
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Pet policy: 522,000-acre most-visited NP. Leashed dogs on Gatlinburg Trail + Oconaluftee River Trail only — NOT other trails.
Most US national parks restrict dogs to parking lots and roads. These 201+ actually let leashed dogs hike (with caveats). Each entry breaks down where dogs are allowed, leash rules, and trails to avoid.

Pet policy: 522,000-acre most-visited NP. Leashed dogs on Gatlinburg Trail + Oconaluftee River Trail only — NOT other trails.

Pet policy: South Rim leashed dogs welcome on rim trail above the canyon (NOT into the canyon). Kennel available at South Rim.
Pet policy: 265,000-acre NP. Leashed dogs in campgrounds, parking lots, picnic areas only — NOT trails or backcountry.

Pet policy: 148,000-acre NP. Leashed dogs only on Pa'rus Trail + parking lots/campgrounds.

Pet policy: World's first NP (1872, 2.2M acres). Leashed dogs in parking lots, picnic areas, campgrounds, roads only — NOT on trails or thermal features.
Pet policy: 35,000-acre NP. Leashed dogs on paved Rim Trail (Sunset Pt to Sunrise Pt) + roads/parking.

Pet policy: 76,000-acre NP. Leashed dogs only on roads, parking lots, picnic areas — NOT trails (extreme heat).
Pet policy: 310,000-acre NP. Leashed dogs in parking lots + within 30 ft of roads only — NOT on trails or backcountry.
Pet policy: 1,278-acre national memorial. Leashed dogs in parking lot pet exercise area only — NOT in viewing areas.
Pet policy: Iconic Yellowstone geyser. Leashed dogs in parking lots only — NOT on boardwalks or thermal feature areas.
Pet policy: Most-visited US national park (12M visitors/yr). VERY restrictive on dogs — pets ONLY allowed on Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail (not on hiking trails). Cades Cove Loop Road is dog-friendly while in vehicle. Pet-friendly campgrounds.
Pet policy: Rocky Mountain NP — pets ONLY allowed in established campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, and along roads. NOT permitted on any trails. Trail Ridge Road is dog-accessible (in vehicle).

Pet policy: Zion NP — pets ONLY allowed on the Pa'rus Trail (3.5 mi paved riverside). NOT permitted on any other trails (incl. Angels Landing, the Narrows, Emerald Pools).
Pet policy: Dogs allowed ONLY on roads, in campgrounds and developed areas — strictly NO trails or backcountry. Leashed (6ft max) at all times.
Pet policy: One of the most dog-friendly national parks. Dogs welcome on 100+ miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads on leashes (max 6 ft).
Pet policy: 922,000-acre NP. Leashed dogs on Rialto Beach (north of Ellen Creek), Kalaloch Beach, Spruce Railroad Trail, Peabody Creek Trail only.

Pet policy: 6-million-acre state park (largest in lower 48). Leashed dogs on most trails (NOT high-peaks summits w/o registration).

Pet policy: 404,000 acres. Leashed dogs on roads + parking lots + campgrounds only — NOT on trails.
Pet policy: 469-mile scenic parkway. Leashed dogs welcome at most overlooks + many trails.

Pet policy: 200,000-acre NP. Leashed dogs welcome on most trails (15 trails listed as restricted).
Pet policy: 195,819-acre conservation area. Leashed dogs on most trails (avoid hot pavement summer).
Pet policy: 49,000-acre NP. Leashed dogs welcome on 100+ miles of carriage roads + most trails (one of most dog-friendly NPs).

Pet policy: 335,000-acre NP. Leashed dogs in parking lots, picnic areas, campgrounds — NOT on trails.

Pet policy: 1M-acre NP. Leashed dogs in parking lots, picnic areas, campgrounds, paved roads — NOT on trails.
Pet policy: 236,381-acre park. Leashed dogs ONLY in parking lots, paved roads + Pacific Crest Trail (not on most trails). Pet-friendly campgrounds.
Pet policy: Arches NP — pets allowed in campgrounds, parking areas, on roads, and 100 ft from any road. NOT permitted on any trails (including Delicate Arch).

