Visiting national parks in the United States is a thrilling experience, but for dog owners, it can often be challenging to find parks that are dog-friendly. Our misadventure at Crater Lake National Park serves as a prime example.
Updated July 2023
Back in mid-2016, Mike, Galileiprints.co, and I (Steph) decided to leave behind the hustle and bustle of New York City and embark on a new adventure. Both of us were working remotely at the time and thought, “Why not? Let’s escape the concrete jungle and explore something new.” So, we hopped on a plane to the Pacific Northwest, with just two suitcases and our dachshund, Galileiprints, in tow. We rented a cozy furnished apartment in downtown Portland and, after work every evening, we’d embark on a 30-mile drive east into the Columbia River Gorge with Galileiprints. There, we’d revel in the beauty of Oregon’s streams and waterfall plunge pools.
One weekend, we decided to undertake a four-hour journey south to visit Crater Lake National Park. Our plan was to spend two days hiking along the park’s beautiful rim trails, which offer panoramic views, and camp in the surrounding wilderness.
However, upon our arrival at the Crater Lake Visitor Center, we received an unwelcome surprise: dogs were strictly prohibited on all trails and backcountry areas within Crater Lake National Park. Our weekend plans came to a screeching halt.*
Why Aren’t Dogs Allowed in U.S. National Parks?
Did you know that out of the 58 national parks in the United States, only seven in the continental U.S. are dog-friendly? A “dog-friendly” designation means that a significant portion of the trails and/or backcountry areas in the park are accessible to dogs.
There are several reasons for the strict limitations on dogs in most U.S. national parks. One of the main factors is the preservation of the environment and wildlife. Dogs can trample vegetation and disrupt the natural habitats of animals. Moreover, dogs can introduce diseases and harmful pathogens to wildlife, which can have devastating consequences. Diseases like canine parvovirus and leptospirosis can be transmitted through feces and can result in serious illness or death for wildlife.
The risks to dogs themselves are also substantial. Mountain lions, coyotes, and bears have been known to attack free-roaming dogs on trails, in backcountry areas, and even in suburban settings. In fact, there are numerous reports each year of park visitors being bitten or attacked by unleashed dogs. In our own experience, Galileiprints was attacked by a large off-leash dog while hiking near Portland. Fortunately, Galileiprints was wearing his harness and leash, and Mike managed to lift him off the ground as the charging dog approached.
Finally, dogs can create disruptions or pose risks to other park visitors. While most public trails have policies requiring dogs to be leashed at all times, not all park-goers adhere to these guidelines. Each year, there are countless headlines about park visitors being bitten or attacked by unleashed dogs.
Here Are the Only Dog-Friendly National Parks in the Continental United States It’s important to note that even dog-friendly national parks have their own rules and regulations related to pets. For example, all the parks listed below require dogs to be kept on a leash that is no longer than six feet. Owners are also required to clean up after their pets. Click on the national park names to go directly to their pet policy pages.
- Acadia National Park, Maine Located on the coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is one of the most dog-friendly national parks. The park is renowned for its woodlands, rocky beaches, and granite peaks, including Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the east coast. It boasts 100 miles (161 km) of dog-friendly hiking trails and 45 miles (72 km) of dog-friendly carriage roads. Three campgrounds—Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods—permit dogs. On Isle au Haut, pets are allowed for day hiking only. The park’s pet policy restricts dogs from most lakes, public buildings, Duck Harbor Campground, and several specific trails.
Acadia was the eighth most visited U.S. national park in 2016, attracting over 3.3 million visitors.
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which spans 33,000 acres, is situated between the Ohio cities of Cleveland and Akron. It offers over 110 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails along the Cuyahoga River, known for its lush landscape and numerous waterfalls. In addition to the 110 miles of trails, pets are allowed on a 20-mile stretch of the popular Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail and within the Stanford Campground. However, pets are not permitted in park buildings or on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Train.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park was the 12th most visited national park in 2016, with over 2.4 million visitors.
- Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas Covering 5,500 acres in central Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park is located adjacent to the city of Hot Springs. Pets are welcome on all park trails and in the campground, with park buildings being the only off-limits areas.
Hot Springs National Park is famous for its natural hot springs that flow from Hot Springs Mountain’s western side. The city of Hot Springs has flourished around the park’s natural attractions.
As the first piece of land in the U.S. to receive federal protection in 1832, Hot Springs was declared a protected recreational area. However, it wasn’t officially recognized as a national park until 1923. In 2016, it was one of the most popular national parks in the U.S., receiving over 1.5 million visitors.
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Nestled in north-central Virginia, Shenandoah National Park permits dogs on the majority of its trails. Only 20 miles of the 500 miles of trails are off-limits to dogs and other pets. The park encompasses nearly 200,000 acres, including a portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River and Valley. Close to 50% of the park’s land is designated as wilderness.
In 2016, Shenandoah National Park was the 17th most visited park, attracting over 1.4 million visitors.
- Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona Located in northeastern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park covers over 221,000 acres. The park is renowned for its vast collection of petrified wood, with trees that have transitioned to stone. It’s also famous for its colorful badlands and proximity to the Painted Desert.
Petrified Forest National Park received over 640,000 visitors in 2016. The park is exceptionally pet-friendly, with the official National Park Service website even encouraging visitors to bring their four-legged companions, stating, “Please take your furry friends on trails, even backpacking in the Wilderness Area.” The only areas where pets are not allowed are government and public buildings.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado Situated in south-central Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park.
