Java doesn’t have much gear in general so we can’t do a ton of gear reviews as he doesn’t own much outside of his pack, collapsible bowls, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, blanket, bandanas … okay, maybe there will be more gear reviews! However, for now, I will concentrate on the never-ending search for Java’s perfect pack.

Java has now officially gone through 6 different packs! So, needless to say, I think we are almost experts in the dog pack world.

Here are some tips we’ve learned through our dog packing challenges:

How Much Weight Can your pup carry?

For the most part, I keep Java’s pack at 10% – 25% of his body weight. Most dogs can carry 25% of their body weight. If I know it’s going to be a long and difficult hike, I try to keep his pack weight rather light. If we are just doing an easy day hike he can easily carry 12lbs (he weighs almost 50lbs so 12lbs is about 25% his weight) in his pack without it slowing him down at all.

For backpacking trips his pack is usually about 8lbs.

1. two 16oz water bottles  – 16oz of water is about 1.04lbs each so both bottles of waters are about 2lbs for him.
2. Collapsible food and water dish – 4.8oz
3. Treats – 8oz
4. His food – 4lbs (this is about 2 days worth of his food)
5. Poop bags – .01oz
6. His pack – 1lb

Total weight = ~8lbs

How to Fit a Pack

Most packs come with a guide on how to fit the pack to your dog. The most important measurements are the circumference of your dog’s chest, waist, and neck.

Getting the straps so fit perfectly is often a very complicated science for Java. Any strap that is too tight will rub his skin leaving marks and too loose and the pack never stays on evenly.

I’ve found that if I can get the strap that goes around the circumference of Java’s chest to be the perfect fit the rest are very easy to adjust. That also seems to be the best strap for keeping the pack even on his back. I do try to keep even weight distribution to prevent the pack from leaning one side over the other but having the correct fit allows some wiggle room.

Types of Packs

Java has two main packs I use for him. He has a daypack that has smaller pockets on the side and just used to carry small things like water and treats for him. Sometimes, if it’s hot enough out, I’ll put some ice packs in it to help keep him cool.

Then he has his overnight backpacking pack. This one has larger side pockets that can fit all the items mentioned above. I try not to overpack it or make it too bulky as the sides to start tearing from rubbing up against rocks.

Reviews

Through all the wear and tear that Java has caused on his packs, we have two favorites and some less than favorites.

My absolute favorite pack is the Outward Hound Daypack. It’s absolutely worth the money and hasn’t failed us yet. The pockets are bit small but perfect for day trips. It also fits Java really well and you don’t have to spend hours adjusting straps.

My second favorite and one we use for longer trips is the Wellver Dog Backpack on amazon. It lasted the longest and probably gave me the most bang for my buck out of all the packs Java has owned.

He enjoyed his Ruffwear Approach Pack but for the price, it isn’t always my top choice. We’ve gone through 3 Approach packs from Ruffwear and every time the bottom ends up tearing and the material doesn’t hold up very long on our New Hampshire adventures.

In last place is the Kurgo Dog Saddlebag Backpack which just didn’t fit Java well. It ended up always being lopsided and causing the pocket to tear and drag all over.

Summary

At the end of the day, you’ll have to find the pack that best fits your pup’s body and doesn’t cause any harsh rub spots. Java gets his rub spots under his armpits a lot which I’ve had to look into packs with longer chest room to prevent but every pup is different so be patient with finding the right one. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new brands and styles as some packs seem to really unique and may just be a great fit for your pup!

At the end of the day, the pack is supposed to help you get out more with your pup and enjoy the great outdoors so I hope you find the right fit! Happy Packing!

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How cold is too cold for my pup?

Just like humans, every dog is different both in physical ability to handle colder temps and in preference. If your dog is used to Florida weather and spent most their life knowing only warm temps odds are it’s going to take them a while to adjust to a Maine winter. There are a couple of factors that also lend itself to your dog’s ability to handle cold weather.

1. Fur. What kind of fur does your dog have? Short hair dogs tend to get cold a lot faster than long-haired dogs and dogs with two coats (husky) of fur do better than one coat. If you have a short hair dog I would recommend looking into sweaters and jackets for your pup. Just remember to make sure any clothing you put on your dog doesn’t restrict their movements and fits correctly.
2. Size. Height and weight, just like humans, can be a big factor in dealing with the cold. Fat is a great insulator no matter what species you are so if your pup is a bit … husky they have a bit more insulation than a whippet. Now, don’t confuse fat as a good insulator as a means to overfeed your dog and under exercise them. Their health should never be sacrificed for the sake of dealing with cold temperatures!
3. Activity. Just like humans, dogs will warm up if they are exercising and running around. If you’re doing a slow walk with your pup and notice them shivering to try picking up the pace a bit to get their blood flowing! Please don’t leave your dog tied up outside in the middle of the winter. Dogs don’t run around by themselves and if they’re cold they will probably just roll up into a shivering ball to try to stay warm. Just let them in your house or someplace warmer than the ground. As a backpacker, I can tell you from personal experience it is VERY hard to keep in body heat against a cold floor. That’s why a lot of backpackers will use a sleeping pad under their Sleeping bag, that thin layer between your body and the ground can prevent you and your pup from losing a lot of body heat to the frozen ground. Also, the wind cuts right through their fur, even dogs with two coats of fur can have a tough time staying warm on cold windy days!
4. Paws. Remember dogs mostly regulate their body temperatures through their mouths and their paws. This is why in the summer they pant and you’re told to get their paws to cool them down a bit. Well, the same for winter. If your pup is cold all the time try investing in some boots for your dog’s paws. I know most dogs hate things on their feet but if you take the time to find a good pair that are sized correctly it may help your pup enjoy those winter walks in the snow a bit more.

But most importantly remember every dog is going to be different. If your dog is shivering, get them somewhere warm. No one likes being cold and neither does your dog. Just pay attention to if your dog is enjoying themselves outside, you should hopefully be able to tell if your dog is done and needs to go back inside.

Baby, it’s cold outside!

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Java and I have now been hiking and camping together for over 6 years and we’ve had quite a steep learning curve together. Before I adopted Java I had never been hiking or camping with a dog before. Actually, I had very little hiking and camping experience at all. I grew up outside NYC and I had never gone hiking until I move out of NY. I knew very little about the outdoors until about 2011. Shortly after moving to this new state I adopted the pup that would be the one to go explore a whole new world that I never thought much about – The great outdoors. Going down this new outdoor journey together of figuring out how to read maps and trail blazes I was happy to have Java by my side, as I often got lost and encountered some unique wildlife. I had never seen wild turkeys, bears, coyotes, or even chipmunks until moving to CT. No matter what wildlife we encountered Java and I learned quickly how best to react and stay safe.

 Tips I wish I had known about hiking and camping with dogs.

1. Food and water. Always make sure to pack enough + extra water and treats for your pup.
2. They need their Giardia shot – Dogs can get Giardia from water and anything else that they eat that has been infected with feces.
3. Put tags on your dogs – Even if your dog never leaves your side do it for both your safety. I met a hiker who had a dog that slipt off an edge of the mountain and the poor pup was lost for days with no ID tag for anyone to identify who its owner is.
4. A Dog first aid kit – Tweezers (especially for tick removal), Wrap, Benedryll – you never know what your dog will encounter and what it could be allergic to.
5. Poop bags or make sure to bring a shovel to dispose of your dog’s waste properly. No one likes seeing poop on the trail so be courteous and cover it up and remove it from sight as best as possible.

Optional things to think about for hiking with your dog:

1. Boots for the paws – If you’re planning a long hike check on your pup’s paws. Dogs paws can often get cut up on the trail and especially the rocky sections.  My pup refuses to wear dog boots but if you know your pup has soft pads you may want to look into buying a pair.
2.  Water and a food container – Try to make it as easy as possible for you to stop and feed/hydrate your pup. Quick release water bottle or easily accessible treats will help your pup stay motivated.
3. Jacket/clothing – Not all dogs handle all weather conditions well. If your pup easily gets cold you may want to bring a jacket or sweater for them.
4. Towel – If your pup is anything like mine, a towel might be a good idea to wipe them off from mud or in case they roll in something they shouldn’t have.
5. Reflective Vest. If you’re in a hunting area you may want to put your pup in a reflective vest so that any hunters around will be well aware of your pup.
6. Backpack – I like making Java carry some of his own supplies in his pack. I started with just some treats in it and now he carries his food and water. It’s especially helpful on backpacking trips where we all have to carry our own weight.
7. Headlamp – This one has helped Java and me quite a few times. I always carry an extra headlamp and tie it around Javas neck if we get stuck hiking after sunset together. It also allows me to see where he is as well as the trail under him.
8. Bandana – Java is often wearing a bandana on our summer hikes as I use it to try to keep him cool by dipping it in water and letting the damp cloth press against his chest. In the cooler months, I spray organic/environmentally friendly bug spray on his bandannas to try to keep the bugs away from him.

Some more optional items for backpacking with your pup

Java sleeps in my tent with me but depending on if we are car camping or backpacking depends on how much extra stuff I bring.

1. His puppy sleeping pad so he’s comfy. A kid’s sleeping pad.
2. His sleeping Bag. Again, just a kids bag that is square not mummy style.
3. Extra Towel.
4. His shampoo in case he roles in something.

One thing hiking has taught me is no matter how prepared you think you are you, mother nature reminds you that you will never fully be. I’ve had to improvise on many things and we learn together what works for us and what doesn’t. Overall it’s just about enjoying the outdoors and take it slow. It should be relaxing for both of you and a great time. Things will happen and can’t control everything but it always makes for some great stories. Lastly, start small and work your way up together.

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Pets in U.S. National Parks, Forests, Recreation Areas, Wildlife Refuges, Seashores & Lakeshores, Preserves, Monuments, Historical Parks & Historic Sites – Pet Policies*

U.S. National Parks*

In general, pets are permitted but must be restrained either on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length, caged or crated at all times. Requirements for visiting a national park with your dog vary, so be sure to check each park’s regulations before you visit. Find a U.S. National Park

U.S. National Forests*

Pets are allowed in all U.S. National Forests, but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times while in developed recreation areas and on interpretive trails. Most other areas within the National Forests do not require dogs to be on a leash, but they should be under control at all times. Pets are not permitted in swimming areas.

If you plan on bringing your dog to the national forest familiarize yourself with trail situations that can be hazardous for dogs, hikers, or other trail users. Update all vaccinations and provide flea and tick control for your pet. Also, make sure your dog has identification tattoos and/or tags in case you are separated while on your hike. Find a U.S. National Forest

National Parks: Going to the Dogs
Great article from National Parks Traveler about taking dogs to national parks. Includes safety tips and information on the “Paw Patrol” program in some parks – volunteers patrol the park with their canine companions to help keep visitors educated on the rules associated with dogs in the park.

ALABAMA

Bridgeport: Russell Cave National Monument
Russell Cave is an archaeological site with one of the most complete records of prehistoric cultures in the Southeast. Pets on a leash are welcome at Russell Cave.

Davison: Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is the site of the last battle of the Creek War on March 27, 1814. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are welcome in Horseshoe Bend NMP.

Little River Canyon National Preserve
Little River Canyon National Preserve is located on top of Lookout Mountain in in the Southern Appalachians, and features forested uplands, waterfalls, canyon rims and bluffs, pools, boulders, and sandstone cliffs. Pets on a leash are allowed in the park.

Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail
In 1965 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for the right to vote in central Alabama; today, you can trace their march toward freedom on the 54-mile trail. Pets on a leash are allowed on the trail and on the grounds at the Lowndes Interpretive Center (LIC), but are not permitted in the Visitor Center/museums.

ALASKA

Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
Located on the Seward Peninsula approximately 100 miles north of Nome, Alaska, there are no roads going in to the preserve. Pets on a leash are allowed throughout the preserve.

Denali National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the Park Road, in parking lots, or on campground roads. In general, pets are not permitted on park trails or off-trail in the wilderness; the exception is the Roadside Trail, where pets may be walked on leash.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Pets on a leash are allowed on land in only a few select areas: on the Bartlett Cove Public Use Dock; on the beach between the Bartlett Cove Public Use Dock and the National Park Service Administrative Dock; within 100 feet of Bartlett Cove Developed Area park roads or parking areas unless otherwise posted; and on a vessel on the water. Pets are not allowed on trails, beaches, or anywhere in the backcountry, with the exception of pets that remain on board private vessels on the water.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park 
Commemorating the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s, Klondike Gold Rush NHP is made up of three units in Alaska and one unit in Seattle, WA. Each of these places played an integral role in the stampede to the Klondike. The three units in Alaska are the Skagway Historic District, the White Pass Trail, and the Chilkoot Trail where more than 30,000 men, women, and children climbed up the daunting Golden Stairs during the Klondike Gold Rush. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the Chilkoot Trail.
Thank you, Jason Verhaeghe, nps.gov

Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is not on the road system; therefore, access is primarily by small aircraft. Pets on a leash are allowed in the park and preserve.

Sitka National Historical Park
The park preserves the site of a battle between invading Russian traders and indigenous Kiks.ádi Tlingit, and features Tlingit and Haida totem poles standing along the park’s scenic coastal trail. Pets on a leash are allowed on the park trails and grounds, but are not permitted in buildings.

Yukon–Charley Rivers National Preserve
The Yukon–Charley Rivers National Preserve encompasses 115 miles of the 1,800-mile Yukon River and the entire Charley River basin. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park.

ARIZONA

Ajo: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Located in extreme southern Arizona which shares a border with the Mexican state of Sonora, the park is the only place in the US where the Organ Pipe Cactus grows wild. Along with Organ Pipe, many other types of cacti, as well as other desert flora native to the Yuma Desert section of the Sonoran Desert region grow here. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the Palo Verde Trail, Campground Perimeter Trail, and all roads open to visitors, including the paved campground areas. Visitors with pets are welcome to walk the nature trail at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center, but they must access the trail from the parking lot, not through the visitor center. Pets are not allowed on any other trails or in the wilderness.

Bowie: Fort Bowie National Historic Site
In the 19th century Fort Bowie was an outpost of the United States army. The site commemorates the bitter conflict between Chiricahua Apaches and the U.S. military. Pets on a leash are allowed on the park’s trails.

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
Located about one hour southwest of Tucson, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge provides 117,107 acres of habitat for threatened and endangered plants and animals. Dogs are allowed within the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge if leashed.

Camp Verde: Montezuma Castle National Monument
The site preserves a 5-story cliff dwelling built and used by the Pre-Columbian Sinagua people around 700 AD. A self-guided, 1/3-mile loop trail leads you past the cliff dwelling, through a beautiful sycamore grove and along spring-fed Beaver Creek. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the trails at both Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well, but are not permitted inside the visitor center.

Clarkdale: Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot National Monument preserves a 2- to 3-story pueblo ruin on the summit of a limestone and sandstone ridge just east of Clarkdale, Arizona, 120 feet above the Verde River floodplain. Pets on a leash no longer the 6 feet are allowed on the trails, but are not permitted inside the visitor center.

Coolidge: Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
The site consists of the ruins of multiple structures surrounded by a compound wall constructed by the ancient people of the Hohokam period, who farmed the Gila Valley in the early 13th century. Pets on a leash are allowed in the park.

Coronado National Forest
The Coronado National Forest includes an area of about 1.78 million acres spread throughout mountain ranges in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Dogs are allowed within most areas of the Coronado National Forest if leashed. Dogs are not permitted in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness Area or Sabino Canyon Recreation Area – both in the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Encompassing over 1.2 million acres, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area stretches for hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah, encompassing scenic vistas, geologic wonders, and unparalleled opportunities for water-based & backcountry recreation. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in most parts of the recreation area.

Grand Canyon National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on trails above the rim, Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, Trailer Village and throughout the developed areas. Pets are not permitted below the rim, in park lodging (hotel rooms – dogs and cats must be boarded in the kennel), or on park buses.

Hereford: Coronado National Memorial
Dogs on a leash are allowed on the Crest Trail, but are not permitted on any other trail. Coronado National Memorial Crest Trail

Petrified Forest National Park
Located in Navajo and Apache counties in northeastern Arizona, the Petrified Forest is known for its fossils, especially fallen trees that lived in the Late Triassic, about 225 million years ago. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on trails, even backpacking in the wilderness area. Pets are not allowed in buildings, unless they are service animals.

Roosevelt: Tonto National Monument
Located in the Superstition Mountains in central Arizona, Tonto National Monument showcases two Salado-style cliff dwellings. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the Lower Cliff Dwelling and Cactus Patch trails, but are not permitted in the Visitor Center or in the Lower Cliff Dwelling.

Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is located in southern Arizona on the outskirts of Tucson. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed only on roadways or in picnic areas, except Mam- A-Gah picnic area in the west district as it is only accessible by trail. Pets may not be taken on any trail, off roadways, or inside either visitor center at any time.

Tumacácori National Historical Park
Located in the upper Santa Cruz River Valley in Santa Cruz County, southern Arizona, Tumacácori National Historical Park consists of 360 acres in three separate units. The park protects the ruins of three Spanish mission communities, two of which are National Historic Landmark sites. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are welcome along the Anza Trail all year-round.

Willcox: Chiricahua National Monument
Pets on a leash are allowed on the lower canyon trails between the campground, visitor center, and entrance station on the Silver Spur Trail, Faraway Ranch Trail, and the campground. Pets are not permitted on any of the other park trails.