Pet policy: 801,000-acre Chihuahuan Desert park. Leashed dogs on roads + 100ft of pavement only — NOT on backcountry trails.
Pet policy: 1.5M-acre wetland NP. Leashed dogs in campgrounds + parking lots only — NOT trails (alligators).
Pet policy: 236,000-acre NP. Leashed dogs in parking lots + campgrounds + Pacific Crest Trail only.
Pet policy: 183,000-acre NP. Leashed dogs on roads, parking lots, picnic areas + Lady of the Woods Trail only.

Pet policy: 33,000-acre NP. Leashed dogs on roads, parking lots, and Hosmer Grove Campground only — NOT trails.

Pet policy: 275-square-mile NP. Leashed dogs welcome on all trails + dunes (very dog-friendly NP).
Pet policy: 6M-acre NP. Leashed dogs on roads, parking lots, campgrounds — NOT trails or backcountry (wildlife).

Pet policy: 244,000-acre NP. Leashed dogs in parking lots + within 50 ft of roads only — NOT on trails (extreme heat).
Pet policy: America's first national monument (1906). Leashed dogs in parking lots, campground + along roads — NOT on trails.
Pet policy: 221,000-acre national park. Leashed dogs welcome on all hiking trails + dedicated dog park near Painted Desert Visitor Center.
Pet policy: Leashed dogs welcome on 110+ miles of trails and the 20-mile Towpath Trail. 6-foot maximum leash. Pets NOT permitted in park buildings, on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, or on East Rim mountain bike trails.
Pet policy: World's longest cave system. Leashed dogs welcome on 60+ miles of surface trails (NOT cave tours, kennel available on-site).
Pet policy: NC entrance to GSMNP. Pets ONLY allowed on Oconaluftee River Trail (1.5 mi each way). Strict leash + no other trails.
Pet policy: Among the most dog-friendly national parks. Leashed dogs welcome on 480+ miles of trails (out of 500). Skyline Drive scenic byway. NOT permitted on a few specific trails (Old Rag, Limberlost, etc.). Pet-friendly camping.
Pet policy: Sedona's red rock trails (most are USFS land). Leashed dogs welcome on most trails. Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Fay Canyon — all dog-accessible.
Pet policy: Canyonlands NP — pets allowed in campgrounds, parking areas, paved roads, and the picnic area in Island in the Sky. NOT permitted on any backcountry trails.
Pet policy: Dogs welcome on leash on most beaches, the Heritage Trail, and most park trails. Restricted on Dune Climb and a few specified trails.
Pet policy: Dogs welcome on leash on most above-ground trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Not allowed in caves or on cave tours.

Pet policy: Carlsbad Caverns NP — pets allowed on the surface in parking areas. NOT in caverns. ON-SITE KENNEL available for cave-touring days ($10/dog).

Pet policy: 71,000-acre Lake Michigan dunes. Leashed dogs welcome on most trails (NOT permitted on Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive trails, or designated swim beaches).

Pet policy: Cape Cod National Seashore — leashed dogs welcome on most trails and beaches off-season (Sept 16 - June 14). Restricted from protected shorebird nesting beaches in summer.
Pet policy: Hot Springs NP — pets welcome on ALL park trails (one of the most dog-friendly NPs!) and along the historic Bathhouse Row promenade. Not permitted in bathhouse buildings.
Pet policy: Dogs welcome on leash year-round on the Maryland portion's beaches, campgrounds, and most trails. Wild horses present — keep distance.
Pet policy: Dogs welcome on leash year-round on most beaches; restrictions on lifeguarded swim beaches Mar 15 – Labor Day.
Pet policy: America's newest national park. Leashed dogs welcome on most trails (6-foot max). NOT permitted on the Endless Wall Trail or in visitor centers.
Pet policy: Capitol Reef NP — pets allowed in developed areas, the campground, and on roads. NOT permitted on trails or off-road.

