With the weather warming up, everyone is itching to get outside and enjoy the sunshine — especially Rover! If your hearts are set on a scenic hike, it’s important to first ensure the desired locale is pooch-approved since many National and State Parks have strict rules about pets. To save you a bit of time, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite dog-friendly excursions around the nation. Just make sure to clean up after your pet and keep the trails pristine!
Runyon Canyon Park
Los Angeles, California
- Level of Difficulty: Easy – Very Difficult
- Leash Required? Yes.
- Off-Leash Area Available? Yes.
Our most dog-friendly pick! This sprawling 160-acre park boasts panoramic views and offers terrain for visitors of all fitness levels (both human and canine). With three different hiking trails to cover, pet owners can choose their own adventure based on ability, mood and desired view. Best of all, there’s even 90 acres dedicated specifically for off-leash puppy play!
Acadia National Park
Mount Desert Island, Maine
- Level of Difficulty: Very Easy - Strenuous
- Leash Required? Yes.
- Off-Leash Area Available? No.
Heralded for its lush fall foliage, this gorgeous east coast park spans from Mount Desert Island to Winter Harbor on Maine’s Schoodic Peninsula. Owners are welcome to bring dogs on nearly all trails within the nearly 50,000 acres of terrain. Some trails do not allow dogs due to steepness and safety concerns, but they are welcome in the campground areas. So pitch a tent and enjoy! Make sure to bring along plenty of water and Primal Pet Foods Raw Goat Milk in your cooler to quench pup’s thirst.
Garden of the Gods Park
Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Level of Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
- Leash Required? Yes.
- Off-Leash Area Available? No.
With free admission and awe-inspiring views, there’s a lot to love about this National Natural Landmark. Take your pooch on any of the exciting trails within the 1,300 acre park and take in the beauty of ancient rock formations and clear views of Pikes Peak. If you happen to get hungry while there, pups are welcome to dine alongside you at the beautiful Cafe at the Garden.
Chain O' Lakes State Park
Spring Grove, Illinois
- Level of Difficulty: Easy – Difficult
- Leash Required? Yes.
- Off-Leash Area Available? No.
This 2,793-acre park is located at the inlet of the Fox River, right at the heart of Illinois’s largest concentration of lakes*. Needless to say, there is a lot of shoreline — 488 acres to be exact — for you and pup to explore. Dogs are allowed almost everywhere inside the park, with the exception of conservation areas and buildings. While pets aren’t allowed in rentable cabins, they are welcome to hunker down for the night in tent camping areas. This thriving wildlife habitat has many sights and sounds for your pooch to investigate, so make sure to bring along Primal Pet Foods Treats if he needs a recharge between meals!
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cleveland, Ohio
- Level of Difficulty: Easy – Difficult
- Leash Required? Yes.
- Off-Leash Area Available? No.
Explore 125 miles of trail alongside the Cuyahoga River, just a few miles south of downtown Cleveland. There’s sure to be plenty for pup to sniff, including wetlands, waterfalls, birds and other wildlife. There are many short 1-mile loops to hike if you (or Rover) gets worn out easily, so no need to be an expert hiker to enjoy the various outcroppings and overlooks within the park.
Need to stock up on food or treats before your next hiking trip with your dog?
Try any of our Primal Pet Foods Treats or Freeze-Dried varieties!
Photo credit: @WintertheSiberian
* Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources