a white logo with text at the bottom saying Helen Woodward Animal Center. There are two kids with dogs, a horse, a bird and cats under a tree.

Give Once Give Monthly Campaign for Caring Estate Planning Fundraise Donate Your Car Donate Stock Donate Crypto

National parks are one of earth’s greatest treasures. The beautiful landscape and jaw dropping views entice many people. What makes the national parks even better, is when they are pet friendly!

 

Here is our pet friendly guide to national parks!

Picture of a lake full of water with various rocks and hills in the background

Photo Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Plh1234us&action=edit&redlink=1

Acadia National Park in Maine

  • Acadia National Park is an Atlantic coast recreation area primarily on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. It is marked by woodland, rocky beaches and glacier/granite peaks. Dogs are allowed on over 100 miles of hiking paths and 45 miles of the road system. However, dogs are not allowed near the lakes and natural water sources.
Huge mountain full of white sand with a steep slope

Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/davebluedevil

White Sands National Park in New Mexico

  • White Sands National Park is located in New Mexico and completely surrounded by the White Sands Missile Range. The park is a field of white sand dunes composed of gypsum crystals. White Sands is a very dog-friendly park. Your dog is allowed to walk on a leash across the sand dunes on and off trails.
A sandy and grassy coastal hill with a few trees right by a waterfront

Photo Credit: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:ElbertHGary&redlink=1

Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana

  • This park has over 50 miles of trails that lead through sand dunes, woodlands, prairies and wetlands. Leashed dogs are allowed to roam the entire shoreline of this dog-friendly park.

 

Large bridge over a river with autumn trees around

Photo Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:JaGa

New River Gorge National Park and Reserve — West Virginia

  • This national park is one of the friendliest to dogs. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities. This park has a natural beauty to it. Pets are allowed all over the park.
A sign that reads Shenandoah National Park next to a road surrounded by trees

Photo Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Famartin

Shenandoah National Park — Virginia

  • Shenandoah National Park is a beautiful mountain range with stunning waterfalls Dogs are allowed on an incredible 500 miles of trails, including significant portions of the Appalachian Trail.
  • 2:50 pm

Due to Hurricane Hilary, all  departments will be closing at 3pm today.  Stay safe!