The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in All 50 States

Great for pups and people of all ages and abilities, the short Bald Rock Trail offers a big reward for your effort. From the parking lot, the easy trail leads to Bald Rock Outlook, the highest point in Alabama, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the forested hillsides under an expansive sky. Plus, if your pup still has energy to burn (or just wants to make some new friends), you can stop by the Bosarge Memorial Dog Park after your hike so your dog can enjoy an off-leash romp.

If your pup is up for a big hiking adventure with lots of wild smells and some serious vertical gain, the trek to the summit of Flattop Mountain will reward you both with stunning views from the top of the peak which, according to the park, is one of Alaska’s most popular summits. Once you catch your breath, it won’t be hard to see why—on a clear day you can see all the way to Denali.

An exceptional tour of Sedona’s beautiful red rock country, this hike takes you to see the iconic formations of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. The popular dog-friendly trail sees a lot of foot traffic, so many parts of the trail are wide and well-packed which makes for easy hiking—though there are still some rocky sections further out for adventurous pups to scramble around on. The towering red rock formations make a great backdrop for a selfie with your best hiking buddy.

Go chasing waterfalls with your pup in a stunning landscape at Cedar Falls Trail in Petit Jean State Park. Officially designated Arkansas’s first state park in 1923, this hidden paradise of beautiful waterfalls, forested trails and scenic views is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Along the shaded trails, dogs will love nosing around Cedar Creek, and pet parents will be rewarded for their efforts with a staggering view of 95-foot Cedar Falls, one of the tallest cascades in the state.

The quintessential California coast hike within driving distance of much of the Bay Area, Fort Funston offers your pup the chance to explore from either the designated dog-friendly trails on the dunes or along the wide strip of sandy coastline on the Pacific Ocean. Well-behaved dogs who are under voice control can enjoy an off-leash romp on the beach while you soak in the sea breeze and watch the hang gliders soaring overhead.

If you and your pooch like exploring vast landscapes that make you feel small, a hike to High Dune in Great Sand Dunes National Park is a one-of-a-kind, dog-friendly hike in Colorado that you won’t want to miss. The climb to High Dune promises incredible views in every direction—from the towering Sangre de Cristo mountains to the expansive dune field receding into the distance. Of course, your dog will adore rolling, romping and digging in the sand—in the spring and early summer, they can cool off in the shallow water of seasonal Medano Creek, which flows along the base of the dunes near the visitor center.

Escape into the beautiful woods of Connecticut to Tower Trail, a dog-friendly hike to a stone observation tower that looks a bit like an old-timey castle. The main path to the tower is wide and well-traveled so you and your pup won’t have to worry about stubbing toes or picking up paws on rough terrain. From the top, you’ll have excellent views of Long Island Sound and the New Haven area. Visit in autumn for a spectacular leaf-peeping extravaganza as the hillsides turn a fabulous array of red, orange and yellow.

Seaside views? Check. A chance to spot cool wildlife? Check. An easy path for your doggo to stretch their legs? Ditto. The Gordons Pond Trail, which winds around seaside dunes, tidal marshes and a saltwater lagoon, offers peaceful views in every direction. Plus, the crushed gravel trail is mostly flat, making it easy-going for older dogs or young pups. And with the out-and-back route, you can make your hike as long or short as you like.

You might not expect to find a wilderness area just outside of Orlando, but if you and your dog are looking for a true adventure steeped in Florida’s natural landscapes, Black Bear offers an alternative to the theme parks. The loop is relatively flat and gives you the chance to spot wildlife and wildflowers, in season. The trail winds through cypress swamps and wetland habitats, giving your pooch plenty of good smells to sniff while you enjoy the varying scenery. Keep in mind this trail is more remote so bringing sun protection, plenty of water and bug spray is recommended.

From dense woodlands to deep canyons, the landscapes of Cloudland Canyon State Park are a real treat for hikers. The West Rim Loop Trail gives you a sampling platter of the park's best features with several overlooks where you can take in the beautiful views and a trip down to Daniel Creek. Not for those with a fear of heights, the trail does follow along the rim of the canyon, and the forested singletrack is narrow and rocky in places so your pup should be comfortable on uneven terrain. Visit in autumn for an extra special backdrop as the leaves change color.

