5 Best National Parks for You and Your Dog

Are you bored of taking your dog for a walk around the block every day? Well, a walk in the park can be a refreshing change. However, there are very few National Parks that allow dogs (or pets in general). Thus, if you are feeling a bit adventurous, why not try enjoying one of these National Parks with your partner in crime? Here is a list of the 5 best national parks for you and your dog.

Acadia National Park – Maine

Acadia National Park

Located on the coast of Maine, who could say no to this beautiful piece of art created by nature? With your dog allowed to enjoy both the varying terrain and the water, this one is sure to be a fun trip. Your dog is allowed to go almost anywhere except for a few locations like the Duck Harbor Campground. Otherwise, you can traverse the hiking and carriage trails measuring a total of 165 miles. The only rule here is that your dog must be kept on a leash with a maximum length of 6 feet. Don’t worry though, the off-leash area – Little Long Pond is just adjacent to the park.

Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is a location whose natural beauty cannot be denied by anybody. But very few people know that this majestic location is also pet-friendly. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is very dog-friendly and you hike the 13-mile trail with your dog on a leash. The authorities are much stricter than Acadia National Park. This is primarily because a canyon is quite a dangerous place and as a result, pets aren’t allowed below the rim of the Grand Canyon. Spanning only 13 miles, this is not one of the longest trails. However, the sunset and sunrise views are to die for and that makes it one of the most memorable trips for you and your canine buddy.

Shenandoah National Park – Virginia

Shenandoah National Park

This awe-inspiring national park is perfect if your dog loves to run around with you. With lush green lands and even more stunning waterfalls, this park is sure to satisfy the adventurer in both you and your pup. Almost all the 500 miles of trails are accessible by you and your pet barring the 20 miles that are full of challenging and rocky terrain. Lodges and Cabins are spread throughout the national park in case you want to spend a night there absorbing the beauty in for a few more days.

Cuyahoga National Park – Ohio

Cuyahoga National Park

This park with a challenging name is something that you would generally see as someone’s desktop wallpaper. The park was recently designed and is situated on the banks of the Cuyahoga River. The park is filled with streams and other beautiful landscapes that you will have to encounter to travel all the 125 miles of trails. With over 110 miles of trails to hike with your best friend, Cuyahoga is a dog’s paradise. The park is well decorated with bridges and some rocky paths to help you cross this streams in various creative ways.

Mammoth Cave National Park – Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park

As dangerous as the name sounds, believe me, it is far from that. This serene destination is on every pet owner’s list of must-see places. The park is named after the long tunnels and caves that run through it, however, dogs and other pets aren’t allowed in these underground areas. Fortunately, there are about 70 miles of trails and tracks for you and your dog to explore. You do have to ensure that your pet has been leashed, but otherwise, you can enjoy all kinds of terrain which are filled with streams and waterfalls as well. If you wish, you can stay overnight at the woodland cottages and enjoy another day of fun at this beautiful location.

More National Parks for You and Your Dog

These are just a few of the national parks that you can enjoy with your dogs. There are several more like Yosemite National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and North Cascades National Park. Each of them has their own unique beauty that you will only realize once you get there. Spending time with your canine friend in the wilderness of these national parks will give you some memories that you will be able to cherish forever. However, you should always remember to be safe and travel these parks safely. Aside from other wild animals and plants, the terrain might also pose a problem for you and your pets. So, be safe and go create some amazing memories with your dog now!