Pet policy: Lake Superior cliffs national lakeshore. Leashed dogs welcome on most trails. NOT permitted on Chapel Beach, Sand Point Beach, or backcountry trails.
Pet policy: 33,851-acre prairie + cave park. Leashed dogs on Prairie Vista + Elk Mountain Nature Trails — NOT in cave or visitor center.
Pet policy: Blue Ridge Parkway (469-mi national parkway). Leashed dogs welcome on overlook walks and most trails.
Pet policy: Denali NP — pets allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and on the Denali Park Road. NOT permitted in the backcountry. Sled dog kennels open to visitors (free demos).
Pet policy: 800,000-acre national forest. Leashed dogs welcome on all trails (Mt Washington summit included).

Pet policy: 70,000-acre NRA. Leashed dogs welcome on most trails (NOT permitted on Childs Park trails or designated swim beaches).

Pet policy: 95,700-acre NRA. Leashed dogs welcome on most trails + the river itself.
Pet policy: 3,669-acre NHP. Leashed dogs welcome on Appalachian Trail + Maryland Heights.
Pet policy: Juneau iconic glacier with Tongass National Forest trails. Leashed dogs welcome on East Glacier + Trail of Time.

Pet policy: 669,000-acre NP. Leashed dogs in parking lots + Exit Glacier paved areas only — NOT on glacier or trails.
Pet policy: 73,000-acre NP (newest US NP, 2020). Leashed dogs welcome on most trails.

Pet policy: 70,000-acre NP. Leashed dogs in parking lots, picnic areas, campgrounds — NOT on trails (bison + prairie dog risk).
Pet policy: 444-mile NPS scenic parkway from Natchez to Nashville. 100+ pet-friendly stops, trails, mounds + cypress swamp. Leashed dogs welcome.
Pet policy: 3,230-acre Civil War battlefield (NPS). Leashed dogs welcome on all trails (max 6ft leash).
Pet policy: 33,000-acre ancestral Pueblo monument. Leashed dogs in Juniper Campground + paved areas (NOT on Main Loop or backcountry trails).
Pet policy: Gateway NRA — Sandy Hook Unit. Bayside beaches (Plum Island, Horseshoe Cove) open year-round. Oceanside Sept 16 - Mar 14 only (piping plover).
Pet policy: 180-acre NHP. Leashed dogs allowed on 1871 Trail + Coastal Trail + picnic areas. NOT permitted in the Royal Grounds or Pu'uhonua sacred areas.
Pet policy: 504,781-acre park. Leashed dogs on Pacific Crest Trail + roads/campgrounds in Ross Lake/Lake Chelan NRA only — NOT on park interior trails.
Pet policy: Historic 3,669-acre national park at confluence of Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Leashed dogs welcome on most trails (NOT in buildings).
Pet policy: Dogs allowed ONLY on roads, in campgrounds and parking lots — strictly NOT permitted on trails or in the backcountry. Leashed (6ft max) at all times.
Pet policy: Volcanic landscape NPS unit — 750,000 acres. Leashed dogs on paved roads + Loop Drive only.
Pet policy: Dogs welcome on leash on most trails including the boardwalk loop. Old-growth bottomland forest.
Pet policy: Lake Superior shoreline national lakeshore. Leashed dogs welcome on mainland trails and most beaches. NOT permitted on most ferry-served islands or in visitor centers.

Pet policy: 289,000-acre national forest in southern Illinois. Leashed dogs welcome on trails (Garden of the Gods, Little Grand Canyon, etc.).
Pet policy: 5-story Sinagua cliff dwelling. Leashed dogs welcome on paved walking trail (1/3 mile loop).
Pet policy: Oregon Trail landmark. Dogs welcome on leash on Saddle Rock and North Overlook trails.
Pet policy: Third-longest cave in world. Leashed dogs on surface trails (Roof Trail, Canyons Trail) — NOT in cave or visitor center.
Pet policy: 5,810-acre NPS park (sister park to Cunningham Falls SP). Leashed dogs welcome on all trails.