Whether you’re doing it for the views or exercise (or both), the outstanding Kuli'ou'ou Ridge Trail offers a steady climb to a panoramic vista. The lower part of the trail is lush and forested—your pup will appreciate the shade and the chance to give their nose a workout on the many different types of trees, bushes and flowers. The upper part of the trail rises above the canopy for nearly 360-degree views of the island—the perfect spot to snap a selfie with your pooch. This trail can get very muddy, so skip this hike after recent rains or come prepared for muddy paws.

A beautiful hike into the backcountry of Idaho’s stunning Sawtooth Mountains, this outing to Sawtooth Lake will reward you with big views and let energetic dogs stretch their legs for a full day on the trails. Your pup should be comfortable with creek crossings and steep, rocky terrain as this trail offers a few challenging sections for them to navigate. The popular route is especially gorgeous in the early summer when the alpine meadows are dotted with wildflowers. Sawtooth Lake makes a great picnic spot at the turnaround point and is picturesque in any season.

Plentiful wildflowers, peaceful woods and rushing rivers with scenic cascades—Starved Rock State Park has a lot to offer visitors in every season. The scenic LaSalle Canyon loop will take you on a stroll along the Illinois River, past several scenic overlooks, waterfalls and canyons, giving your pooch plenty to explore. For an extra special treat after your hike, head to the Veranda, an outdoor patio space at Starved Rock Lodge, where your pup can order a post-hike bite off their Doggie Delights Menu.

Half beach stroll, half woodland hike, Trail 10 at Indiana Dunes State Park is a great way for you and your canine hiking companion to stretch their legs. The highlight of this loop for pups and people is definitely the section that follows along the shores of Lake Michigan—dogs who love dipping their toes in the water or digging in the sand will be extra excited about this route—get ready for the zoomies.

Treat your dog (and yourself) to a beautiful hike along the banks of the Mississippi River at Effigy Mounds National Monument. This hidden gem of Iowa boasts some gorgeous overlooks of the river as well as culturally significant Native American sites. Your dog will enjoy strolling on the wide dirt paths, and you can spend some time learning about the sacred burial mound sites. Visit in the fall to enjoy an additional splash of color.

Interested in taking your dog for some off-leash exploration? The Shawnee Mission Park off-leash dog area offers 44 acres to explore. From the parking area, you can choose from several hiking trails that wind through the woods. And since this is a dedicated dog park, your pup can stretch their legs off-leash. There’s even a dog beach where aquatically-inclined pooches can go for a swim while you enjoy the scenic vista over Shawnee Mission Lake.

One of the best dog-friendly trails to experience the natural beauty of the self-proclaimed “Grand Canyon of the South,” the Overlook Trail on the Virginia-Kentucky border is an easy meander that will give you and your dog a taste of hiking in the iconic Appalachian Mountains. This route lets you take in the incredible views of the hillsides and river from the rim of Breaks Canyon (stick to the trails and use caution around the cliff edges). Your pup will enjoy the ample shade and abundance of smells.

If you and your pup are looking for a backwoods adventure that lets you experience Louisiania’s natural landscape, the Gorge Run Trail takes you through woodland and wetlands to see the forested countryside. Your dog will love the soft, sometimes sandy (sometimes muddy) footing and shaded path that will give them plenty of cool spots to sniff around. You’ll enjoy the forest, ponds, river and creeks—just don’t forget your bug spray!

Take your best friend on a hike to see some of the most iconic scenery in Acadia National Park. In addition to seeing Bubble Rock, a large boulder precariously perched at the edge of South Bubble Mountain's summit, you’ll also enjoy beautiful views of Jordan Pond, Pemetic and Sargent Mountains, and the Cranberry Isles from the top of the loop. A visit in the fall will reveal a colorful panorama. Acadia is one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the U.S., so if your dog adores hiking, you’ll have miles of trails to choose from to explore the park, from oceanside strolls and forested fire roads to mountain-top hikes.

A challenging hike to see some of the best scenery of the Old Line State, the Hog Rock/Cunningham Falls loop features ups, downs, and uneven, rocky terrain to give you a good workout and keep your pup engaged. And don’t worry, there’s plenty to reward you for your efforts with a stop at Maryland’s largest waterfall, 78-foot Cunningham Falls, and two scenic overlooks. Hog Rock Vista, the highest overlook at the park, will give you a glimpse above the trees to the mountains receding into the distance.

Although Mount Greylock is lovely in any season, the hike is particularly noteworthy in the fall when the panoramic views are filled with outstanding autumn color. Your pup will love the forested paths and plentiful smells. You’ll be treated to views from the highest point in Massachusetts and enjoy exploring a section of the iconic Appalachian Trail. Start or end your hike with a walk around the Veterans War Memorial Tower which is open in the summer.

Take your pup on a forested trail to Miners River, where Miners Falls, a powerful 50-foot waterfall, cascades over a sandstone cliff. A nice shaded trail with easy footing, this is a great spot in the spring and fall. Not done stretching your legs? Head up the road to Miners Beach, a mile-long stretch of dog-friendly lakefront where your pup can play (on-leash) in the water and you can enjoy views over Lake Superior.

On the trail to Fifth Falls, you and your pup can feel like wilderness explorers without having to hike too far from the trailhead—or drive too far from Duluth. This loop gives you the best of all worlds with some moderately rocky and rugged terrain to test your hiking prowess and an awesome reward at the halfway point—a series of cascades known as Fifth Falls. You and your dog can wade in the shallow pools or climb around on the rocks near the base of the falls to find the best vantage point.

From start to end, Outcroppings Trail delivers outstanding scenery as it winds through Bear Creek Valley and follows along a ridge of rocky outcroppings. Your dog will love the shady paths and wetting their whistle in the creek. You’ll enjoy the varied trees which turn a beautiful shade of red, yellow and orange in the fall, and the chance to spot wildflowers in the spring.

Looking to visit Missouri’s highest point and its tallest waterfall? The Mina Sauk Falls Trail is the loop that takes you to both, with a stop at 1,772-foot Taum Sauk Mountain and 132-foot Mina Sauk Falls. But the delights don’t stop there, as you and your pup will have a grand hiking adventure on trails that are, at times, rocky and rugged. Agile pups will love bounding over the rocky terrain. Keep your eyes open as you wind through woodlands which are interspersed with open glades where you’ll catch stunning views of the St. Francois Mountains.

A great dog-friendly day hike in Big Sky Country, the Lava Lake route features a steady climb to a beautiful mountain lake. The trail winds through lodgepole pines and follows along Cascade Creek for much of the way, giving your dog plenty of shade and a chance to cool off in the water on hot days. You might spot wildlife (moose and bears do frequent the area, so be aware of your surroundings and keep your dog leashed). Lava Lake makes a great spot for a mid-hike lunch break—you can soak in the scenery and your dog can take a dip in the lake.

Though waterfalls might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking of the Cornhusker State, 70-foot Smith Falls, Nebraska’s tallest cascade, is well worth a visit. The hike to reach the falls is a relaxed romp on easy-going trails that pups of all ages, abilities and leg lengths can enjoy. If you’re looking for more mileage, the state park has a nature trail that lets you explore more of the area around the Niobrara River. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy post-hike at the park’s day-use picnic area.

A trip to Valley of Fire, Nevada’s oldest state park, is best reserved for the cooler months of the year. (Summer temps are much too hot for pups in this desert landscape.) But if you’re looking for a spot to see the rugged beauty of Nevada in its prime, this hike lets you explore some unique desert scenery. The sandy trail winds through stunning red, yellow and pink rock formations and includes a few special highlights including an old movie set and mini slot canyon—you and your dog will feel like real Wild West explorers.

Routinely touted as one of the best day hikes in New Hampshire's White Mountains, Franconia Ridge Trail lets pups and people bag the summits of Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln and Little Haystack. This also means that you’ll spend a considerable part of your hike above the trees–great for taking in the expansive views of the Whites. Note that the weather above treeline can be unpredictable, so this route is only recommended for experienced hikers and hiking dogs who come prepared for variable conditions.

