Best 5 Pet-Friendly National Parks To Visit On Your Road Trip

Indiana Dunes is one of the most underrated parks in the country and a great place to kick off a road trip. Located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the park features miles of sandy beaches, forested trails, and dramatic dune landscapes that feel genuinely surprising for the Midwest.

Dogs are welcome on most pet-friendly trails throughout the park, including the popular West Beach Trail and the Dune Succession Trail. Both give you a feel for the landscape without a tough climb, and the open dune areas offer wide views of Lake Michigan. Families and casual hikers tend to love this park because the terrain is accessible without feeling flat or boring. It is also free to enter most of the time, which never hurts.

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About four hours east of Indiana Dunes, Cuyahoga Valley National Park sits between Cleveland and Akron along the banks of the Cuyahoga River. It consistently ranks among the most pet-friendly national parks in the country, with over 100 miles of trails that welcome leashed dogs.

The Towpath Trail is a flat, easy walk that follows the historic Ohio and Erie Canal and is open to dogs for 20 miles. It is ideal for travelers who want a long, relaxed outing without steep terrain. If you are up for something more scenic, the Ledges Trail winds through dramatic rock formations and dense forest and is a favorite with dogs and their owners alike. The park is free to visit and open year-round, so it fits well at any point in your trip. Plan for an early start in summer since temperatures pick up in the afternoon.

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New River Gorge became a national park in 2020 and has quickly earned a reputation as one of the standout parks on the East Coast. The gorge is a deep canyon carved by one of the oldest rivers in North America, lined with dense Appalachian forest and dramatic sandstone cliffs that draw hikers, climbers, and rafters from across the country.

Dogs are allowed on 100 percent of the pet-friendly trails in New River Gorge, which puts it in rare company among national parks. The Long Point Trail is a relatively easy 3.2-mile out-and-back that rewards you with one of the best views of the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. The Grandview Rim Trail offers equally impressive canyon views and is well worth the drive to the southern end of the park. Beyond hiking, the area is known for excellent whitewater rafting and rock climbing. Even a few scenic overlooks make for a memorable stop.

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Heading east into Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is one of the most welcoming pet-friendly national parks in the country. The famous Skyline Drive stretches 105 miles along the mountain ridgeline, with more than 75 overlooks where you can pull over, step out, and take in the views with your dog at your side.

Dogs are allowed on the vast majority of Shenandoah's nearly 500 miles of pet-friendly trails. A small number of specific trails are off-limits to pets, but those account for less than 20 miles total. The Bearfence Mountain Trail is a short rocky scramble with panoramic views that make the effort worthwhile. The Stony Man Trail is one of the park's most accessible hikes and delivers big views at the summit. Shenandoah is worth visiting in any season, though fall draws the biggest crowds. If you are planning an October visit, earlier starts will help you beat the trailhead rush.

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Congaree is unlike any other park on this list, and it makes for a memorable final stop. The park protects the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the eastern United States, and the trees here are extraordinary. Some of the tallest trees in the eastern US grow inside Congaree, and standing among them gives you a real sense of how old and undisturbed this forest is.

Dogs are allowed on all of the park's pet-friendly trails and boardwalks, including the Boardwalk Loop Trail. This 2.4-mile elevated walkway moves through the floodplain forest well above the ground and offers a genuinely different experience from most national park hikes. The Bluff Trail and Oakridge Trail are solid options for longer outings deeper into the forest. Because Congaree sits in a swampy lowland environment, bring bug repellent and keep your dog out of the water. Morning visits are cooler, quieter, and worth the early alarm.

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Before hitting the road with your dog, keep these in mind:

• Most national parks require dogs to be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
• Pets are generally not allowed inside visitor centers or park buildings.
• Pack enough water for both you and your dog, especially during warmer months.
• Check each park's website before you go, since pet rules can vary by trail or season.

One well-behaved pet is welcome at no additional charge at Red Roof properties. Additional pets may be allowed; please contact the property directly for details. Learn more about our pet policy before you go.

From the Lake Michigan shoreline to the old-growth forests of South Carolina, this route covers some of the most rewarding pet-friendly national parks in the eastern United States. Each stop brings something different, and all five are genuinely worth the drive.

We make it easy to keep your travel budget in check at every stop along the way. With Red Roof properties near each park on this route, you will always have a comfortable and affordable place to recharge before the next day's adventure. Traveling with pets has never been easier. Book your stops and see where the road takes you.

Planning a national park road trip? Book a room at one of our affordable, pet-friendly hotels.