Pet policy: 7,236-acre NM. Leashed dogs welcome on most trails.
Pet policy: Sawtooth Mountains alpine lake. Leashed dogs welcome on shoreline + trails.
Pet policy: 9,898-acre NRA with mineral springs. Leashed dogs welcome on most trails.
Pet policy: Custer Gallatin NF — Bozeman's premier hiking + ice climbing area. Leashed dogs on trails.
Pet policy: 23,000-acre Barataria Preserve with cypress swamp boardwalks. Leashed dogs welcome on trails.
Pet policy: 15,288-acre NPS preserve atop Lookout Mountain. Leashed dogs on trails + overlooks.
Pet policy: 3,000-acre NPS monument with 800-ft bluffs above the Platte River. Leashed dogs on Saddle Rock Trail and summit road.
Pet policy: 77,180 acres in eastern Nevada. Leashed dogs on roads, parking lots, campgrounds, and Lexington Arch trail only — not on most park trails or Lehman Caves.
Pet policy: America's largest national park (13.2 million acres). Leashed dogs (6ft) on all trails + the Park unlike most NPs. Trapping common — be cautious.
Pet policy: 3.3 million acres of fjords + tidewater glaciers. Leashed dogs ONLY within 100ft of Bartlett Cove roads/parking — not on any trails. Boat/plane access.
Pet policy: 24,000-acre NPS park where KY/TN/VA meet. Leashed dogs on 85 miles of trails (NOT cave tours).
Pet policy: 218,000-acre water-based park on US-Canada border. Leashed dogs in developed areas + on Kab-Ash Trail (not most backcountry).
Pet policy: 77,000-acre Nevada/Utah border park. Leashed dogs allowed on Lexington Arch Trail + roads + campgrounds (most trails off-limits).
Pet policy: 203,000-acre national forest. Leashed dogs welcome on most trails. Several wilderness areas.
Pet policy: 15,000-acre NPS unit (largest protected natural area in DC metro). Leashed dogs on 37 miles of trails.
Pet policy: NPS Civil War battlefield. Leashed dogs welcome on outdoor trails (NOT inside visitor center).
Pet policy: UNESCO World Heritage ancestral Puebloan site. Leashed dogs in Gallo Campground + paved roads only — NOT in ruins or backcountry.
Pet policy: 10,894-acre NPS preserve. Leashed dogs on Fox Creek, Z Bar Spur, Bottomland + Southwind nature trails year-round.
Pet policy: 4.1-million-acre brown bear sanctuary — Brooks Falls famous. Leashed dogs allowed in most areas BUT prohibited at Brooks Camp. Boat/plane access only.
Pet policy: 113-acre coastal park with totem-pole-lined Tlingit Trail. Leashed dogs welcome throughout — Alaska's most pet-friendly NPS unit.
Pet policy: 'Wonderland of Rocks' national monument. Leashed dogs allowed on Silver Spur, Faraway Ranch, Bonita Creek + Visitor Center–campground trails (NOT wilderness trails).
Pet policy: Ancient Pueblo ruins national monument. Leashed dogs on roads + designated trails (NOT in pueblo structures).
Pet policy: Sinagua cliff dwellings near Flagstaff. Leashed dogs allowed only on outer Rim Trail (NOT Island Trail with ruins).
Pet policy: 125,000-acre NPS-managed area straddling KY/TN. Leashed dogs on 150+ miles of trails.
Pet policy: 3,400-acre NHP spanning OR/WA. Leashed dogs on Cape Disappointment + Fort Stevens trails + park grounds. Park entrance fee waived for pets.
Pet policy: 23,000-acre NPS preserve. Leashed dogs welcome on outdoor trails and boardwalks (no visitor center).
Pet policy: Dogs welcome on leash on Oberholtzer Trail, in campgrounds (frontcountry), at picnic areas, and on boats. Not allowed on most backcountry trails.
Pet policy: 14,407-acre NPS reserve — Oregon/California Trail granite spires. Leashed dogs welcome on trails.
Pet policy: 652,000-acre USFS recreation area — North America's deepest river gorge. Leashed dogs welcome.
Pet policy: 125,000 acres on the Cumberland Plateau. Dogs welcome on leash on most trails and at campgrounds.