ARKANSAS

Buffalo National River
One of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states, Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles. Pets on a leash are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in any government buildings, caves or on most park trails, or within designated wilderness areas with the exception of the Ponca Wilderness gravel bars (leashed pets are permitted on gravel bars up to 25′ from the water’s edge). Two trails within have been opened to pets on a trial basis: Mill Creek Trail in the Upper District near Pruitt, and the Forest Pit Trail in the Lower District at Buffalo Point.

Garfield: Pea Ridge National Military Park
Located in extreme northwestern Arkansas near the Missouri border, Pea Ridge National Military Park protects the site of the American Civil War Battle of Pea Ridge which was fought March 7 and March 8, 1862. Pea Ridge was one of the most pivotal Civil War battles and is the most intact Civil War battlefield in the United States. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in any of the buildings.

Hot Springs National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the trails and in the campground, but are not permitted in the visitor center and other park buildings.

CALIFORNIA

Arcadia: Angeles National Forest
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are welcome in the Angeles National Forest.

Death Valley National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in developed areas, and on park roads. Pets are not permitted off roads, on trails or in the wilderness areas of the park.

Independence: Manzanar National Historic Site
Manzanar is the site of one of ten camps where over 110,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. Pets on a leash are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in buildings or within the fenced cemetery area.

Joshua Tree National Park
Activities with pets are very limited in Joshua Tree National Park. Pets are not allowed in buildings, on hiking trails, or anywhere in the backcountry. Pets on a leash are allowed on the paved Oasis of Mara Trail near the visitor center in Twentynine Palms.

Lake Tahoe
Pets on a leash are allowed almost anywhere within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, with the exceptions of swimming beaches and areas that are restricted for wildlife protection.

Lassen Volcanic National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on roads and road shoulders (not snow-covered), campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking lots. Pets are not permitted on any hiking trail, in the park backcountry (including snow-covered roads or trails), in any body of water, or inside visitor centers or other park facilities.

Mammoth Lakes: Devils Postpile National Monument
Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery. Devils Postpile is a pet friendly park. Pets on a leash are allowed on all trails. Leashed pets can even ride the shuttle bus! The park’s “Paw Patrol” invites volunteers and their canine companions to patrol monument trails to provide information and interpretation to monument visitors with and without dogs.

Martinez: John Muir National Historic Site
The site preserves the 14-room Italianate Victorian mansion where the naturalist and writer John Muir lived, as well as a nearby 325 acres tract of native oak woodlands and grasslands historically owned by the Muir family. Pets on a leash are allowed in the park and on Mount Wanda, but are not permitted inside the Muir home or the Martinez Adobe.

Mojave National Preserve
Mojave National Preserve is located in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County CA, between Interstate 15 and Interstate 40. Natural features include the Kelso Dunes, the Marl Mountains and the Cima Dome, as well as volcanic formations such as Hole-in-the-Wall and the Cinder Cone Lava Beds. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park, but are prohibited inside buildings.

Point Reyes National Seashore
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are are allowed on the following ocean-facing beaches throughout the year: Kehoe Beach – north of the Kehoe Beach trail; Limantour Beach – southeast of the parking lot to the beach adjacent to Coast Camp; Point Reyes/Great Beach – from the North Beach parking lot to the south, except Palomarin Beach which is no longer open to pets. Pets are allowed on boats in Tomales Bay and on National Seashore beaches on the west side of Tomales Bay from the northern boundary of Tomales Bay State Park to Elk Fence North Beach.

Redwood National and State Parks
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on all road-accessible beaches (excluding dune habitat); within 100 feet of public roads and parking areas (but not on trails); at designated picnic areas; and within all road-accessible campgrounds.

San Francisco Bay Area: Golden Gate National Recreation Area
On January 10, 2017, the National Park Service placed a hold on a rule for dog management and a period of review. The Final Rule would identify places in the park where dogs are welcome – both on-leash and under voice and sight control (off-leash) – as well as areas that are dog-free.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the national recreation area, but are required to stay on trails, roads, and developed areas (campgrounds and parking lots). Pets are not permitted on backcountry trails in California State Parks (Topanga, Malibu Creek, Leo Carillo and Point Mugu State Parks. Areas that allow dogs on leash in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in campgrounds and picnic areas, but are not permitted on trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. In the National Forest, pets on a leash are allowed on trails.

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
The most prominent feature of the park is Whiskeytown Lake’s beautiful sapphire-blue waters, surrounded by mountain peaks. The 39,000 acres surrounding the lake hold four waterfalls, pristine mountain creeks, and 70 miles of trails. Dogs are allowed on the trails, in the campgrounds and in the water at non-swim beaches which are beaches without sand. Dogs are not allowed on the designated sandy swimming beaches or inside any buildings. The following structures and/or areas are closed to pets: Whiskeytown Visitor Center, Whiskeytown Headquarters Building, Camden House, Brandy Creek Beach, Oak Bottom Beach, East Beach, Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area Beach.

Whitethorn: King Range National Conservation Area, 768 Shelter Cove Rd., Whitethorn, CA 95589
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, The King Range NCA encompasses 68,000 acres along 35 miles of California’s dramatic north coast. Dogs should be on a leash no longer than six feet in a developed campground. Outside of developed campgrounds they do not need to be on a leash, but should be under voice control at all times.

Yosemite National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are only allowed in developed areas; on fully paved trails and roads except trails signed as not allowing pets (pets are not allowed off the floor of Yosemite Valley, including the trail to Vernal Fall); and in campgrounds (except walk-in campgrounds and in group campsites). DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite operates a dog kennel in Yosemite Valley from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Dogs must be at least 20 pounds (smaller dogs may be considered if you provide a small kennel).

COLORADO

Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests
Pets on a leash no longer than six feet are allowed in most of the wilderness areas. Pets are not allowed in swimming areas.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Pets on a leash are allowed on roads, in campgrounds, to the overlooks, and on the Rim Rock Trail, Cedar Point Nature Trail, and North Rim Chasm View Nature Trail. Pets are not allowed on any other hiking trails, inner canyon routes or in the wilderness area.

Curecanti National Recreation Area
Curecanti National Recreation Area is a series of three reservoirs along the once wild Gunnison River. Pets are allowed on all hiking trails, but must be leashed at all times. Pets are not allowed on the Morrow Point Boat Tour.

Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument is located on the southeast flank of the Uinta Mountains on the border between Colorado and Utah at the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers. Dinosaurs once roamed here; their fantastic remains are still visible embedded in the rocks. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed within 100 feet of developed areas such as roads, parking lots, campgrounds, day-use areas, and river launches. Pets are allowed on the following trails along the Harpers Corner Road (Colorado side): Cold Desert, Plug Hat Butte and other trails at the Plug Hat Picnic Area, Echo Park Overlook, and Iron Springs Bench Overlook. In Utah, leashed pets are allowed on the River Trail. Pets are not allowed on the shuttle or in any buildings, on trails other than those open for pets, in the monument’s backcountry, or on river trips.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
The park features the tallest dunes in North America, as well as a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are permitted in most commonly used areas of the park and all of the preserve. Pets are not permitted in: Dunefield outside the main day use area; designated backpacking sites; or undeveloped parts of the national park outside the day use areas and road corridors. In summer months, sand surface temperatures can quickly get painfully hot so plan to hike on the dunes in early morning or evening.

Hovenweep National Monument
Located in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah, Hovenweep National Monument is a group of five well-preserved village ruins over a 20-mile radius of mesa tops and canyons. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on trails and in the campground, but are not permitted in the visitor center.
Thank you, Sara Bartels, nps.gov

Rocky Mountain National Park
Pets on a leash are allowed in areas accessed by vehicles, including roadsides, parking areas, picnic areas and campgrounds. Pets are not permitted on trails or in the backcountry.

CONNECTICUT

Wilton: Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton, CT 06897
Weir Farm commemorates the life and work of American impressionist painter J. Alden Weir and other artists who stayed at the site or lived there. Dogs on a leash are allowed at Weir Farm National Historic Site; dogs are not allowed in the Weir Preserve.

DELAWARE

No listings at this time.

DIST. OF COLUMBIA

Capitol Hill Parks
Included in this group of parks located east of the U.S. Capitol are Folger, Lincoln, Stanton, and Marion Parks, the Eastern Market and Potomac Avenue Metro stations, and several smaller land parcels such as Seward Square, Twining Square, the Maryland Avenue Triangles, the Pennsylvania Avenue Medians, and 59 inner-city triangles and squares. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the parks.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
This presidential memorial is located along the western shore of the Tidal Basin, taking visitors on a walk through time as FDR’s four terms in office are chronicled through quotes carved in stone and fascinating bronze artwork. Leashed dogs are allowed at the FDR Memorial, which is entirely outdoors.

