The 8 Most Pup-Friendly Hikes in the U.S.

Now that spring is finally here, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors with your pup. Many national parks across the U.S. offer dog-friendly trails—so you can bring your favorite workout buddy along with you! Here are the eight best dog-friendly hikes, from coast to coast. Happy trails!

Rattlesnake Swamp Trail, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, New Jersey

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This 70,000-acre protected area straddles a stretch of the Delaware River on the New Jersey/Pennsylvania border and has a variety of terrains including forested mountains, grassy beaches and fields, and waterfalls. We suggest checking out Rattlesnake Swamp trail: the easy-moderate, 2.6-mile loop offers awesome views of unique plant-life (and isn’t as scary as it sounds).

Runyon Canyon Trail, Los Angeles California

Runon Canyon

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, this super pup-friendly trail allows dogs to be off -leash in certain areas. Plus, it provides water bowls for your hiking buddy throughout the trail. We suggest checking out the 1.65-mile or 2.65-mile hike—both offer great views of the Pacific Ocean, the Hollywood sign, and Griffith Park.

Backcountry Camping Trail,
White Sands Monument, New Mexico

Go Pet Friendly
This 2-mile trail is known for its awe-inspiring snow-white dunes (you’ll feel like you’re on the set of Star Wars!). In other words, it makes for fun Instagram photos for you—and an exciting adventure for your pup.

Square Tower Loop Trail,
Hovenweep National Monument, Colorado

Adventures with Dog
Love history? Then check out this 2-mile hike that winds through six prehistoric villages built between A.D. 1200 and 1300. Just be sure to check the weather before you go since temperatures can rise to 100 degrees in summer.

Inspiration Trail or Sal’s Branch Trail, William B. Umstead State Park, North Carolina

Gregg the Pug

This super-lush state park has two dog-friendly hikes: Inspiration Trail and Sal’s Branch Trail. If you or your pup is new to hiking, start with Inspiration trail, which is only 0.6 miles. More seasoned hikers can go for Sal’s Branch Trail, which is 2.75 miles (just be warned: this trail can be hilly at some points).

Sundew Trail, Acadia National Park, Maine

Crusoe The Celebrity Dachshund

Dogs are allowed on more than 100 miles of hiking trails throughout this breathtaking park. You can even bring your pup on the camping grounds, so you can spend the weekend with your favorite hiking buddy. We suggest starting with the scenic Sundew Trail, which is short (0.7 miles) but full of beautiful views of the ocean.

Gatlinburg Trail + Oconaluftee River Trail, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee

Bring Fido

Pups are welcome on two trails at this park: The Gatlinburg trail, which is 1.9 miles and runs through the forest along a river, and the Oconaluftee trail, a one-way, 1.5 mile trail that offers gorgeous views of the water.

Calico Hill Trail, Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

Go Pet Friendly

This trail, which has magical views of the infamous Calico Rock formations, ranges from two to six miles, so you can choose how long or short to make your adventure.

Please note: All of the trails listed require your pup to be on a 6-foot leash (unless otherwise stated) and to clean up after your pup (which hopefully goes without saying!).

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.