Native American sculpture.
There’s no need to travel far to get a good night’s sleep. Book a pet-friendly cabin at Beavers Bend Resort Park and hit the trails again in the morning.
Oregon
Trek with Fido along the 12-mile Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor in Brookings. This top trail to hike with your dog in Oregon is the perfect spot to enjoy seaside prairies, spectacular vistas, secluded cove beaches, rugged cliffs, and forested sea stacks. The full trail takes about seven hours to complete, but hikers looking for a quick jaunt can begin at the trailhead at the north end of the picnic area and take side trails to overlooks before turning back.
Spend time exploring more of Brookings and rest up at this townhome with an ocean view.
Pennsylvania
Witnessing a waterfall on a hike is an attractive prospect, but what about 20 on one hike? Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park in Benton is a picturesque romp through one of the most scenic corners of Pennsylvania that is widely considered to be one of the best waterfall hikes in the country. Canines can cool off in the spray of multiple falls, including one that towers 80 feet in the air. Falls Trail is eight miles and rated moderately difficult due to steep stone staircases that carry hikers to the top of the falls.
Located half a mile away from the state park, Fern View Cabin has its own private five-acre plot to explore with your pooch.
Rhode Island
Head to Rhode Island’s coast to stroll with your Saluki along the Cliff Walk in Newport. This designated National Recreation Trail stretches from Easton’s Beach (just south of Memorial Boulevard) to Bailey’s Beach at the south end of Bellevue Avenue. The trek will offer you and your pup some of New England’s most breathtaking views and a peek into the backyards of stately mansions constructed during the country’s Gilded Age. This 3.5-mile oceanfront pathway is rated moderate due to the rocky shoreline required to reach the trail’s end.
Admiral Sims House welcomes dogs who need a rest after a scramble along the shoreline with treats and towels to clean up. This guesthouse has a nice grassy area outside to explore before bed, too.
South Carolina
Yellow Branch Falls Hiking Trail in Walhalla requires visitors to rock hop over gently flowing streams. The payoff is an incredible 50-foot cascading waterfall with a swimming hole where dogs can take a dip. Get your breath back and take a picture of the whole pack on the rocks in front of the majestic falls. This out-and-back trail is three miles and rated moderately difficult due to a few water crossings along the way.
Relax with your four-legged friend on the screened-in porch of the Lakefront Mountain Rest Cottage. Pups who love to plunge can join you for a dive into Crystal Lake from the private dock.
South Dakota
Located in the epic Black Hills region of The Mount Rushmore State, the trails at Custer State Park were carved out by early pioneers. Black Elk Peak Loop, is a seven-mile hike that leads to awe-inspiring views of rock formations called needles and the Black Hills Wilderness. This hike is rated moderate due to steep inclines to the top.
State Game Lodge once served as the ‘Summer White House’ during President Calvin Coolidge’s administration. Now, you and your pup can be a guest of the lodge in one of the property’s 19 pet-friendly cabins.
Tennessee
The Trails at Fontanel in Nashville invite dogs and their owners to share a break away from the hustle and bustle of Music City. Join more “city lickers” on a pathway that takes in Whites Creek and leads to nice views of Fontanel Mansion, a huge log home built by Country Music Hall of Fame member Barbara Mandrell. This loop trail is just over two miles and is rated moderately difficult due to a rocky section of terrain.
Virgin Hotels Nashville is a contender for the most pet-friendly hotel in the U.S., and a welcome break for cool canines in the heart of Nashville.
Texas
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is known as “The Grand Canyon of Texas” and is the second biggest canyon system in the country. Marvel with your mutt at multicolored rock formations that reach out of the earth on The Lighthouse Trail. Here, hikers scramble over red rocks surrounded by grand canyon views to the most famous rock tower in the park, The Lighthouse. This moderate out-and-back trail is just under six miles and has a steep section towards the end. For a guided tour of the area, book a Jeep excursion and explore the scenic canyons with Palo Duro Creek Ranch.
Formerly the location of a Sky Ride attraction in the state park, ChairLift Cabin boasts more out-of-this-world views from both inside and on the porch.