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
Nestled near the banks of the Anacostia River and directly west of the Baltimore Washington Parkway, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens preserves a plethora of rare waterlilies and lotuses in the cultivated ponds near the river. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park.

National Mall
An open-area national park in downtown Washington, D.C., The National Mall includes the Thomas Jefferson, Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorials as well as the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veteran’s Memorial and the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, Pets are allowed on the National Mall and Memorial Parks but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed in any of the museums or institutions.

President’s Park (White House)
President’s Park encompasses the White House, a visitor center, Lafayette Square, and The Ellipse. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park.

Rock Creek Park
Pets on a leash are allowed in the park, but must stay on established park trails.

FLORIDA

Apalachicola National Forest
Pets on a leash are allowed on the trails and in the campsites.

Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park encompasses coral reefs, islands and shoreline mangrove forest in the northern Florida Keys. Pets on a leash are welcome on the grounds surrounding the visitor center and the developed areas of Elliott Key, but are not permitted in other islands of the park.

Bradenton: De Soto National Memorial
De Soto National Memorial commemorates the 1539 landing of Hernando de Soto and the first extensive organized exploration by Europeans of what is now the southern United States. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park.

Everglades National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in parking lots and campgrounds, but not on trails or in wilderness areas. Pets are only permitted in the following areas: on roadways open to public vehicular traffic; in roadside campgrounds and picnic areas; on maintained ground surrounding public facilities; aboard boats.

Jacksonville: Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
The Timucuan Preserve includes Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in outdoor areas at preserve sites.

St. Augustine: Fort Matanzas National Monument
Fort Matanzas National Monument consists of a 1740 Spanish fort called Fort Matanzas, and about 100 acres of salt marsh and barrier islands along the Matanzas River on the northern Atlantic coast of Florida. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are welcome in the park including on the beach and on the trails. Pets are not permitted in the visitor center, on the boat, or at the fort.

Titusville: Canaveral National Seashore
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the lagoon-side of the park. Pets are prohibited from the western edge of the dune line, east to including the boardwalks and the beach, and from the Seminole Rest (25 acre) area.

GEORGIA

Andersonville: Andersonville National Historic Site
The park preserves the site of the largest of the many Confederate military prisons that were established during the Civil War. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in the landscaped and grassy areas within the National Cemetery.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area preserves a series of sites between Atlanta and Lake Sidney Lanier along the Chattahoochee River. The 48-mile stretch of the river affords public recreation opportunities and access to historic sites. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the trails.

Kennesaw: Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr., Kennesaw, GA 30152
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a 2,965 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. There are over 18 miles of interpretive trails to hike. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park.

Macon: Ocmulgee National Monument
The Ocmulgee National Monument preserves traces of over ten millennia of Southeastern Native American culture, including the Great Temple and other ceremonial mounds, a burial mound, and defensive trenches. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in the visitor center.

Savannah: Fort Pulaski National Monument
Located on Cockspur Island between Savannah and Tybee Island, the site preserves Fort Pulaski, where in 1862 during the American Civil War, the Union Army successfully tested a rifled cannon, and compelled the Confederate garrison inside Fort Pulaski to surrender. The fort was also used as a prisoner-of-war camp. Pets on a leash are allowed anywhere in the park except the Visitor’s Center.

St. Simmons Island: Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort Frederica National Monument preserves the archaeological remnants of a fort and town built by James Oglethorpe between 1736 and 1748 to protect the southern boundary of the British colony of Georgia from Spanish raids. Pets are allowed at Fort Frederica, but must be leashed or in a pet stroller. Pets are not allowed on or in any of the ruins or historic structures, or in any of the park buildings.

HAWAII

Hawaii: Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Located in the Kona District on the Big island, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park preserves, protects, and interprets traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beaches and trails.

Hawaii: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Pets on a leash are allowed in developed areas of the park; including paved roadways, parking areas, and Namakanipaio Campground.

Maui: Haleakalā National Park
Dogs on a leash are allowed in parking lots and drive-up campgrounds and on roadways and paved pathways, but are not permitted in the wilderness area or on trails.

IDAHO

City of Rocks National Reserve
Located 2 miles north of the south central Idaho border with Utah, City of Rocks National Reserve is widely known for its excellent rock climbing and rock formations. Pets are welcome in the park, but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet.

Nez Perce National Historical Park
Nez Perce National Historical Park comprises 38 sites located throughout the states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, which included traditional aboriginal lands of the Nez Perce people. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the trails at Nez Perce National Historical Park. Dogs are prohibited on the trails at Big Hole National Battlefield and Bear Paw battlefield.

ILLINOIS

Springfield: Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Dogs are allowed in the historic Lincoln era neighborhood, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed in any of the park’s historic buildings including the Lincoln Home and the park’s Visitor Center.

Shawnee National Forest
Dogs are welcome in the Shawnee National Forest; however, they must be leashed or restrained in developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas and on developed trails.

INDIANA

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is comprised of 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in many areas of the national lakeshore, including the beach east of Indiana Dunes State Park. Pets are not permitted on the beach west of the state park (State Highway 49).

Lincoln City: Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial preserves the farm site where Abraham Lincoln lived with his family from 1816 to 1830. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in public buildings. There are 2 miles of hiking trails and roads in the park where pets are permitted.

IOWA

Harpers Ferry: Effigy Mounds National Monument
The site preserves more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native Americans and is located in one of the most picturesque sections of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Pets on a leash are allowed on the Monument’s trails.

West Branch: Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in buildings.

KANSAS

Fort Scott: Fort Scott National Historic Site
During the middle of the 19th century Fort Scott served as a military base for the US Army. The site preserves 20 historic structures, a parade ground, and five acres of restored tall grass prairie. Pets on a leash are allowed in the park, but are not permitted inside the buildings.

Strong City: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
The preserve protects a nationally significant example of the once vast tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Pets on a leash are allowed in the parking lots, picnic areas, in the areas surrounding the historic buildings, and on the Nature Trails year-round. Most of the hiking trails do not allow pets on trails.

KENTUCKY

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area – KY, TN
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed within Big South Fork, including in the Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Pets on a leash are allowed in the park. Horses are allowed on designated trails and at the Hensley Camp, White Rocks, and Martin’s Fork backcountry campsites.

Hodgenville: Abraham Lincoln Birthplaces National Historical Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the trails, but are not permitted in park buildings.

Mammoth Cave National Park
Pets on a leash are allowed in the park, including hiking trails, but are not permitted in any cave.

LOUISIANA

Marrero: Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Pets on leashes are allowed in all parking lots, at Chalmette Battlefield, and on the visitor center deck at the Barataria Preserve, but are not permitted on the trails at the Barataria Preserve or at Chalmette National Cemetery.

MAINE

Acadia National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in Arcadia National Park. There are 100 miles (161 km) of hiking trails and 45 miles (72 km) of carriage roads in the park where pets are permitted. Blackwoods and Seawall Campgrounds permit pets. On Isle au Haut, pets are permitted for day hiking only.

MARYLAND

Assateague Island National Seashore – MD, VA
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the Maryland portion of the Assateague National Seashore. Pets are completely prohibited in the following areas: all backcountry campsites; nature trails; lifeguard-protected beach; north of the State Park to the Ocean City inlet; the entire Virginia portion of Assateague Island.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park – MD, DC, WV
Located in the District of Columbia and the states of Maryland and West Virginia, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park preserves the neglected remains of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal along the Potomac River along with many of the original canal structures. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the park, but are not permitted on the Billy Goat Trail Section A, or on the overlook trail to Great Falls.

Fort Washington: Fort Washington Park
Fort Washington was for many decades the only defensive fort protecting Washington D.C. The expansive grounds of the present Fort Washington Park, with its extensive hiking/bicycle paths and river view, are a scenic venue for picnicking, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Pets on a leash are allowed in all outdoor park areas, including the parade ground and bastions of the old fort, but are not allowed in the visitor center or the barracks buildings of the old fort.

Frederick: Monocacy National Battlefield
Monocacy National Battlefield is the site of the Battle of Monocacy in the American Civil War fought on July 9, 1864. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in park buildings.

Towson: Hampton National Historic Site
The site preserves a remnant of a vast 18th-century estate, including a Georgian manor house, gardens, grounds, and the original stone slave quarters. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the grounds, but are not permitted in any of the park buildings.

Thurmont: Catoctin Mountain Park
Pets are allowed in Catoctin Mountain Park as long as they are physically restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length at all times or are otherwise physically confined. Pets are allowed in Owens Creek Campground and on park trails.

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston: Boston National Historical Park
Pets on a leash are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in any buildings.