The ascent to 1,527-foot Mt. Tammany via the Red Dot Trail will give you and your dog a good workout—expect a leg-burning, tongue-panting kind of climb. But the good news is you’ll have plenty of reward for your efforts with panoramic views of the Delaware Water Gap from the summit vantage point. And if you’ve got a hiking buddy who still has energy to burn, you can create a longer loop on the area’s other dog-friendly trails.

A popular hike that starts in Taos Ski Valley and climbs to a peaceful high alpine lake, the Williams Lake Trail welcomes four-legged hikers to join in on the fun. The route begins in evergreen forests and winds alongside a seasonal stream where your dog can quench their thirst before climbing through open meadows to Williams Lake. In the late spring and early summer, the area is dotted with wildflowers.

Head out for a hike on the Gorge Trail which follows along Taughannock Creek to a fabulous vantage point at the base of 215-foot Taughannock Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in New York. This popular trail is wide and well-used, making it a great option for pups, young and old, to enjoy a day out in nature. Along the way, you’ll spot several smaller cascades and wide, shallow sections of the creek where, in the summer, you can dip toes and paws in the water for a nice mid-hike cool-off.

This fantastic loop hike is highlighted by balsam woods, wildflower-filled meadows and fabulous mountain views from Black Balsam Knob and neighboring Tennant Mountain. Your pup will love the multitude of smells and many shaded sections along this route. You’ll be treated to some of the best vistas along the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Art Loeb Trail. This trail is especially stunning when the rhododendrons are in bloom.

Located adjacent to Theodore Roosevelt National Park (where dogs are not allowed), this loop trail lets you and your pup experience all the highlights of North Dakota’s badlands and grasslands with fewer crowds. The long loop lets you take in the solitude of the landscape with some easy rolling hills and plenty of scenery along the way. Though this route is on the long side, for pups (and people) who have a moderate level of fitness, this day hike will be one for the memory books.

It’s not often you can bring your furry friend on the most popular trails in a national park, but luckily this loop at Cuyahoga Valley National Park is dog-friendly. This short hike features bridges over scenic creeks, boardwalks under shaded trees and several outstanding viewpoints of Brandywine Falls. If you’re up for a longer outing, several alternative routes let you spend more time with your canine hiking partner on the park’s dog-friendly trails.

Rugged mountain hiking might not be the first thing you think of in the Sooner State, but a trip to Elk Mountain in the Wichita Mountains offers the chance for an adventurous hike with rewarding scenery. A visit in the late spring or early summer will often treat hikers to meadows of wildflowers. Your dog will love rock-hopping and taking in the myriad of new smells. The views from the summit of Elk Mountain are stellar any time of the year.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a dog-friendly hiking paradise, whether you want to see waterfalls or wildflowers. If you’re looking for overlooks without quite as many crowds (don’t expect complete solitude as this hike is still popular), the hike to Angel’s Rest offers a challenging route that will reward you with spectacular views of the Columbia River and beyond. On a clear day, look for Mt. Baker and Mt. St. Helens in the distance.

If your pooch loves chasing waterfalls, this trail will get their tail-wagging—and fill up your camera roll with some Instagram-worthy photos. The Falls Trail takes you past a whopping 21 free-flowing cascades, ranging in height from 11-foot cascades up to 94-foot Ganoga Falls. The terrain is challenging and the wet rocks can be slippery, so make sure you and your pup feel up to the task—sturdy footwear is recommended. Take your time and enjoy the views—there’s a new waterfall to see around nearly every corner.

Ready for stunning Atlantic Ocean views? A trip to Mohegan Bluffs on the southern end of Block Island off the coast of Rhode Island provides a fabulous hike highlighted by rocky beaches, stunning bluffs and an ocean breeze. Great for adventure-loving pups, this route provides a rich adventure of rock-hopping, sand-digging, wildlife-spotting and tail-wagging fun.

You might not think of peak bagging as a Palmetto State pastime, but Table Rock State Park offers several summits for you and your daring dog to climb. The hike to Table Rock has some of the best mountain vistas in the state—and will ensure you break a sweat, if getting in a good workout is also on your agenda. The trail climbs 2,000 feet through forests and rock outcroppings until reaching the granite dome of Table Rock. Pack a snack for you and your fur bud to enjoy at the overlook—you’ve earned it.

A beautiful, easy hike that you can enjoy with dogs of any age, the Roughlock Falls Trail winds through the scenic Little Spearfish Canyon before coming to a multi-tiered waterfall in a peaceful setting. Visit in the autumn for an added splash of color from the changing leaves. In the summer, the trail is surrounded by lush greenery, and your dog can cool their paws in the slow-moving pools along the creek.

The highlight of this hike is definitely its namesake Twin Arches—these two massive sandstone arches form one of the largest natural bridge complexes known in the world. And while exploring around the base of the arches is worth a trip of its own, the rest of the loop will treat you and your pup to some prime exploration of the gorgeous woodlands and hillsides to be found around the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River.

You’ll be swept off your feet by the beauty of the rugged terrain of Palo Duro Canyon, which is also known as the Grand Canyon of Texas. Your pup will adore the wide open spaces and rich desert smells. This outstanding trail takes you through southwestern red rock landscapes to a distinctive jutting rock formation that makes a great backdrop for that perfectly posed adventure pup pic. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water!

Looking for a chance to hike the iconic slickrock terrain of Utah’s red rock country? The trip to Corona Arch offers the opportunity for your four-legged friend to join you on this stellar hike outside of Moab. The views are outstanding, and the trail offers a few scrambling sections where you and your pup can put your hiking skills to good use. Keep an eye open for Bowtie Arch and Pinto Arch along the route, though the real showstopper is Corona Arch, a Navajo sandstone span that measures 140 feet across and stands just over 100 feet high.

If you and your pup are seeking summit views without necessarily spending all day climbing a challenging peak like Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest mountain, the hike to Stowe Pinnacle offers an equally rewarding view. You’ll still have a moderate climb with some rocky terrain to navigate, but your athletic dog will love doing a little rock hopping as you climb through the woods to the bald rock summit. Catch your breath and enjoy the views!

Looking for big views with pup-friendly footing and a moderate distance that can have you home in time for lunch? Look no further than this loop hike to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain, Shenandoah National Park’s highest peak, which features 360-degree views of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. A springtime visit will treat you to the annual wildflower bloom, giving your pup a chance to stop and smell the rhododendrons. And a hike in the fall will reveal jaw-dropping panoramas with too many colors to count.

If your trail dog is ready for a longer outing with some tough elevation gain, this breathtaking loop in the North Cascades will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you catch the summer wildflowers or the fall colors, the mountainous backdrop won’t disappoint. The loop traverses two mountain passes—Heather and Maple Pass—where you’ll enjoy views of lakes, woods and wildflower-filled meadows.

With its lush hemlock forests and stunning scenic overlooks, any hike along the Endless Wall Trail is sure to be a fan-favorite. Your pup can join you on this popular hike that lets you take in the beautiful scenery of New River Gorge—without any really steep sections to slow you down. The trail zig-zags along the cliff edge (use caution and keep your dog leashed) with plenty of scenic vistas including the outstanding view down to New River at Diamond Point. In the spring, the woodsy sections will be in bloom with rhododendron and mountain laurel.

A visit to Wisconsin’s most popular state park is sure to get your pup’s tail wagging. The East Bluff Trail offers a sampling of all the park’s best features—from rock formations and peaceful woodlands to scenic lake overlooks and quartzite bluffs. Along the route, you’ll get glimpses of Devil’s Lake and have a few prime photo-ops at the park’s iconic Balanced Rock and Devil’s Doorway formations.

An all-day adventure in Wyoming’s Medicine Bow mountain range, this loop up to Medicine Bow Peak is punctuated by wildflower-filled meadows and high alpine lakes. Ideal for experienced trail dogs who are comfortable navigating tricky terrain, the hike traverses a steep ridgeline to reach the summit of Medicine Bow that is punctuated by boulder fields and rocky scrambles. For smaller, less-agile pups, you can still enjoy this hike by turning around below the summit. The views will still be grand, and your dog will enjoy the fresh mountain air, regardless of how far you go.