Exploring the great outdoors is even more fun when you can bring your dog along. While many national parks have strict pet policies, there are still several that welcome your four-legged friend with open arms. From scenic hikes through towering forests to adventures across vast sand dunes, these dog-friendly national parks offer the perfect combination of nature and pet-friendly fun. Here are 14 top national parks in the U.S. where you and your pup can enjoy the beauty of nature together.

1. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is a perfect spot for a dog-friendly adventure. Located just 75 miles from Washington, D.C., the park boasts 200,000 acres of forests, waterfalls, and scenic views. With over 500 miles of trails, you and your pup can explore almost the entire park together, as only a few trails are off-limits to dogs. Popular routes like the Hawksbill Summit and South River Falls offer breathtaking sights. For a relaxing drive, head to Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic route with dog-friendly pullouts. Shenandoah also welcomes pets in its campgrounds, making it a great getaway for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions.

2. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is one of the most dog-friendly parks in the U.S. Dogs are allowed on all trails, making it an excellent spot for hiking with your furry friend. Popular trails include the 3-mile Grandview Rim Trail, offering stunning views of the New River, and the 5-mile Endless Wall Trail, which features cliffside walks and dense forests. With its rich history, including old mining settlements and iconic landmarks like the New River Gorge Bridge, this park provides a variety of outdoor activities for you and your pet to enjoy together. Just remember to bring plenty of water for your pup, as the river water isn’t safe for them to drink.

3. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Congaree National Park, located in South Carolina, offers a peaceful escape for you and your dog. This 26,692-acre park is home to the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the U.S. and features towering pines, bald cypresses, and rich wildlife. Dogs are allowed on all the park’s trails, including the popular 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop, an elevated trail that weaves through ancient trees and wetlands. The park’s campgrounds are also dog-friendly, making it a great destination for an extended stay. For a quieter adventure, try the 4.5-mile Weston Lake Trail, where you can enjoy scenic views of cypress trees and birdlife.

4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is a hidden gem for dog lovers. With over 100 miles of scenic trails, it’s an ideal spot for outdoor adventures with your pup. The park’s popular Towpath Trail stretches for 20 miles, offering a leisurely, scenic walk alongside the historic Ohio & Erie Canalway. For something shorter but just as beautiful, the 1.8-mile Ledges Trail meanders through towering boulders and moss-covered rock formations, creating a fairytale-like landscape. Dogs are also welcome on the family-friendly Brandywine Gorge Loop, where you can catch breathtaking views of the park’s majestic waterfalls. While dogs are allowed on most trails, they are restricted from the East Rim mountain bike trails, buildings, and the Scenic Railroad.

5. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado offers a unique landscape with towering dunes that you and your dog can explore together. Leashed pets are welcome on the vast sand mounds in the park’s front country, including the day-use areas and popular camping spots like Piñon Flats Campground. You can also hike with your dog along Medano Creek or on trails like Mosca Pass. However, in the summer, the sand can reach scorching temperatures of up to 150°F, so it’s important to walk during the cooler parts of the day and protect your dog’s paws with booties. Be mindful of restrictions, as pets are not allowed in backcountry campsites or park buildings.

6. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park, located along Maine’s rugged coastline, is a paradise for dog lovers. With over 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads, it’s a haven for outdoor adventurers and their furry companions. Dogs are welcome at popular campgrounds like Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods, providing plenty of pet-friendly options. You and your pup can explore scenic trails like the Wonderland Trail or take a seaside walk along the 2-mile Bar Island Trail. Keep in mind, pets aren’t allowed near water sources or on ladder trails, but they can enjoy Sand Beach during specific months for a fun, dog-friendly beach day

7. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the few western parks where many of the top trails and viewpoints are fully accessible to dogs. Pets on leashes are welcome on all trails above the rim, including the scenic 13-mile Rim Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the canyon’s vastness. For a more relaxed stroll, the 1.9-mile Bridle Path on the North Rim is also pet-friendly. Additionally, dogs are allowed in most campgrounds, including Mather, Desert View, and Trailer Village, and pet-friendly rooms are available at Yavapai Lodge. For longer stays, consider boarding your dog at the park’s on-site kennel.

