Last updated: September 26, 2026
Chuck Price has 35+ years of RV camping experience and owns a 2018 Hymer Aktiv Class B.
Leashed dogs can hike all but fewer than 20 of the 500+ trail miles in Shenandoah National Park and 100 miles of trails plus 45 miles of carriage roads in Acadia National Park. Federal rules cap pet leashes at six feet in every national park.
- Must know: New River Gorge and Congaree national parks allow pets on all trails, as of September 2026.
- Trip killers: National park rules bar pets from public buildings, public transportation vehicles and swimming beaches (36 CFR 2.15). Great Smoky Mountains allows leashed dogs on only two trails.
- Confirm before you go: The National Park Service (NPS) says different parks may have different rules and tells visitors to check park websites.
Land access, permits, road conditions, and site availability change. Verify all information with the relevant land management agency before your trip. For travel and campground planning with a dog, see our guide to RVing with dogs.
The federal rule every national park starts from
National park regulations cap every pet leash at six feet. The federal pet rule, 36 CFR 2.15, prohibits “Failing to crate, cage, restrain on a leash which shall not exceed six feet in length, or otherwise physically confine a pet at all times.” This rule covers National Park Service units, not state parks. Each park can close more areas to pets, and the NPS says “different parks may have different rules” and tells visitors to “check park websites for park-specific information.”
Under the same regulation, pets may not enter these places:
- Public buildings
- Public transportation vehicles
- Swimming beaches
- Any area the park superintendent closes to pets
Guide dogs and hearing dogs are exempt from those closures (36 CFR 2.15). The rule also bars leaving a pet unattended and tied to an object, except in designated areas or under conditions the superintendent sets. Pets may not make unreasonable noise, or noise that frightens wildlife. The NPS says, “Many parks allow pets in developed areas.”
Why dog-friendly park trails can feel hidden
Great Smoky Mountains National Park allows leashed dogs on only two trails. Those two are the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail, per the park’s pet page. The same page states, “Many large national parks that have extensive backcountry areas do not allow dogs on trails.” In California, the state park default is also no. California State Parks says, “In general, dogs are not allowed on trails, near rivers or creeks, in the open forest and meadows, or in the environmental campsites.”
Each park in the next two sections allows dogs on trails, where many parks do not. That is the only sense in which this guide calls them hidden, and the list is not a ranking.
National parks where dogs can hike the trails
The 10 national parks below allow leashed dogs on at least some trails, per each park’s own pet page. Trail access still varies, from all trails at Congaree to trails above the rim only on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Rules are as of September 2026, and each entry gives the date its park page was last updated. For trails outside national parks, see our list of dog-friendly hiking trails. If you plan to visit several of these parks, read our guide to the America the Beautiful pass.
| Park | Where leashed dogs can go | Where dogs cannot go | Park page last updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shenandoah, Virginia | Most trails, including the Appalachian Trail, plus campgrounds. The banned list totals fewer than 20 of 500+ trail miles. | 11 listed trails, including Old Rag area trails, Dark Hollow Falls, Stony Man and Bearfence Mountain | June 25, 2025 |
| Acadia, Maine | 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads | Some trails are closed or not recommended for pets. Avoid ladder and rung trails. | September 10, 2026 |
| Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio | Over 100 miles of hiking trails and the Towpath Trail | Park buildings, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, East Rim mountain bike trails, Virginia Kendall Hills during sledding | May 27, 2026 |
| New River Gorge, West Virginia | All trails | Park buildings, visitor centers, ranger-led programs | June 17, 2023 |
| Congaree, South Carolina | All trails, including the boardwalk, plus the campgrounds | No areas listed on the park page. Federal closures, such as public buildings, apply. Pets may not be left unattended. | February 23, 2023 |
| Hot Springs, Arkansas | All 26 miles of trails and Bathhouse Row | Inside federal buildings | August 18, 2024 |
| Mammoth Cave, Kentucky | All surface trails | Caves and park buildings | May 26, 2026 |
| Petrified Forest, Arizona | Any paved road or trail and all designated wilderness area | Park buildings (service animals only) | September 19, 2024 |
| Grand Canyon, Arizona | South Rim trails above the rim and developed areas. North Rim bridle trail (greenway) and part of the Arizona Trail. | Below the rim (inner canyon trails) and park shuttle buses | September 25, 2025 |
| Great Sand Dunes, Colorado | The Preserve (including Mosca Pass Trail), Piñon Flats Campground, Dunes Overlook Trail, Medano Pass Primitive Road | The dunefield backcountry beyond the first high ridge, the visitor center, backpacking campsites in the national park | February 17, 2026 |
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
The Shenandoah pet page states “Pets are allowed, if leashed, on most trails” and lists 500+ miles of trails. Pets need a physical leash no longer than six feet. Pets are allowed in campgrounds, and pet-friendly lodging is available.