Cape Cod National Seashore
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in numerous places in Cape Cod National Seashore: ocean beaches except during the summer on lifeguard-protected beaches and during shorebird nesting periods; all fire roads within Cape Cod National Seashore; head of the Meadow Bicycle Trail year round and Province Lands Bicycle Trail, Nov. 1 to April 30; fresh water ponds within Cape Cod National Seashore (beaches and water), Oct. 16 through May 14; and West and Sunset Horse Trails in the Province Lands.

Concord: Minute Man National Historical Park
The park commemorates the opening battles of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775 by protecting, preserving and interpreting the significant historic sites, structures, landscapes, events and ideas embodied by these events. Pets on a leash are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in any of the visitor centers.

MICHIGAN

Monroe: River Raisin National Battlefield Park
River Raisin National Battlefield Park preserves, commemorates, and interprets the January 1813 battles of the War of 1812 and their aftermath in Monroe and Wayne counties in SE Michigan. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 are allwelcome at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park. Pets are allowed on the trails; there is a 0.6 paved loop trail with historical markers and a 1 mile wood chip trail through the battlefield grounds, as well as a 4.4 mile paved loop trail that runs into Sterling State Park and is part of the River Raisin Heritage Trail.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
The lakeshore hugs the Lake Superior shoreline for more than 40 miles. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are permitted along roads and in designated developed areas such as Munising Falls and Miners Castle, and at drive-in campgrounds. Pets are not permitted in the park’s hiking trails, backcountry and backcountry campgrounds, and in the forests and fields.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
The park features miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are generally allowed within the Lakeshore except in certain limited areas designated as “no-pet” areas. A small percentage of the park has been closed to pets for the protection of wildlife. Pet Areas in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

MINNESOTA

Pipestone National Monument
Pipestone National Monument preserves the active quarries and sacred grounds where American Indians have extracted red stone for centuries to carve into sacred pipes. Visitors can take a paved trail past the quarries and through the tallgrass prairie to several points of interest, including historic markers, notable rock formations and a peaceful 20-foot waterfall. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in the visitor center.

Grand Portage National Monument
Located on the north shore of Lake Superior in northeastern Minnesota, Grand Portage National Monument preserves a vital center of fur trade activity and Anishinaabeg Ojibwe heritage. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the picnic area and on trails, but are not permitted in the Heritage (visitor) Center, Historic Depot area (gatehouse, kitchen, Great Hall, canoe warehouse, Ojibwe village, voyageurs encampment, restrooms, Rendezvous historic encampment).

Mississippi National River & Recreation Area
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area protects a 72-mile corridor along the Mississippi River from the cities of Dayton and Ramsey, MN to just downstream of Hastings, MN. This includes the stretch of Mississippi River which flows through Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. This stretch of the upper Mississippi River includes natural, historical, recreational, cultural, scenic, scientific, and economic resources of national significance. This is the only national park dedicated exclusively to the Mississippi River. There are many places within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area to enjoy the Mississippi River with your pet.

Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota near the town of International Falls. Pets are allowed at the Frontcountry campsites only. Pets are not allowed at the Backcountry sites located within the Kabetogama Peninsula. Pets are allowed only on the 1.7-mile Recreation Trail which follows County Road 96 from Hwy 11 to the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Pets must be on a 6-foot leash, under control and attended to at all times.[top]

MISSISSIPPI

Gulf Islands National Seashore – MS, FL
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on trails, multi-use paths, or on the park roads. Pets are not allowed on all park beaches in Florida. In the Mississippi District pets are not allowed on the federally designated wilderness islands, Horn or Petit Bois Islands or the designated swim beach on West Ship Island. Pets are not allowed in the forts or visitor use facilities such as pavilions.

Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway commemorates the historic Old Natchez Trace and preserves sections of the original trail. Its central feature is a two-lane parkway road that extends 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed along trails and viewpoints of the Natchez Trace Parkway, but are not permitted inside Parkway buildings.

Vicksburg: Vicksburg National Military Park
The park commemorates the site of the Battle of Vicksburg, waged in 1863, and its significance as a critical turning point of the Civil War. Pets on a leash are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in visitor facilities or on the USS Cairo gunboat exhibit.

MISSOURI

Mark Twain National Forest
The Mark Twain National Forest is located in the center and southern areas of Missouri. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the forest.

MONTANA

Glacier National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in developed areas, in frontcountry campgrounds and picnic areas,along roads, in parking areas, and in boats on lakes where motorized watercraft are permitted. Pets are not permitted on trails, along lake shores, in the backcountry, or in any building.

NEBRASKA

Gearing: Scosts Bluff National Monument
Scotts Bluff National Monument in western Nebraska includes an important 19th-century landmark on the Oregon Trail and Mormon Trail. Leashed pets are welcome on all paved trails and developed areas of the parks.

Harrison: Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
The site is best known for the large number of well-preserved Miocene fossils, which date from about 20 million years ago. Pets on a leash are allowed on the trails, but are not permitted in the visitor center.

Niobrara National Scenic River
The Niobrara National Scenic River is located in north-central Nebraska, approximately 300 miles northwest of Omaha. Pets (dogs) are allowed on the river. Pets must be leashed at all times within Smith Falls State Park, at the Brewer Bridge Landing and on the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. Dogs are allowed on the nature trails at Smith Falls and at Fort Niobrara and within the Fort Niobrara Wilderness, but must be leashed at all times.

NEVADA

Great Basin National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the campgrounds, in front of the visitor centers, and along roads. Pets are not permitted on trails or in the backcountry of the park, except leashed pets on the Lexington Arch Trail and the Great Basin Visitor Center to Baker Trail.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area – NV, AZ
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the recreation area.

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
Located in an arid desert wash on the northern outskirts of Las Vegas, Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument protects thousands of fossils of Ice Age mammoths, bison, American lions, camelops (a larger version of today’s camels), and sloths the size of sports cars. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Cornish: Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site
Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site preserves the home, gardens, and studios of Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848–1907), one of America’s foremost sculptors. Dogs are allowed on park grounds, but must be kept on a leash and under control at all times, including when hiking the nature trails.

White Mountain National Forest
The White Mountain National Forest is located in the north center part of New Hampshire. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the White Mountain National Forest. Dogs are prohibited on the Livermore Road XC Trail.

NEW JERSEY

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area – NJ, PA
Pets are permitted in most areas of the park and must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. Pets are not permitted at the following sites in NJ: Turtle Beach, Rivers Bend Group Campsites, Watergate Recreation Site, Kittatinny Point (picnic areas and visitor center area).

Morristown: Morristown National Historical Park
The park commemorates the sites of General Washington and the Continental army’s winter encampment of December 1779 to June 1780. Pets on a leash are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in park buildings.[top]

NEW MEXICO

Alamogordo: White Sands National Monument
Pets on a leash are allowed in the park, but are not allowed inside building.

Albuquerque: Petroglyph National Monument
The park protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, featuring designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400 to 700 years ago. Pets on a leash are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in Boca Negra Canyon, or inside public buildings such as the visitor center, offices, and public restrooms.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Pets are not allowed on park trails, off road, at bat flight, in the visitor center or in the cave. The park concessioner, Carlsbad Caverns Trading Company, operates a kennel service where, for a $10/day fee, you may leave your pet in a temperature controlled environment while you tour the cave. The kennel is for day use only – no overnight stays.

Grants: El Malpais National Monument
Encompassing over 350,000 acres, El Malpais National Monument and National Conservation Area offers experiences that range from scenic drives and self-guided trails to remote wilderness exploration. Pets on a leash are allowed in the park. The park recommendeds not to hike out on the lava with pets as the rugged terrain can easily injure them.

Jemez Springs: Valles Caldera National Preserve
Valles Caldera National Preserve is located in northeastern Sandoval County and southern Rio Arriba County, just west of Los Alamos. It protects a large portion of the Valles Caldera, an area of significant geological, ecological and cultural interest. Pets are allowed in designated areas of the preserve, but are not allowed in many areas of the preserve. This includes Valle Grande Visitor Center and Banco Bonito Contact Station parking areas, campsites at Banco Bonito, La Jara trail, Valle Grande trail, and Coyote Call trail. Pets are prohibited in the backcountry and on trails. Pets must be kept under physical control at all times – caged, crated, or on a leash not to exceed six feet in length.

Las Vegas area: Fort Union National Monument
Fort Union National Monument preserves the second of three forts constructed on the site beginning in 1851, as well as the ruins of the third. Also visible is a network of ruts from the Mountain and Cimarron Branches of the old Santa Fe Trail. Pets on a leash no longer the 6 feet are allowed on the trails and within the picnic areas, but are not permitted inside public buildings, such as the Visitor Center, offices, museum and public restrooms.

Mountaineer: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument preserves the ruins of 17th century Spanish Franciscan missions, dating from the earliest period of European colonization, when the settlers began to spread Christianity to the local Tompiro and Tiwa Indians. The sites also have relics of ancient pueblos, mostly overgrown and unexcavated but one village is large and well preserved. Leashed pets are allowed on the trails.

Nageezi: Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in Gallo Campground, and on the backcountry hiking trails (Pueblo Alto, Peñasco Blanco, South Mesa, and Wijiji trails). Pets are not allowed within the archeological sites.

Pecos: Pecos National Historical Park
Pets on a leash are allowed on trails and throughout the developed areas, but are not permitted inside public buildings such as the visitor center, offices, museum and public restrooms.

Ramah: El Morro National Monument
El Morro National Monument is located on an ancient east-west trail in western New Mexico. The main feature of this National Monument is a great sandstone promontory with a pool of water at its base. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the trails, but are not permitted in the visitor center.

NEW YORK

Fire Island National Seashore
Pets are not allowed on Fire Island National Seashore’s ocean beaches and in the Fire Island Wilderness from March 15 through Labor Day. During the summer when ocean beaches are closed to pets, they are still allowed in some areas: on some ferries; on park boardwalks; on bayside beaches at the Fire Island Lighthouse, Sailors Haven, Talisman/Barrett Beach, and Watch Hill; on boats in the park’s concession-operated Sailors Haven Marina or Watch Hill Marina; and in the concession-operated Watch Hill Campground.

Gateway National Recreation Area – NY, NJ
Pets on a leash are allowed in some areas of Gateway National Recreation Area, including on bay-side beaches at Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove throughout the year. Pets are not permitted at all campgrounds; ocean-side beaches at Sandy Hook Unit from March 15 through Labor Day (piping plover season); swimming beaches at Staten Island Unit’s Great Kills Park from Memorial Day through Labor Day; at Jacob Riis Park, Fort Tilden and Breezy Point Tip (all within Jamaica Bay Unit) between March 15 and September 15 (piping plover season); and any part of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge at any time of year.

Oyster Bay: Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed to explore the 83 acre park.

Rome: Fort Stanwix National Monument
Fort Stanwix is historically significant for the successful American defense of the fortification in August 1777, a defense that proved a major factor in blunting a British invasion from Canada. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in all outdoor areas of the park open to the public, but are not permitted inside any public use buildings.

Stillwater: Saratoga National Historical Park
The park preserves the site of the Battles of Saratoga, the first significant American military victory of the American Revolutionary War in 1777. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in park buildings.

NORTH CAROLINA

Blue Ridge Parkway – NC, VA
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the Parkway.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Dogs, cats, or other pets are allowed in the park if crated, caged, on a six-foot leash, or otherwise under physical re­straint. Pets are prohibited on designated swim­ming beaches.

Cape Lookout National Seashore
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beaches of Cape Lookout National Seashore. The leash requirement is for all islands including Shackleford Banks.

Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge
Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge consists of approximately 11,000 acres of brackish marsh and 3,480 acres of woodland habitat. The refuge lies about 5 miles northeast of the community of Atlantic and about 40 miles northeast of Beaufort, NC. Access to the refuge is via US 70 and NC Highway 12 from Morehead City. Cedar Island can also be accessed by ferry from Ocracoke Island. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the refuge.

Flat Rock: Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
The site preserves Connemara Farms, the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and writer Carl Sandburg. It includes the Sandburg residence, the goat farm, sheds, rolling pastures, mountainside woods, 5 miles of hiking trails, two small lakes, several ponds, flower and vegetable gardens, and an apple orchard. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in park buildings.

Greensboro: Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park commemorates the Battle of Guilford Court House, fought on March 15, 1781. This battle opened the campaign that led to American victory in the Revolutionary War. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the battlefield.

Kill Devil Hills: Wright Brothers National Memorial
The Wright Brothers National Memorial commemorates the first successful, sustained, powered flights in a heavier-than-air machine. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park, but are prohibited within any buildings.

Manteo: Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site protects and preserves known portions of England’s first New World settlements from 1584 to 1590. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park, but are prohibited within any buildings.

North Carolina National Forests
From mountains to sea, North Carolina’s four national forests span the state and offer visitors access to incredible scenery, wildlife and a wide variety of recreational activities. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in North Carolina National Forests.

NORTH DAKOTA

Dakota Prairie Grasslands
Stretching over 1,259,000 acres, the Dakota Prairie Grasslands offer visitors the opportunity to view elk, antelope, whitetail and mule deer, bighorn sheep , coyote, sharptail grouse, greater prairie chicken, pheasant, wild turkey, eagles, falcons, and the busy prairie dog. Pets are allowed but must always be restrained or on a leash while in developed recreation sites. Pets are not allowed in swimming areas.

Stanton: Knife River Indian Villages
Knife River Indian Villages preserves the historic and archaeological remnants of the Northern Plains Indians on the Upper Missouri. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on trails, but are prohibited in any pubic buildings.

OHIO

Chillicothe: Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park preserves earthworks and burial mounds from the Hopewell culture, indigenous peoples who flourished from about 200 BC to AD 500. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on trails and park grounds, but are not permitted in any park buildings or structures.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Situated between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, the park has more than 100 miles of multi-use trails. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in park buildings or on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

OKLAHOMA

Sulphur: Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Pets are prohibited on the trails east of the Travertine Nature Center, within the Travertine Nature Center, and in all swimming areas along Travertine Creek east of US 177, south of the Northeast Perimeter Road, and north of the Southeast Perimeter Road east of Sycamore Crossing, including the swimming areas known as Little Niagara, Bear Falls, and Panther Falls, and their immediate environs.

OREGON

Crater Lake National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are roads, established parking areas, Grayback Road, developed campgrounds, and designated picnic areas. Pets are not allowed in the backcountry, or on any trail within the park (including hiking trails and designated ski trails and routes), or in any federal building. Pets in Crater Lake National Park

Deschutes National Forest
Over 95% of the Deschutes National Forest trails are open to dogs off-leash in the summer and there are 1,200 miles of summer trails on the forest. However, 54 miles of trails require dogs to be on-leash. In winter, dogs are allowed off-leash on 99% of national forest lands managed by the Deschutes National Forest.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Colorful rock formations at John Day Fossil Beds preserve a world class record of plant and animal evolution, changing climate, and past ecosystems that span over 40 million years. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in developed areas (such as picnic areas, overlooks, etc.) and along hiking trails, but are not permitted inside government buildings.

PENNSYLVANIA

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area – PA, NJ
Pets are permitted in most areas of the park and must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. Pets are not permitted at the following sites in PA: Smithfield and Milford Beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Raymondskill Falls and Dingmans Falls, George W. Childs Park, Valley View Group Campsites, Hidden Lake, Hialeah Picnic Area, McDade Trail from milepost 1.0 to milepost 2.5 (from June 1 to September 8)

Elverson: Hopewell Furnace National HIstoric Site
The park’s 848 acres and historic structures are an example of an American 19th century rural “iron plantation”. The buildings include a blast furnace, the ironmaster’s house and auxiliary structures including a blacksmith’s shop, a company store and several worker’s houses. Pets on a leash are allowed in all outdoor areas of the park open to the public, but are not permitted inside any public use buildings.

Gettysburg: Gettysburg National Military Park
Pets are welcome at Gettysburg National Military Park. Pets are not allowed in the Museum and Visitor Center, the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, or other park buildings at any time.

King of Prussia: Valley Forge National Historical Park
Valley Forge was the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. The park contains 19.5 miles of designated, marked, hiking trails. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the trails.

Philadelphia: Independence National HIstorical Park
Independence National Historical Park preserves several sites associated with the American Revolution and the nation’s founding history. Pets on a leash are allowed on park grounds, but are not permitted in any park buildings.

RHODE ISLAND
No listings at this time.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Charleston: Fort Sumter National Monument
This Federal fort in Charleston Harbor is best known as the site where the shots that started the American Civil War were fired, at the Battle of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the Liberty Square grounds and walking paths, but are not permitted within the Liberty Square Visitor Center building. Pets are not permitted at Fort Sumter due to the high volume of visitors to this secluded island fort. Fort Sumter Tours does not permit pets on board vessels

Hopkins: Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on all trails, including the boardwalk, as well as in the campgrounds.

Ninety Six National Historic Site
Revolutionary War battle site that commemorates the first battle south of New England fought in 1775 and the longest field siege of the American Revolution, lasting 28 days in May –June 1781. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the park.[top]

SOUTH DAKOTA

Badlands National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than six feet are allowed in developed areas, such as campgrounds and picnic areas, and other areas open to motor vehicles, such as gravel and paved roadways, roadway corridors, and parking lots. Pets are prohibited from hiking trails, public buildings (i.e. visitor centers), and backcountry areas, including the Badlands Wilderness Area and areas with prairie dog colonies.