Pet policy: 2,500-acre NM. Leashed dogs welcome on most trails.
Pet policy: 11,000-acre last protected tallgrass prairie. Leashed dogs welcome on most trails.
Pet policy: 604,000-acre national forest — Louisiana's only one. Leashed dogs welcome on all trails.
Pet policy: 1,647-acre Civil War battlefield (NPS). Leashed dogs welcome on all trails.
Pet policy: Ancestral Puebloan great house. Leashed dogs on outdoor trails (not inside Great Kiva).
Pet policy: 900-yr-old volcanic cinder cone national monument. Leashed dogs on Lava Flow + Bonito Vista trails.
Pet policy: 110-room hilltop pueblo ruin. Leashed dogs welcome on paved paths around ruins.
Pet policy: Hohokam 'Great House' (1350 AD) — first US archaeological reserve. Leashed dogs welcome on grounds.
Pet policy: 282-acre monument preserving sacred quarries. Leashed dogs on Circle Trail (3/4 mile) and grounds.
Pet policy: American + English Camps on San Juan Island (1,752 acres). Leashed dogs welcome on trails + beaches.
Pet policy: 4.5-acre downtown national memorial honoring Rhode Island's founder. Leashed dogs on grounds.
Pet policy: Crater lake within Newberry caldera. Dogs welcome on leash on trails and around lake.
Pet policy: NPS unit across 7 sites in Delaware. Leashed dogs welcome on outdoor grounds + Brandywine Valley trails.
Pet policy: Middle District of Buffalo NR. Leashed dogs on Spring Hollow, Buck Ridge + Rock Wall trails (4.5mi total). NOT on Riverview Trail.
Pet policy: 60,000-year-old cinder cone volcano. Leashed dogs on Crater Rim Trail + Volcano Rd.
Pet policy: 400,000-acre national forest spanning length of Vermont. Leashed dogs on most trails + campgrounds.
Pet policy: Salado cliff dwellings overlooking Roosevelt Lake. Leashed dogs on Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail + Cactus Patch Trail (not Upper).
Pet policy: Huachuca Mountains memorial near Mexican border. Leashed dogs on most trails (NOT Coronado Peak/Joe's Canyon/Yaqui Ridge).
Pet policy: NPS site at Moton Field. Leashed dogs welcome on grounds (no building access).
Pet policy: 114,000-acre lava flow + sandstone country. Leashed dogs welcome on most trails.
Pet policy: 120,000-acre NRA. Leashed dogs allowed on most trails, in campgrounds and developed areas.
Pet policy: NPS reconstructed fur-trade fort on the Missouri River. Leashed dogs allowed on outdoor grounds.

Pet policy: Leashed pets are welcome on the vast network of trails throughout the forest's multiple units.
Pet policy: Civil War battlefield (1864 Forrest victory). Leashed dogs welcome on 1-acre site + interpretive trail.
Pet policy: 3,055-acre Miocene-era fossil monument along the Niobrara River. Leashed dogs on Fossil Hills and Daemonelix Trails.
Pet policy: 4-million-acre fly-in only park. Leashed dogs allowed throughout (NPS discourages but does not prohibit). Float-plane access only — summer.
Pet policy: NPS site preserving Oakland and Magnolia plantations. Leashed dogs allowed on grounds (no buildings).
Pet policy: NPS site preserving Hidatsa earthlodge villages. Leashed dogs allowed on outdoor trails (no buildings).
Pet policy: Inscription Rock with 2,000+ historical signatures. Leashed dogs on Inscription Loop (not Headland Trail).
Pet policy: 310-acre NPS site. Leashed dogs allowed on grounds and trails (no cave shelter access).
Pet policy: 1864 Civil War battlefield site. Leashed dogs welcome on grounds + monuments.
Pet policy: 1,000-acre coastal NWR (Salt Meadow Unit). NO pets allowed on refuge property — service dogs only.
Pet policy: 22,650-acre NPS monument north of Las Vegas. Leashed dogs welcome on most trails.
Pet policy: 10,779-acre Molokai NHP. Service animals only inside settlement; leashed pets allowed at Pala'au State Park overlook above.
Pet policy: Remote middle unit of Theodore Roosevelt NP — Roosevelt's actual ranch site. Leashed dogs on roads, parking and campgrounds only (not on trails).