Shenandoah bars pets from these 11 trails:
- Fox Hollow (mile 4.6)
- Stony Man (mile 41.7)
- Limberlost (mile 43)
- Post Office Junction to Old Rag Shelter
- Old Rag Ridge
- Old Rag Saddle
- Ridge Access Trail (Old Rag area)
- Dark Hollow Falls (mile 50.7)
- Story of the Forest (mile 51)
- Bearfence Mountain (mile 56.4)
- Frazier Discovery (mile 79.5)
The Stony Man approach follows the Appalachian Trail, where dogs are allowed. Per the park, “you cannot make the turn onto the blue-blazed Stony Man Trail to the summit with a pet.” These rules are as of September 2026, from a page last updated June 25, 2025.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park says, “There are 100 miles (161 km) of hiking trails and 45 miles (72 km) of carriage roads in the park where pets are permitted.” Leashes can be no longer than six feet (2 m). Some Acadia trails are closed to pets or not recommended for them. Keep dogs off ladder and rung trails. See the Acadia pet page for which trails are closed or not recommended. These rules are as of September 2026, from a page last updated September 10, 2026.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park says, “Pets are allowed on over 100 miles of hiking trails as well as on the multi-use Towpath Trail.” Leashes must be six feet or shorter on all park lands. Pets are not allowed in these places:
- Park buildings (service animals only)
- The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (service animals only)
- East Rim mountain bike trails (no pets or service animals)
- Virginia Kendall Hills during sledding
The park also says, “Owners must clean up pet waste and throw it in a trash can.” These rules are as of September 2026, from a page last updated May 27, 2026.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia
The New River Gorge pet page states, “Pets are allowed on all trails at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.” Pets are not allowed in park buildings or visitor centers, or at ranger-led programs. Use a physical leash no longer than six feet. These rules are as of September 2026, from a page last updated June 17, 2023.
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Congaree National Park says, “Pets are allowed on all trails, including the boardwalk, as well as in the campgrounds.” The maximum leash length is six feet. Pets may not be left unattended for any period of time. These rules are as of September 2026, from a page last updated February 23, 2023.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park says, “Dogs are welcome on all 26 miles” of park trails. The park invites visitors to walk a dog on Bathhouse Row or any park trail. Dogs are not allowed inside federal buildings. The leash can be no longer than six feet. Pet waste stations sit at both ends of Bathhouse Row and in the campground. These rules are as of September 2026, from a page last updated August 18, 2024.
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park says, “Leashed pets are allowed on all surface trails in the park”. Pets are not allowed in the caves or in park buildings. The leash can be up to six feet long. The park offers pet-friendly Woodland Cottages. The Lodge runs a self-service outdoor day kennel during daylight hours, and it requires proof of vaccination. These rules are as of September 2026, from a page last updated May 26, 2026.
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park says, “Pets are allowed on any paved road or trail as well as all designated wilderness area”. The leash must be six feet or less. Only service animals are allowed in park buildings. These rules are as of September 2026, from a page last updated September 19, 2024.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
On the South Rim, the Grand Canyon pet page says, “Leashed pets are allowed on trails above the rim, Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, Trailer Village, and throughout developed areas.” Pets are not allowed below the rim on inner canyon trails, or on park shuttle buses. The leash can be up to six feet long.
The North Rim is narrower. Per the park, “Leashed pets are only allowed on the bridle trail (greenway) that connects the North Kaibab Trail, and the portion of the Arizona Trail north to the park entrance station.” A kennel for dogs and cats operates on the South Rim near Maswik Lodge, and it requires proof of vaccination. The pet page also links a North Rim status page for closures after the Dragon Bravo Fire, so check it before a North Rim visit. These rules are as of September 2026, from a page last updated September 25, 2025.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve permits leashed pets in the Preserve, including Mosca Pass Trail. Pets are also permitted at Piñon Flats Campground, on the Dunes Overlook Trail and on Medano Pass Primitive Road. The leash must be 6 feet (2 m) or less. Pets are not permitted in these places:
- The visitor center and bathrooms
- “The backcountry of the dunefield, beyond the first high ridge of dunes”
- Off the Dunes Overlook Trail
- North of Castle Creek Picnic Area, except on Medano Pass Primitive Road
- North of Point of No Return, including the Sand Ramp Trail
- Backpacking campsites inside the national park
The park warns that summer sand surface temperatures “up to 150 degrees F can occur from late morning through late afternoon.” The park advises visiting in early morning or evening and protecting paws with booties or socks. These rules are as of September 2026, from a page last updated February 17, 2026.