Hot Springs: Wind Cave National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the visitor center area and campground and on the Elk Mountain and Prairie Vista Nature Trails. Pets are not permitted in the backcountry which includes areas near roadways and most trails.

Missouri National Recreational River – SD, NE
The Missouri National Recreational River is located on the border between Nebraska and South Dakota. Pets in South Dakota and Nebraska state parks must be on a leash at all times. However, they should not be leashed while in a boat or a canoe on the river. In Nebraska, pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet; in South Dakota, pets must be on a leash no longer than 10 feet. Pets are not permitted on designated swimming beaches or in any park buildings (including camping cabins, lodges and comfort stations).

Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Pets are not permitted in any part of the memorial, except in the pet exercise areas located at each end of the upper level of the parking facility.

TENNESSEE

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed along roads, in campgrounds, picnic areas, parking areas, and on two short walking paths – the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Pets are not permitted on any other park trails.

Murfreesboro: Stones River National Battlefield
Stones River National Battlefield is a 570-acre park located along the Stones River three miles northwest of Murfreesboro and twenty-eight miles southeast of Nashville. The park memorializes the Battle of Stones River, a key battle of the American Civil War. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed at Stones River National Battlefield.

Obed Wild & Scenic River
The Obed River rises in Cumberland County, just south of Crossville. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed within Obed Wild and Scenic River. Do not allow your pet to swim or to drink from the river.

TEXAS

Big Bend National Park
Pets on a leash are allowed in the park, but are not permitted on trails, off roads, or on the river. Pets can only go where your car can go.

Big Thicket National Preserve
Big Thicket National Preserve protects the incredible diversity of life found where multiple habitats converge in southeast Texas. Hiking trails and waterways meander through nine different ecosystems, from longleaf pine forests to cypress-lined bayous. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on all trails within the Preserve.

Del Rio: Amistad National Recreation Area
Amistad National Recreation Area includes the area around the Amistad Reservoir at the confluence of the Rio Grande, the Devils River, and the Pecos River near Del Rio in Val Verde County, Texas. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in most parts of the recreation area, but are not permitted in all archeological sites; all caves and rock shelters; all marinas, docks, walkways, and launch ramps, except when proceeding directly to or from a boat; and all administrative buildings.

Fort Davis: Fort Davis National Historic Site
Fort Davis is one of the best surviving examples of an Indian Wars’ frontier military post in the Southwest. From 1854 to 1891, Fort Davis was strategically located to protect emigrants, mail coaches, and freight wagons on the Trans-Pecos portion of the San Antonio-El Paso Road and on the Chihuahua Trail. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park, but are not admitted in park buildings.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed only in areas accessed by vehicles, including roadsides, parking areas, picnic areas and campgrounds. Pets are also allowed on the short trail between the campground and the Pine Springs Visitor Center, and along the Pinery Trail from the visitor center to the Butterfield Station. Pets are not permitted on most trails or in the backcountry.

Johnson City: Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are permitted in very limited areas of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Pets are not allowed in park buildings.

Padre Island National Seashore
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed throughout the park, except for the Malaquite Visitor Center’s deck and in the picnic shelter area on the beach directly in front of the Visitor Center.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Pets on a leash are allowed on the grounds of the four missions, but are not permitted in park buildings, in churches, or on the Yanaguana Nature trail at Mission San Juan.

Sherman: Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman, TX 75092
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is located in northwestern Grayson County, Texas, on the Big Mineral Arm of Lake Texoma, on the Red River between Oklahoma and Texas. Consisting of about 12,000 acres, the refuge provides a variety of habitats for birds and wildlife. Dogs are welcome, but must be either inside your vehicle or on a leash and under your control at all times. Dogs are not permitted to be off-leash at any time during your visit.

UTAH

Arches National Park
Activities with pets are very limited at Arches National Park. Pets on a leash are allowed in the campground, on roads, in parking lots, and at overlooks and pullouts along the paved scenic drives, but are not permitted on any hiking trails.

Bryce Canyon National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are only allowed in campgrounds, parking lots, paved roads, paved viewpoint areas, and on the paved trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point. Pets are not permitted on unpaved trails or viewpoints, in public buildings or on public transportation vehicles. These regulations also apply to pets that are carried.

Canyonlands National Park
Activities with pets are very limited at Canyonlands National Park. Pets on a leash are allowed along paved roads and in the developed campgrounds, but are not permitted on hiking trails, in the backcountry, or with groups traveling by four-wheel-drive vehicle, mountain bike or boat.

Capitol Reef National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the developed areas of the park: along paved and dirt roadways, in the picnic area, in the orchards when open, and in the campgrounds. Pets are not permitted on hiking trails, in public buildings, or in the backcountry.

Hovenweep National Monument
Located in southeastern Utah and southwestern Colorado, Hovenweep National Monument is a group of five well-preserved village ruins over a 20-mile radius of mesa tops and canyons. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on trails and in the campground.
Thank you, Sara Bartels, nps.gov

Kanab: Grand Staircase Escalante-National Monument
Dogs must be leashed on the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail and within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Dogs are banned from Coyote Gulch as of April 2005.

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Dogs must be on a leash in all campgrounds, picnic areas and trailheads at all times. However, in Millcreek Canyon, dogs may be off-leash on odd days only, and must be leashed on all days in developed areas. Pets are not allowed in swimming areas, or in Little and Big Cottonwood Canyon, City Creek Canyon, Emigration Canyon, Parley’s Canyon (north & east of Mountain Dell Reservoir), Little and Big Willow Creek and South Fork of Dry Creek.

Zion National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the Pa’rus Trail, but are not permitted on any other trails, on shuttles, in public buildings, or in the wilderness.

VERMONT

Woodstock: Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
Pets on a leash are welcome until winter snows arrive and the carriage roads are used only for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. During the rest of the year, pets must be on a leash at all times.

VIRGINIA

Appalachian National Scenic Trail – VA, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, TN, CT, VT, WV
Dogs are allowed everywhere on the Trail except in three areas: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina; Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center in Bear Mountain State Park, New York; and Baxter State Park, Maine. Dogs must be leashed on the forty percent of the Trail that uses National Park Service-administered lands. Dogs on the Appalachian Trail

Jamestown: Historic Jamestowne, Colonial National Historical Park
Historic Jamestowne is the site of the first permanent English colony in North America. Pets on a leash are allowed in the park, on the Historic Site and Island Loop Drive, but not allowed in the Visitor Center/museums.

McLean: Great Falls Park
Great Falls is a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from Washington, DC. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet on all park trails, parking lots, falls overlooks, and picnic areas. There are no off-leash areas in the park.

Petersburg: Petersburg National Battlefield
Located in south-central Virginia approximately 25 miles south of Richmond, Petersburg National Battlefield preserves sites related to the American Civil War Siege of Petersburg (1864–65). Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park, but are not permitted in the visitor centers.

Prince William Forest Park
Located in southeastern Prince William County, Prince William Forest Park is the largest protected natural area in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region at over 16,000 acres. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park, but are are prohibited in Chopawamsic Backcountry Area, Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground, Any public building, and Cabin Camps.

Richmond: Richmond National Battlefield Park
Richmond National Battlefield Park commemorates more than 30 American Civil War sites around Richmond, which served as the capital of the Confederate States of America for the majority of the war. Pets are allowed on designated park trails, so long as they are on a leash. Park areas with trails include Gaines’ Mill, Cold Harbor and Malvern Hill. Pets are not permitted inside the park visitor centers.

Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is one of only a few national parks that allow pets on trails. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on most trails and in campgrounds, but are not permitted on Ranger Programs.

Yorktown: Yorktown Battlefield, Colonial National Historical Park
Yorktown is the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary. Pets are allowed within most areas of Yorktown Battlefield; dogs must remain on a leash.

WASHINGTON

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve
Located on Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound, Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve offers spectacular hiking trails and pristine beaches to explore, and your pet will always be welcome! However, dogs must be on-leash on all Reserve trails. In addition, there is an off-leash dog area called the Patmore Pit Off-Leash area featuring 10 acres for your dog to run. The area features an enclosed agility area and a partially enclosed large “run free” area.

Gifford-Pinchot National Forest
Pets are allowed in the forest, but must be kept under control or on a leash.

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park except in designated picnic and developed swim beach areas.

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Pets on a leash are allowed on the trails and in the campgrounds, but are not permitted in swimming areas.

Mount Rainier National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on roads, in parking lots and campgrounds. Pets are not allowed on trails, snow, in any buildings or amphitheaters, or in the Wilderness. However, dogs on a leash are allowed on a small portion of the Pacific Crest Trail near the park’s eastern boundary.

North Cascades National Park
Within the national park, pets on a leash are only allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail, and within 50 feet of roads. Leashed pets are allowed within the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas, as well as on most surrounding US Forest Service lands.

Olympic National Park
Pets on a leash are allowed in developed areas, campgrounds, at Rialto Beach to Ellen Creek, and on the Kalaloch beaches, but are not permitted on any other beaches, trails, meadows, or in any undeveloped area of the park.

Olympic National Forest
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on trails in Olympic National Forest.

San Juan Island National Historical Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on all park trails and on ocean beaches in the park, but are not permitted in park buildings.

WEST VIRGINIA

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park – WV, VA, MD
The park includes the historic town of Harpers Ferry, notable as a center of 19th century industry and as the scene of John Brown’s abolitionist uprising. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park, but are not permitted on the park shuttle buses or in park buildings.

New River Gorge National River
New River Gorge National River protects and preserves 53 miles of the New River as well as over 70,000 acres of the magnificent gorge that this river created. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on trails at New River Gorge National River.

WISCONSIN

Lake Superior: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the park, but are not allowed in public buildings or on scheduled Apostle Islands Cruise Service trips.

WYOMING

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area – WY, MT
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area straddles the border between Wyoming and Montana. Pets on a leash are allowed in developed areas and in areas of concentrated public use. Dogs are not allowed in the backcountry except when being used in support of hunting activity, and are not allowed in the swim beach.

Devil’s Tower National Monument
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the campground, in the parking areas, along the roadways and in the picnic area. Pets are not allowed on the trails at Devils Tower National Monument.

Fossil Butte National Monument
Fossil Butte National Monument preserves the best paleontological record of Cenozoic aquatic communities in North America and possibly the world. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are welcome in Fossil Butte National Monument parking areas and on trails.

Grand Teton National Park
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed inside Grand Teton National Park, but are not permitted on hiking trails, inside visitor centers or other facilities. Pets are allowed on roads and road shoulders, campgrounds and picnic areas, parking lots, etc. Pets are not permitted on any park trails or in the park backcountry.

Yellowstone National Park – WY, ID, MT
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed within 100 feet of roads, parking areas and campgrounds, but are not permitted in the backcountry and on trails and boardwalks. Thermal areas pose particular hazards to pets.

*Source – http://petfriendlytravel.com/national_parks

Yay! you’ve taken an interest in hiking with your pup, but not sure if they’re ready to take on the great outdoors? Well, training is key for a positive experience for both of you. I’m a firm believer in putting in the hard work in the beginning so that 6 months and beyond you will have a great time bringing your pup along on all your adventures! However if you just got into hiking later in your pups life or adopted an older dog you can still enjoy hikes with them!

The Basics:

Before you even begin hiking with your dog, there are some must-do’s.

1) Talk to your vet – Please don’t start hiking with your dog before talking to your veterinarian if you are unsure if they can handle the hikes. If you’re unsure on your pups physical condition or have any questions talking to an expert will always be your best bet! Your veterinarian is trained on assessing the health of your dog. With a combination of your understanding of your dog’s temperament, activity level, and training and your vet’s expertise on your dog’s internal health, the two of you can ensure that your dog is healthy and hike-ready.

2) You must have your dog leash trained – This seems like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many people try to start hiking with their dog before their dog even knows leash etiquette. You don’t want to end up on your face because your dog saw a rabbit and yanked you down to the ground. Your dog should know what is expected of them when on the leash! This will help both of you enjoy the hike more with-out getting frustrated with your dog pulling you around.

3) Recall Commands – Awesome, your pup is now trained to be on leash but let’s face it, if you want to get into harder longer hikes that are in the real backwoods, training off-leash will greatly benefit you, especially if the hike contains some serious incline where holding a leash is dangerous to you and your pup. Working on recall is very important for this scenario, you need to be able to let your pup go without them running off, chasing wild animals, or bothering anyone else. Spend the time in the beginning mastering recall so when you do have to drop your pup’s leash for intense rock climbing you know you and your pup will be safe! Obviously, if there are a lot of people around try to keep your dog on-leash for the sake of other hikers.

4) Know your local leash and dog laws – Every area has different restrictions and requirements for dog owners. Know what rules you are required to follow, and please follow them. Remember, you represent all hikers who hike with their dogs when you are out there on the trails!

5) Pick up or bury your dog’s poop! – No one enjoys seeing a giant turd on the trail or even worse stepping in it! Please be responsible and dispose of your waste and your pups waste properly.

Once all the basics are down the rest is easy, enjoy exploring new trails with you pup! Always keep your pup’s physical limits in mind and carry plenty of food and water for both of you.

As an avid hiker, getting a new puppy can be a moral dilemma of wanting to do that 20mile 10k ft incline hike, and doing what your new best friend can handle. Treat them like you would and a new friend that you’re taking out for a hike and it’s their first time. Don’t push them too far and make it about THEM, not you. Starting slow for your pup will have major rewards later. If your pup knows how to behave and eventually can handle 20mile 10k feet of incline, it means you will never have to hike alone again. It’s just like training for your pup. If you put the hard work in at the beginning, the rest of your pups life you will reap the reward of an awesome best friend that listens well and you can take anywhere without looking like “that bad pup parent”.

Exercise is great for energetic young dogs, but just like children, they get energy in spurts. Don’t overdo it with the young pup. Take them out for short intervals and let them rest.

It’s been proven that puppies actually don’t need as much exercise as fully-grown dogs. If you over-exercise a growing puppy you can damage it’s developing joints, causing early arthritis. The bones of an eight-week-old puppy are about as mature as those of a one-year-old human. you really have to be careful about your pup’s growth plates – areas at each end of the bones where the cells are replicating to make the bones grow longer. There is no calcium at these areas yet, so they are softer than the surrounding calcified bone, making it easier to cause serious damage at this time in a puppies life.  If a growth plate is injured, it can stop making new bone, resulting in a shortening or malformation of the bone. Repetitive stresses to this area can cause damage and mildly abnormal bone growth. Over time this stresses the muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments. In most dogs, the growth plates close around 12 months. That means around 12-15 months your pup will have a solid skeletal development and you can begin longer more intense hiking!

That’s not to say don’t bring you pup out to the trails. From the moment you bring you new puppy home to about 4 months old they learn their place in this world. It’s so vital during this time to teach them the commands you want them to know while hiking like come, stay, drop, don’t roll in shit… you get the idea.

I took Java to the trails for our daily walk almost every day since the day I got him. We started with easy flat well manicured trails and slowly worked our way to more difficult ones. I made sure he always came when called and stayed close to me on the trail. It is a lot of work in the beginning but it’s worth it for the best hiking buddy in the world.

Also, be mindful of your dogs breed or ask your vet if they may have any predisposition to Osteochondritis dissecans or hip dysplasia. If they do you may have to restrict the level of exercise. These issues are more common in larger dog breeds but check with your vet to see if it should be a concern for your pup.

Some Helpful sources   Source 1   Source 2   Source 3

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Taking a hike doesn’t have to mean a week long backpacking trip through the Himalayan mountains. Hiking can simply mean a half hour walk through the woods or simple stroll down a city street. Depending on your hiking preference though, you need to give thought to certain items in order for you and your pup to enjoy yourselves. Here are some basic points to keep in mind to help get you started:

1. Start slow – If you can run marathons and hike for weeks, don’t expect your 4-month-old puppy to be able to put in the same miles as you. See how your pup does on a mile hike, then two, then five, and hopefully after a gradual increase in distance/difficulty/speed you guys will be on the same level in due time.
2. Water and food – Just like you, your pup needs water and food for energy, if you’re thirsty your pup is probably thirsty as well. Also, bringing some dog treats that are high in protein may be welcomed by your pup.
3. Leash laws – Most states have laws on where/when your pup HAS to be on a leash. Respect that and others by obeying the law. I don’t want strange pups running up to mine, not knowing how they will interact and I don’t want my pup running up to you not knowing if you or your children like dogs. Be in full control for your sake and your pups. Remember most states have a zero tolerance for a dog that bites a person, so for your pups life always keep them in your control!
4. Waste products – Please be respectful of others and clean up after your pup, no one likes stepping in a smelly surprise or seeing poop on a trail! You’re out to enjoy the beauty of nature, don’t ruin it for others by not picking up after your pup. Plus, dogs have been banned from many places due to negligent owners not picking it up and ruining it for everyone! If you’re deep in the woods just dig a small hole and at least bury the waste a bit.
5. Know the wildlife of the area – Are ticks prevalent? Snakes? Bears? If you’re not sure, see if you can find the information online, also look up how to deal with the common pests of the area. It’s scary to see a tick on your pup, but knowing how to properly deal with it can make all the difference.
6. Have fun! – Hiking should be a fun experience, so bring whatever would make it more enjoyable for you guys to experience it together. I personally never leave without my camera! I don’t think my pup minds, he’s learned to pose very well for our hiking photo-shoots!