Dogs
Hiking with your dog
Most dogs love the trail as much as we do. A little planning keeps them safe, keeps other hikers happy, and keeps trails open to dogs.
In short
- Check the rules first: dogs are welcome on most National Forest and many state park trails, but not on most National Park trails.
- Keep your dog on a leash 6 feet or shorter, and pack out the poop.
- Carry water for your dog, watch for heat, and check for ticks afterwards.
Where can dogs go?
- National Forests and BLM land: dogs are usually allowed on trails, often on a leash. Check the local rules.
- State parks: most allow leashed dogs on trails, with some exceptions.
- National Parks: dogs are usually allowed in campgrounds, on roads and in developed areas, but not on most trails. A few parks welcome leashed dogs on many trails, such as Acadia, Shenandoah and Cuyahoga Valley. Always check the park’s own Pets page.
- Wilderness areas and private land: rules vary, so check before you go.
The BARK rules
The National Park Service’s BARK Ranger program sums up good trail manners for dogs:
- B: Bag your pet’s wasteand carry it out.
- A: Always leash your peton a leash no longer than 6 feet.
- R: Respect wildlifeby keeping your dog away from animals.
- K: Know where you can goby checking the rules before you visit.
Many parks give dogs a BARK Ranger tag. Ask at the visitor center.
Keeping your dog safe
- Build up slowly. A dog that’s fine on a 2-mile neighborhood walk needs time to build up to 8 miles with climbing. Ask your vet about puppies and older dogs.
- Heat: dogs overheat faster than we do. Hike early, carry plenty of water and rest in shade. If the pavement or rock is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws.
- Ticks and burrs: check ears, armpits and between the toes after every hike.
- Water: don’t let your dog drink or swim where there’s blue-green algae scum.
- Wildlife: a leash keeps your dog away from porcupines, rattlesnakes and bears, and keeps wildlife from being chased.
Free printable
Hiking with your dog checklist
One page: what to pack for your dog, the trail rules, what to watch for and what to do after the hike.
What to pack for your dog
Some links on this page go to Amazon. If you buy through them, King’s Head Press may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only suggest things that are worth having.
- A 6-foot hiking leashA hands-free leash that clips round your waist leaves your hands for poles and scrambles.
- Collapsible water bowlWeighs nothing and clips to your pack.
- Dog backpackFit dogs can carry their own water and treats.
- Dog bootiesFor hot rock, sharp scree or snow. Practice at home first.
- Poop bags and a holderClip it to the leash so you never forget.
- Dog first aid kitTweezers, gauze and vet wrap for cut pads.
- LED collar lightSo you can see your dog at dawn and dusk.
- Tick removerTwists ticks out cleanly, for you and your dog.
Keeping track? Our hiking planner has a Dog Hikes tab that collects every hike your dog came on, with totals.