5 Best Dog-Friendly National Parks: 2025 Summer Guide

1. Acadia National Park, Maine

Tucked along the craggy coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is famous for its blend of ocean views, dense forests, and mountain summits.

• Service Dog Access: Service animals are allowed on all 120 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of historic carriage roads. This includes popular trails like the Ocean Path, which offers coastal scenery without intense elevation, and Jordan Pond Path, a flat loop around a crystal-clear lake.
  
  
• Leash Law: Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times, even on remote trails. Rangers may ask for proof of service animal status if behavior is in question.
  
  
• Water Access: While the park has multiple water features, most ponds (including Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake) are protected as public water supplies. Do not allow your dog to drink or swim in these. Carry a collapsible bowl and filtered water.
  
  Trail Notes: The Cadillac Mountain Summit Trail is a moderate, rocky climb with sweeping sunrise views — great for early risers. The Carriage Roads are gravel-based, multi-use trails that are wide and easy to navigate for handlers and their dogs.

2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

A scenic escape from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park spans over 200,000 acres and features part of the Appalachian Trail.

• Service Dog Access: Service dogs are permitted on all 500+ miles of trails. This includes access to visitor centers, rest stops, overlooks, and the entire Skyline Drive route.
  
  
• Leash Law: Leashes are required (max 6 feet), and your dog should be under control at all times. Shenandoah’s wildlife is abundant — including deer, black bears, and snakes — so well-trained behavior is essential.
  
• Water Access: Many trails run along creeks and rivers, such as Rose River Loop and Whiteoak Canyon, which feature waterfalls and natural pools. However, always treat water before giving it to your dog.

   

Trail Notes:

• Stony Man Trail is a short (1.5 miles round trip), ADA-accessible hike with a gentle incline and panoramic views — great for beginner hikers and their service dogs.
  
  
• Dark Hollow Falls Trail is a steeper, rocky descent to one of the park’s most photogenic waterfalls. Expect moderate difficulty and some wet conditions.

3. Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim), Arizona

The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is the more accessible section of the park and accommodates visitors with mobility and service dogs more than the remote North Rim.

• Service Dog Access: ADA-trained service dogs are allowed in all visitor facilities, paved trails, and shuttle buses. This includes the Rim Trail, which is over 13 miles long and offers some of the best canyon views from a paved, relatively flat path.
  
  
• Leash Law: A 6-foot leash is mandatory, and dogs should be heat-acclimated. Temperatures can soar in summer months, even on paved paths.
  
  
• Water Access: There are refill stations at key locations like Mather Point, Bright Angel Trailhead, and Grand Canyon Village. Never allow your dog to drink from or approach cliffside runoff or river edges.
  
  Trail Notes: The South Rim Trail is the go-to option. It’s paved in parts, mostly flat, and offers shaded sections with canyon overlooks. Dogs are not allowed below the rim — including on the Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails — unless they are legitimate service animals and special permissions are granted.

4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

A hidden gem in northeast Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley is highly accessible with gently graded trails, forested paths, and restored wetlands.

• Service Dog Access: Service dogs are welcome on all trails and in public facilities. This park is especially friendly to ADA users, with many trails designed for strollers, wheelchairs, and easy dog handling.
  
  
• Leash Law: Dogs must be leashed (6 feet max), and due to shared paths with cyclists and runners, good control and handler awareness are crucial.
  
  
• Water Access: The Cuyahoga River and numerous creeks run through the park, but always provide filtered or brought-in water to prevent exposure to bacteria like giardia.

Trail Notes:

• • The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a wide, mostly flat crushed-limestone path that stretches 20+ miles — perfect for long walks with a service dog.
    
    
  • Brandywine Gorge Trail offers a moderate loop with forested paths and views of Brandywine Falls, one of the park’s most iconic landmarks.

5. Olympic National Park, Washington

Covering coastline, rainforest, and alpine zones, Olympic National Park is both beautiful and challenging — and also one of the more restrictive parks when it comes to dogs.

• Service Dog Access: True service dogs are allowed everywhere the public is permitted, including beaches, forest trails, and park buildings. However, most pet restrictions still apply to non-service animals.
  
  
• Leash Law: Leashes are required and must be no longer than 6 feet. The park is home to elk, mountain goats, and even cougars, so constant awareness is important.
  
  
• Water Access: Natural water sources are plentiful due to the high rainfall, but don’t assume it’s safe — always bring clean water for your service dog.

   

Important Notes for All Parks

• Only trained service dogs are allowed in most areas of national parks. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not protected under ADA and are subject to standard pet restrictions.
  
  
• Leashes are mandatory, and dogs must be under control and well-behaved around wildlife, other visitors, and children.
  
  
• Clean, safe water is critical. Many natural water sources are unsafe due to bacteria, algae, or park regulations.
  
  
• Always clean up after your dog and pack out waste — leave no trace applies to pups, too.
  
  
• Respect posted trail signage and ranger advice. Each park may have temporary closures, construction zones, or trail detours.