Best Dog Friendly Trails Shenandoah National Park – While US national parks are generally not known as the most dog-friendly hiking destinations, Shenandoah National Park is one of the best for hitting the trails with your canine companion. Shenandoah has over five hundred miles of dog-friendly trails with few pet restrictions. Dogs must always be on a leash while walking and camping in the park; This rule, which we thought might be difficult for a traveler like Lucy who usually avoids jogging, was not a problem and helped ensure that Lucy did not. To get tired of the heat, they are usually around the walking position. Also, be sure to clean up after your dog so these trails are clean and usable for everyone!
Lucia and I spent three days hiking in the park and spreading the magic of the trails to hikers, the first national park on our cross-country trip. Here are three of our favorite short hikes to see amazing scenery with your pup! Don’t forget to bring extra snacks and water for Appalachian Trail hikes. They often cover over 20 miles a day, so any extra calories you can give them are always appreciated!
Best Dog Friendly Trails Shenandoah National Park
The hike to Marys Rock begins at Thornton Gap, 31.5 miles from Skyline Drive. There is a comfort station with water and toilets. From the parking lot, take an easy hike up the Appalachain Trail south to Marys Rock. The beginning of the path begins with wooden beams that form a staircase to the first stage, and then continues as a soft damp dirt path. It was a pleasure to climb with wild flowers along the path.
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About a quarter of a mile from the summit, turn right at the junction for the final climb to Marys Rock. Here you will be greeted by a spectacular panorama showing the Blue Ridge Mountains and the valleys of Northwest Virginia. Lucy and I climbed the rocks for the amazing view and solitude at the top.
This short hike was our first in Shenandoah National Park and we were blown away by the beautiful views. We had definitely seen a lot of scenery down south on Skyline Drive, but being in the mountains instead of off road made everything a little more amazing.
Every time we hit the AT, Lucia and I try to bring extra snacks and water for hikers on the Katahdin Trail. We met many hikers on this hike and were given granola bars, treats, and candy to refuel on the long hike. The hiking culture on the Appalachain Trail is incredible with so many unique individuals attempting to hike the 2,200 mile trail. We loved chatting with them and learning more about their travels!
This short hike is a classic Shenandoah hike with some of the best views in the entire park. This short hike leads to a beautiful panorama at the top of a jagged rock peak that amazes even inexperienced hikers with its ease and beauty.
Know Before You Go
The Upper Hawksbill Trail, which starts at 46.6 miles from Skyline Drive, is the easiest route to the summit on an incredibly gentle, wide path. Love is so elegant that everyone from your 4-year-old to your 80-year-old grandparents can join in on the fun. I dare say that even a work truck could have gone over this slope if it had given the driver a small blow to the upper body.
Just before the summit there is a small shelter perfect for a picnic lunch or an afternoon swim. From there, you’ll reach Hawksbill Peak, Shenandoah National Park’s highest point, at 4,051 feet.
This rocky summit is a great place to watch the sunset or have an afternoon picnic with the perfect flat rock platform to sit on if navigating the rocky terrain is too daunting. Lucia and I reached the summit about two hours before sunset, around 6pm, but if we were to do it again, we would definitely go to the western viewpoint to watch the sun set below the mountainous horizon. This hike is perfect for stretching your legs as you descend Skyline for exceptional views from the park’s highest point.
This short hike in the southern part of Shenandoah National Park was probably the most difficult of the three hikes in this article. Skyline Drive is a popular short hike at the southern end of the park, 134.4 miles to Black Rock. Lucia and I had planned to hike Blackrock, Trayfoot Mtn and Furnace Mtn, but the weather put a damper on our plans so we canceled the hike.
Us Dog Friendly National Parks
Starting at Blackrock Park, the trail climbs 200 vertical feet to reach the curved cone of Blackrock Peak. Of course, the trail doesn’t reach the top, due to the layered terrain going up, but the view is still amazing.
Looking out over the peaks to the east we could see storms heading for the afternoon but we decided to push on. The hike up to Trayfoot Mtn seemed well sheltered from bushes and tall trees and we didn’t fear a bit of rain! After putting on our waterproofs, we continued to Trayfoot Mtn.
A few minutes after we got under the canopy of trees, the sky opened up and buckets of cool drops covered us from head to toe. It was nice to cool off after hiking in 80 degree heat and humidity. We were only a few tenths of a kilometer from the summit of Mount Trayfoot when the lightning came very close to where we were and we decided to turn back.
By the time we got back to Blackrock the storm had passed but we were still soaked. On hot days like this I expect showers, but when the thunder and lightning come, we call it a day and seek shelter. Although the hike had to be cut short, we still had an amazing experience and unique view from the top of Black Rock.
Hit The Trails With Your Pooch! Fan Favorite Dog Friendly National Parks To Hike
Hello! I’m Lexi, born and raised in the mountains of New Hampshire, and I love the outdoors. I enjoy traveling, country music and spending time with my sweet dog Lucy.
Hello! I’m Lexi and this is my baby Lucy. This is our hiking blog where I write all about our adventures! Our goal is to give you the tools and tips you need to spend more time in nature. Lucy and I have tried a lot of gear, hiked a lot of trails around the world and learned more about ourselves than we ever imagined. Join us as we continue to explore the back and forth!
← Previous: Mount Davis: Triumph at the Peak of Pennsylvania’s Cole Mountain: A Breathtaking Hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains →While a trip to your favorite national park may seem like a great opportunity to bring Fido, you might be surprised to find the most national park. parks are incredibly dog-friendly. Here are the best.
If you do your research ahead of time and plan well, you can enjoy a book tour with your furry friend. Here, we’ve rounded up the seven best national parks to visit with dogs, along with our favorite hikes and campsites at each.
Best Hikes In Shenandoah National Park For Beginner To Advanced Hikers
If you want your dog to pull its weight, check out our list of the best dog backpacks.
Located primarily on a deserted island in the mountains of Maine, Acadia National Park is a 47,000-acre recreation area along the Atlantic coast. With the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coast, diverse habitats and rich cultural heritage, the park is one of the 10 most visited national parks in the United States.
The park has 27 miles of historic highways, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads. Almost all of these friendly dogs – the only exceptions being a few walks that require ropes and ladders.
Dogs are also welcome on the trails and can roam freely in all public areas of the park except Duck Harbor Campground, Acadia Wild Gardens, Echo Lake Beach and Sand Beach during the season.
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Popular hikes include the Bar Island Trail, the Schooner Head Path, and the Wonderland Trail. A good place to lay your head at night is Blackwoods or Some Sound View Campgrounds.
With some of the highest hills in North America, Great Sand Dunes National Park features a variety of scenic wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Facing the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the park covers 30 miles and is open 24 hours a day.
Pets are allowed on a leash in any park between High Dune and Castle Creek Picnic Area and in the adjacent Great Dunes National Preserve. A popular hike is to High Dune which overlooks the entire dune area – this hike is one
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