8. North Cascades National Park, Washington

North Cascades National Park offers limited but beautiful dog-friendly trails. Your pet can accompany you along 18 miles of the famous Pacific Crest Trail, which provides stunning views of alpine landscapes and glacial lakes. The nearby Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas are also dog-friendly, making them ideal for a peaceful hike amidst breathtaking scenery. For more adventurous pups, the 3.8-mile Diablo Lake Trail offers a challenging trek right in the heart of the park. Outside the park, surrounding national forests like the Baker Lake Trail are also accessible to dogs, providing additional trails for exploration.

9. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is a paradise for water-loving visitors, including dogs! This park’s landscape is primarily made up of interconnected lakes such as Kabetogama, Namakan, Sand Point, and Rainy Lakes, which are best explored by boat. You can even rent a dog-friendly houseboat and set sail for an unforgettable adventure with your pup. On land, dogs are allowed in the front-country campsites, parking lots, and along the Recreation Trail leading to the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Whether hiking or cruising the water, Voyageurs offers a unique dog-friendly escape in the wilderness.

10. Zion National Park, Utah

At Zion National Park in Utah, dog owners can explore the stunning landscape together on the Pa’rus Trail. This 3.4-mile paved trail winds alongside the Virgin River and offers breathtaking views of Zion’s towering sandstone cliffs and lush canyons. However, this is the only trail in the park where dogs are allowed. While your furry friend can’t join you on other hiking routes, they are welcome to enjoy your company along the public roads, public parking areas, developed campgrounds, designated picnic areas, and Zion Lodge grounds. Keep your dog on a leash and avoid letting them drink from the river, as the water may contain harmful cyanotoxins.

11. Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

Indiana Dunes National Park offers a year-round dog-friendly escape with its 15,000 acres along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. During the warmer months, your dog can roam the sandy landscape, enjoy most of the park’s trails, and cool off with a swim in the lake, while remaining on a leash. As the seasons change, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park’s abundant wildlife becomes even more visible, making it a fantastic spot for both dogs and their owners to enjoy nature in every season.

12. White Sands National Park, New Mexico

White Sands National Park, with its expansive gypsum sand dunes, offers a unique dog-friendly adventure. Leashed pets are welcome to explore the gleaming white sands alongside you, whether on or off established trails. The soft, cool sands are perfect for a leisurely stroll, especially during the cooler parts of the day when the temperatures are more comfortable for your pup. You can also take in the stunning sunsets, where the dunes reflect vibrant colors against the backdrop of the Organ Mountains. If you’re planning to camp, pets are allowed in backcountry campsites, making it an excellent overnight adventure for both you and your dog.

13. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Capitol Reef National Park offers several dog-friendly trails, including the scenic Fremont River Trail, which provides picturesque views of towering cliffs and historic orchards. The Fruita area, once a pioneer settlement, is well-known for its abundant orchards, and dogs are welcome to explore this area as long as they remain on a leash (no longer than 6 feet). Though it’s not a dog park, you and your furry friend can stroll through these unfenced orchards, enjoying the scenic beauty of this unique desert landscape. While Capitol Reef doesn’t have extensive pet-accessible areas, the available trails and open spaces make for a relaxing visit.

14. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park, known for its breathtaking landscapes and towering sequoias, offers numerous activities for nature lovers, including rock climbing, camping, and scenic walks. While dogs are not allowed on most hiking trails, they are welcome on paved roads, sidewalks, designated bike paths, and in several campgrounds (excluding group and walk-in sites). Scenic routes, such as the 2-mile Mirror Lake Trail and the Lower Yosemite Falls Loop, are great places to explore with your dog. Remember to keep your pet leashed, and avoid bringing them into buildings or shuttle buses within the park.