Dog Friendly National Parks: Where to Go and What to Know

We think it is fair to say that as a population, we love to spend time with our pets. Running around and having endless cuddles, what more could we want! Pets are bundles of fun and make for the best companions. Taking Your Pets on adventures in the spring and summer months is so important for both you and your pet. These moments are a great time to have fun with your pooch and make great memories. Exploring nature and getting outside whilst the sun is shining also allows you to embrace nature and feel at ease. In this blog, we will be exploring some of the top dog friendly national parks and why we recommend them at Hatchbag. From beautiful trails to places you can spend a relaxed weekend, national parks are a great place to embark on an adventure with your pet. Follow along for locations, tips and advice…

Acadia National Park, Maine

Known for how dog friendly it is, Acadia National Park is a great place to visit with your furry friend. With a multitude of areas within the park that accept dogs, this national park is a firm favourite amongst pet owners. This national park has over 100 miles of hiking trails, perfect for your pooch to exert some energy. The park also has breathtaking views which can be found at the top of Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain. This is one you wouldn’t want to miss out on.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Watefalls, vast ecosystems and a famous chute, this national park has it all. With over 110 miles of trails and a dog friendly campsite, this could be the perfect place for a weekend getaway. Given the national park title in 2000, Cuyahoga Valley is serene, vast and great for hikers who want to bring their dog along for the ride.

Indiana Dunes National Park, Southern Shore of Lake Michigan

15 miles of beach and 50 miles of trails, this national park is great all year round. You can relax, have a swim and let your pup roam on parts of the beach this spring and summer, whilst also seeing spectacular views. This national park has it all and is a great dog friendly location.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Pets are free to explore the North Rim of this national park and you will experience vast and beautiful trails. There are also a multitude of campsites that are pet friendly, so pack up your car for the weekend with your hiking gear and take your pet along. Wanting to explore some more challenging parts of the canyon? Board your dog at the South Rim Kennel and let your pooch relax.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Outside of Washington DC, this national park gives pretty much full access to dogs. With over 500 miles of hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this park is one you wouldn’t want to miss. All of the campsites are pet friendly as well, so you can embark on a variety of different adventures for as long as you please. Cabins are also available if you prefer staying inside.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

Sand dunes, forests, mountains and wetlands. This national park has is stunning. This park is perfect for a trip with your pet with many great trails and creeks. The park can get very hot, so make sure your pup is hydrated and that you can reach shade at any time. We recommend walking the trails early morning or when the temperature starts to decrease in the evening. A beautiful national park that you and your four legged friend will love!

How To Be A Great Pet Owner When Visiting National Parks

When visiting a national park, you want to make sure you are being considerate to everyone around you. You also want to make sure that your dog is happy and safe. Here are some top tips:  

• Make sure you have a suitable lead- This is crucial when taking your dog to national parks as many require your dog to be on the lead at all times. Having a lead that is retractable is great as you can let your dog roam whilst still having control.
• Make sure you are well prepared- During the day, a lot of these national parks can get hot! Having a pre packed stash of water and snacks for both you and your dog is important to allow for your hikes to run seamlessly.
• Be aware of your surroundings- A lot of national parks have a vast array of beautiful wildlife. However, some things can be poisonous and can cause harm to you or your dog. Make sure to research the types of wildlife in the national park before your visit, so you can know what to look out for.
• Pick it up!- All responsible dog owners pick up after their dogs, and national parks or no exception. Make everyone else’s hikes and adventures enjoyable as well as yours.

Travelling To Your Adventure

After planning your adventure, all you want to do is get there right away! However, taking a pet can sometimes make the journey to your adventure a little bit more challenging, and it might need some extra time spent planning. Long road trip or short, we have the solution that protects your car and keeps your pet comfy. At Hatchbag, we offer tailor-made cargo liners and mats that increase pet comfort and guarantee a spotless interior. You no longer have to worry about the road trip to your adventure, Hatchbag cargo liners protect your vehicle and make for a seamless journey with your pet. Safeguarding from muddy paws and pet related messes, you no longer have to spend time cleaning up messes that will be now caught by the Hatchbag cargo liner. Easily wipeable and can be cleaned in situ, this cargo liner is a dream for anyone who dislikes the task of cleaning their car. What are you waiting for? Plan that trip to a national park this spring and summer and make sure your journey runs easily without any hiccups.