Are Dogs Allowed In National Parks?
Curious whether dogs are allowed in national parks?
The good news is: yes. However, there are still rules that dog parents need to follow when bringing in their enthusiastic and energy-filled Fidos to a public place.
Let’s get through them.
Four reasons why pets aren’t allowed in some national parks
While dogs are welcome in a number of national parks, there are still some others that don’t allow dogs to set foot in their premises.
It can be a bummer for pet parents planning to visit national parks, so here are five reasons you need to know about why some parks don’t allow pets:
- There is the threat of paralysis ticks. Usually present in national parks as a result of the shrubbery, paralysis ticks can be dangerous not just to dogs but even to humans.
- Although one of the purposes of national parks is recreation, they are primarily intended to protect the natural environment. For this reason, some national parks disallow pets in trails and wilderness areas to protect and preserve the local plant and animal life.
- Wet rocks and moss are common in national parks. Since these are known to be slippery, your dog may cut their pads on sharp rocks or even oyster shells at the beach.
- Barking and smelling things, other animals, and even other people are normal behaviors for a dog. However, what may be natural for them may scare other wildlife and even attract other predatory animals.
Top five most dog-friendly national parks in the U.S.
If you’re planning to visit national parks and you’re not sure whether they allow pet parents like you to bring your dogs, you may want to choose from this list of the most dog-friendly national parks in the U.S.:
1) Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
Located only 75 miles outside of Washington, D.C., you can arrive at this national park in Shenandoah that’s perfect for avid hikers.
Offering miles of dog-friendly trails that makes it a fair game for your pets, you and your canine best friend can hike past streaming waterfalls, through quiet woodlands, and along trails that give you the best views of the Appalachians.
While in the Shenandoah National Park, keep the following in mind:
- There are 480 of the 500 miles of hiking trails in the park for your leashed dogs.
- There is a high possibility of encountering a snake or a bear.
- Pets, including dogs, are allowed to be in campgrounds with pet-friendly accommodations.
2) Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio
This national park wends along Cuyahoga River through over rolling hills and farmland and through a dense forest.
While in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, bear in mind the following:
- The park’s hiding trails allow 110 miles of the trails for dogs.
- Towpath trails allow dogs to trail up to 20 miles of its history.
- Pets can roam around the park’s campgrounds.
3) Zion National Park in Utah
This national park has colorful, sculpted cliff walls that create a dramatic backdrop for varied plant life.
Take note of the following while inside the Zion National Park:
- Its Pa’rus Trail borders the Virgin River and has an epic view of Zion Canyon open to your furry companions.
- This long-paved path is popular with bikers, so your dogs may get over-excited about bicyclists.
- All the developed areas of the park are open to Fidos.
- The park often get extremely hot. Hence, don’t forget to prepare the necessary materials to keep your dog hydrated and cool while on the trail.
4) Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
The popularity of the Grand Canyon National Park is not surprising considering that its immense geological wonder draws approximately five million visitors each year.
While in this park, remember the following:
- The trails above the South Rim are open only to leashed dogs.
- Many parts of the campgrounds accept pets, especially dogs.
- All developed sections of the park also allow pets.
- Your pets aren’t allowed below the rim of the canyon unless they are service animals. However, you don’t have to worry if you want to hike the inner canyon since there is a kennel available for your dogs.
5) Yosemite National Park in California
This expansive park in the High Sierras has almost 1,200 square miles of space and allows dogs in its premises.
Unfortunately, dogs are off-limits on trails. However, developed areas are open for them, so you can still enjoy the park’s legendary views.
If you’re planning to visit Yosemite National Park, remember the following:
- Paved roads, sidewalks, and most bicycle paths are open only to leashed dogs.
- Campgrounds are open to dogs except for walk-in and group campsites.
- Stay alert at all times since there’s is a possibility that you’ll encounter a bear.
- Wawona and Hodgdon Meadow are lovely and lesser-known locales in the park that are open to dogs.
All in all
While there are some national parks that allows you to bring your dogs, not all of them will allow pooches to set foot in their premises. Therefore, you need to follow the rules and as much as possible to have an enjoyable walk or trail with your canines.
Before deciding on a path, always make make it a point to research national parks, their features, and the imposed rules and safety procedures for bringing your dogs.