State parks where dogs can use the trails
In general, California State Parks does not allow dogs on trails. Some California parks are named exceptions to that default. Dogs must be on a leash of six feet or less at all times, per California State Parks. Dogs must not be left unattended, and overnight campers must keep a dog in a tent or vehicle. California State Parks advises calling the park ahead of a visit. This section covers California only, the one state park system verified for this guide. For more on camping with a dog, see our tips and campgrounds for RVing with pets.
South Yuba River State Park, California
The South Yuba River State Park page states, “Dogs allowed on all trails and shoreline areas of South Yuba River State Park, except the area known as Family Beach.” Dogs are also not allowed “from the covered bridge at Bridgeport, 200 feet downstream on both sides of the river.” These rules are as of September 2026, from a page last checked September 4, 2026.
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, California
The California State Parks dog page lists Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) as an exception. It states, “Dogs allowed on trails and in water. Dogs not allowed in swim area at Black Miners Bar, at swim area in Granite Bay, in swim area at Beals Point, in swim area at Nimbus Flat and on the turf area at Nimbus Flat.” That page shows no update date, so call the park ahead, as of September 2026.
The B.A.R.K. Ranger program
B.A.R.K. Ranger is a National Park Service program for pets. The letters stand for “Bag your pet’s waste, Always leash your pet, Respect wildlife, Know where you can go” on the NPS B.A.R.K. Ranger page. The NPS pets page puts it this way: “Yes your pet can be a B.A.R.K. Ranger too. Visit a park. Take the pledge. Get a badge.” The NPS says each park designs its own program, which may be a ranger-led walk, a pledge or an honor system.
Heat and trail safety for dogs
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advises, “Don’t walk, run, or hike with a dog during the hottest parts of the day or on particularly warm days.” The AVMA says to “Avoid hot surfaces, such as asphalt, that can burn your pet’s paws.” Give your dog unlimited fresh water and shade.
The AVMA lists these heatstroke signs:
- Anxiousness
- Excessive panting
- Restlessness
- Excessive drooling
- Unsteadiness
- Abnormal gum and tongue color
- Collapse
The AVMA says, “Overweight pets and short-nosed dog breeds have higher risk of problems with warm-weather exercise.”
The AVMA also warns, “Never leave a pet in the car, even in the shade or with windows cracked.” White Sands National Park says, “Within just ten minutes, the inside vehicle temperature will become 25 degrees warmer than the outside temperature.” The park’s example: at 75°F outside, the inside of a car reaches 100°F within 10 minutes.
Before you go
Use this checklist for any park in this guide.
- Open the park’s pet page and read where dogs can and cannot go.
- Pack a leash no longer than six feet.
- Bring bags for pet waste.
- For a California state park, call the park ahead.
- In hot weather, skip the hottest parts of the day, per the AVMA.
Frequently asked questions
Which national parks allow dogs on trails?
As of September 2026, New River Gorge and Congaree national parks allow leashed pets on all trails. Hot Springs welcomes dogs on all 26 miles of its trails, and Mammoth Cave allows them on all surface trails. Shenandoah allows pets on most of its 500+ miles of trails. Check each park’s pet page before you go.
How long can a dog leash be in a national park?
No longer than six feet. The federal pet rule for national parks, 36 CFR 2.15, prohibits a leash that exceeds six feet in length. Every park pet page checked for this guide in September 2026 repeats the six-foot limit. Shenandoah and New River Gorge also require a physical leash.
Can dogs hike in the Grand Canyon?
Yes, in limited areas, as of September 2026. On the South Rim, leashed pets may use trails above the rim but not inner canyon trails or park shuttle buses. On the North Rim, leashed pets may use only the bridle trail greenway and part of the Arizona Trail. Check the Grand Canyon pet page before you go.
Are dogs allowed on trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Only on two trails, as of September 2026. Great Smoky Mountains National Park allows leashed pets on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. The leash can be no longer than six feet. Check the park’s pet page before you go.
Are dogs allowed on trails in California state parks?
In general, no. California State Parks says dogs are generally not allowed on trails, near rivers or creeks, in open forest and meadows, or in environmental campsites. South Yuba River State Park and Folsom Lake State Recreation Area are exceptions, as of September 2026. Dogs need a leash of six feet or less. Call the park ahead.
How do I keep my dog safe from heat on the trail?
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advises against hiking with a dog during the hottest parts of the day or on particularly warm days. Avoid hot surfaces such as asphalt, and give your dog unlimited fresh water and shade. Never leave a pet in a parked car, even in the shade or with the windows cracked.
