Top 10 Dog-Friendly Hikes in the US for 2024

Taking your furry friend on a hike is one of the best ways to bond and get some exercise together. The fresh air, new sights and smells, and time spent outdoors are great for both human and canine mental and physical health. The United States offers countless incredible hiking trails that welcome leashed dogs, from easy walks to more challenging terrain. To help you and your pooch find the perfect trail, we’ve compiled this list of the top 10 dog-friendly hikes across US For 2024.

#1 – Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Winding for 48 miles through Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the US. Several trails branch off this scenic drive, including the Tundra Communities Trail – a 2-mile loop that gently climbs up and through the unique tundra ecosystem. Marmots, pikas, big horn sheep and stunning wildflowers are common sights, with epic mountain views all around.

#2 – Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

The historic Cades Cove area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides multiple easy hiking options for you and your pup. The Cades Cove Loop is an 11 mile paved road encircled by open meadows full of old homesteads, churches, and wildlife. Many small trails spur off the main loop, including the Abrams Falls Trail which leads to a scenic 20-foot waterfall.

#3 – Franconia Ridge Loop, White Mountains, New Hampshire

For adventurous pups and owners, the challenging Franconia Ridge Loop in the White Mountains is a rewarding 8.5 mile hike with breathtaking views. The trail traverses several New Hampshire “4,000 footers” along narrow ridges and passes the iconic Mount Lafayette. Just be prepared for some rock scrambles and exposure at the top – and keep your dog on a leash.

#4 – Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

Just a short drive from the Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area lets you explore the beautiful red and white sandstone landscape with your dog at your side. Enjoy easy to moderate trails like the Calico Hills Trail or the longer 6.8 mile Calico Tanks Trail that leads to natural water pockets. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be cooler for hiking.

#5 – Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

The historic Cades Cove area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides multiple easy hiking options for you and your pup. The Cades Cove Loop is an 11 mile paved road encircled by open meadows full of old homesteads, churches, and wildlife. Many small trails spur off the main loop, including the Abrams Falls Trail which leads to a scenic 20-foot waterfall.

#6 – Glacier National Park, Montana

Choose from over 700 miles of hiking trails in the magnificent Glacier National Park that allow leashed dogs, many of them following gentle valley floors with great views. Some notable routes are the Trail of the Cedars (handicap accessible), the Swiftcurrent Nature Trail along Lake Josephine, and the Rocky Point Trail around Swiftcurrent Lake. Just be aware of bear country precautions.

#7 – Conestoga Trail, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

In peaceful Amish country, the 16-mile Conestoga Trail follows the Conestoga River and passes through covered bridges, forests, wetlands, and rocky outcroppings. Hike all or part of this out-and-back trail that combines history, scenery, and wildlife near Lancaster, PA – perfectly suited for an active dog.

#8 – Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

Cape Cod offers six unique hiking trails where leashed dogs can roam beaches, salt marshes, woodlands and sand dunes. The 1.5 mile Beech Forest Trail meanders through a rare maritime beech forest, while the longer 2.9 mile Red Maple Swamp Trail in the Seashore passes red maple wetlands that attract diverse birds.

#9 – Blackhand Gorge, Ohio

For an easier 4-mile hike close to Columbus, follow the scenic Blackhand Gorge Trail along the Licking River. Once a flume for floating lumber in the 1800s, today a towering sandstone gorge lined with hemlock trees frames the walking path to several stunning waterfalls. The trail’s relatively flat profile makes it very manageable for most dogs.

#10 – Pontchartrain Beach, New Orleans, Louisiana

Walkable from the French Quarter, Pontchartrain Beach is a dog-friendly lakeside trail offering beautiful views across Lake Pontchartrain. The well-maintained paved trail runs for over 2.5 miles one-way, with several water access areas to stop, play fetch, and dip your toes. Early morning and sunset walks are especially peaceful.

Conclusion

The USA abounds with incredible hiking trails suitable for both adventurous and casual hikers traveling with their dogs. From the red rocks of Nevada to the Appalachian peaks to Cape Cod’s Atlantic coast, there are endless options to explore the beauty of America’s outdoors together. Just remember to bring plenty of water, dog-safe sun protection, collapsible bowls, waste bags, and a first aid kit too. I sincerely hope you find this “Top 10 Dog-Friendly Hikes in the US for 2024” article helpful.