Utah
Hoodoos are tall rock formations formed by millions of years of erosion. Discover some of these unique spires on a hike with your hound at Toadstool Hoodoos in Kanab. Located at Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, this hike takes visitors past the mushroom-shaped oddities and all the way up to views of the Paria River Valley below. It’s under two miles out and back and rated easy, which means all hiking levels can enjoy a shroom with a view.
Find out why we’re “mutts” about Best Friends Animal Sanctuary when you book a room to relax in after hiking the hoodoos. The property features 40 rooms with some unique pet-centric features, like pull-out dog beds and pet cubbies.
Vermont
If you’re planning a visit to Stowe, one of the best small pet-friendly towns in the country, be sure to check out Stowe Pinnacle Trail for its incredible views from the top. At the summit, you and your dog can view the Green Mountains. The out-and-back hike is under three miles, but it’s steep enough to be rated difficult. For an easier stroll with Fido, The Stowe Recreation Path is a paved trail that crisscrosses the West Branch of the Little River.
Four-legged guests at Commodores Inn receive a welcome bag of goodies at check-in. The property features a large area for walking dogs and a pond where your pooch can cool off in the summer.
Virginia
Shenandoah National Park is one of the most pet-friendly parks in the country, with only 20 of its 500 hiking trails closed to dogs. One of the coolest hikes to plod with your poodle is Hawksbill Loop. When you make it to the top, bask in 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, and the Virginia Piedmont from an amazing platform. Hawksbill Loop is just under three miles and rated moderate due to a steep incline.
If you’re searching for seclusion in the Blue Ridge Mountains, reserve the Fox Den Cabin and share ten private acres with your best friend.
Washington
Olympic National Park isn’t the most pet-friendly destination for outbound hounds. Fortunately, dogs are free to explore much of the neighboring Olympic National Forest. Take a hike on Lower Lena Lake Trail, one of the forest’s most popular footpaths. On the way, you’ll tramp along a soft mud pathway through the forest and cross a wooden bridge over a rushing creek to end up at the mesmerizing blue waters of the lake. Lower Lena Lake Trail is a seven-mile out-and-back path rated moderately difficult due to rocky terrain.
Fall asleep to the sound of a creek at Kimberly's Lake Cushman Rental. The lake is a short and easy walk from the house and has easy access for pups who love to play fetch in the water.
West Virginia
New River Gorge National Park is home to the world’s second oldest river. The New River cuts through the Appalachian Mountains, which are dominated by deciduous trees like oaks and maples. The newest national park in the system has a variety of pet-friendly trails, but none are more popular than the Endless Wall Trail. Ramble with your Rottweiler on a winding pathway through rich forest, over Fern Creek, and along a cliff edge to many beautiful vistas and overlooks. This trail is over two miles in length and is rated easy for all hiking levels to enjoy.
Downsize with your dog at this nearby tiny home. Pups can play off-leash in the shared backyard while you gather around a fire pit.
Wisconsin
Home to a variety of pet-friendly trails, Devil’s Lake State Park is Wisconsin’s largest state park. Take everyone’s favorite route to the water on Devil’s Lake via West Bluff Trail. The trail leads to giant rock formations, sublime lake views, and down to the water. Pups are permitted at the on-leash pet swim area and can join you on beaches around the lake, too. Devil’s Lake Via West Bluff Trail is a loop under five miles and is rated moderately difficult due to rocky terrain in patches.
Devils Lake State Park Campground is one of the best pet-friendly state park campgrounds in the country. Chill out after a day of hiking in your spacious tent site with a fire ring.
Wyoming
From meadows full of wildflowers and huge waterfalls, to a large cave to cool off in, Darby Canyon Wind Cave Trail in Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Alta has something for everyone. This sprawling national forest has sections in in the states of Idaho and Wyoming, with a small section in Utah. Start your journey on a forested stretch of trail, then ascend up a hill for valley views below, before reaching a rocky pathway through a meadow. Darby Canyon Wind Cave Trail is just over six miles out and back and is rated difficult due to rocky inclines. For an easier hike in the forest, stride out on Mesa Falls Nature Trail, a two-mile pathway featuring wildflowers.
Crash out with your best friend at Targhee Lodge By Grand Targhee Resort. This pet-friendly resort is surrounded by rolling hills and has lots of space to explore with your pooch.
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