Following the same route every day can get a little tedious so we've rounded up the best dog walks in the US. When you have some time to explore, or you’re off on vacation with your pooch, it’s exciting to take an adventure together, try out new areas, different terrains, and challenge yourselves to tackle a new hike.
Bear in mind that although most dogs can handle around three miles (5km) without extra training, you’ll need to build up over about a month to get up to 20 km. Longer walks should always take into account the dog’s age, overall health, weight, breed, personality, fitness and the environmental temperature and humidity. Plus, it's well worth stocking up on the best dog treats so you can use the walk as a great training exercise too.
Assuming all those boxes are ticked, a new hike holds huge appeal – as long as you know where to go. With the help of All Trails, which provides offline maps and trail guides, we have pinned down a great dog-friendly walk for each of the most populous states in America.
Where will your canine adventures take you next?
32 best dog walks in the US
1. California: Mount San Antonio and Mount Baldy Notch Trail
Length: 15.9km
Elevation: 1,241m
Difficulty level: Very challenging
This loop trail in the Angeles National Forest is a challenging route for experienced hikers in this popular dog-friendly hiking area. The terrain is a mix of forest, rocky scrambles, with a waterfall and stunning views climbing to the top of the snow-capped Mount Baldy. Part three of the “6-Pack of Peaks”.
You’ll need an adventure pass for your vehicle. Dogs welcome, and there are some areas where they can be off leash, but they’ll need to be fit and ready for this demanding route.
2. Texas: Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls
Length: 5.1km
Elevation: 38m
Difficulty level: Easy
This out-and-back route has an estimated time of around an hour, so an easy stroll but that’s arguably plenty under the heat of the Texan sun.
This dirt trail follows along the (often dry) riverbed, with a few narrow rocky ledges. It is wonderfully shady to give respite from the hot sun, but both waterfalls may be dry during the summer months, although there will still be a decent pool at Sculpture Falls.
Dogs are welcome on a leash.
3. Florida: Black Bear Wilderness Area Trail
Length: 11.3km
Elevation: 9m
Difficulty level: Moderate
A flat and fairly unchallenging trail which is beautiful at whatever time of year you visit. It is scenic with plenty of flowers and wildlife – such as baby boars, alligators, snakes, birds, black bears and spiders, so a feast for lovers for flora and fauna, though you may have to reroute if the animals are in your way! A peaceful, shady route through this wetland area. Bring bug spray.
Dogs welcome, on leash.
4. New York: Reeves Brook Loop Trail
Length: 6.1km
Elevation: 266m
Difficulty level: Moderate
Considered one of the best trails at Harriman State Park, a vast park with 200 miles of hiking trails, two beaches, 31 lakes and reservoirs and abundant wildlife.
This loop trail has everything: streams, little waterfalls, rock scrambling and pretty vistas. Dogs are welcome and can be off leash in some areas.
5. Pennsylvania: Ricketts Glen Falls Loop
Length: 10.1km
Elevation: 316m
Difficulty level: Moderate
A loop trail taking around 2hr53min, this is touted as “the single best waterfall hike in the eastern United States”. It takes you past 21 named waterfalls, and follows tracks, with stone steps in places, through a mixed hardwood forest, where there will also be plenty of wildflowers in season.
Dogs welcome, on leash.
6. Illinois: Sag Valley Yellow Trail Loop
Length: 13.5km
Elevation: 133m
Difficulty level: Moderate
Mostly an easy hike with a few steep portions, this loop trail is especially beautiful in October with the fall colors. Takes just under 3hr to complete.
Dogs are welcome, on leash
7. Ohio: Stanford House to Brandywine Falls Trail
Length: 6.3km
Elevation: 175m
Difficulty level: Moderate
A very popular loop trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this travels along a dirt trail mostly through forest and along the water. There are some steep areas and the Brandywine Falls are impressive.
Dogs are welcome, on leash.
8. Georgia: East Palisades Trail and Bamboo Forest
Length: 6.3km
Elevation: 150m
Difficulty level: Moderate
A beautiful loop trail which takes around 1hr38min to complete. This is a well-maintained trail that is open year-round and travels through lots of different scenery, including creeks, views and plenty of inclines. The little bamboo forest is a highlight.
You have to pay a fee to enter. Dogs welcome, on leash.
9. North Carolina: Looking Glass Rock Trail
Length: 9.8km
Elevation: 513m
Difficulty level: Moderate
This out-and-back route in the Pisgah Forest takes you up to the top of Looking Glass Rock, so called because of its vast, reflective rocky walls. From the summit, you will have beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It starts gently but the last push to the summit will burn off a few calories!
Dogs welcome, on leash.
10. Michigan: Crooked Lake Trail
Length: 7.1km
Elevation: 99m
Difficulty level: Moderate
This loop, which takes around 1hr30min to complete, is part of the Potawatomi Trail, circling round Crooked Lake and offering some pretty views of both lakes and forest. It is mostly flat, winding trails, with some rugged hills. Just watch out for bikers.
This route is open for most of the year, except for seasonal closure for hunting.
If you arrive by vehicle, you need a pass. Dogs welcome, on leash.
11. New Jersey: Mount Tammany via Red Dot and Blue Dot Loop Trail
Length: 5.8km
Elevation: 370m
Difficulty level: Moderate
This is an extremely popular and easily accessible route with sweeping views of the Delaware Water Gap. Take the steeper, rockier Red Dot Trail up to the summit of Mount Tammany, and the gentler incline back down the Blue Dot Trail, where there is a swimming hole with small waterfalls.
Dogs welcome, on leash.
Alternatively, if you're looking for areas your dog can have a dip, we've rounded up the best dog-friendly beaches in the US.
12. Virginia: McAfee Knob via Appalachian Trail
Length: 12.6km
Elevation: 552m
Difficulty level: Moderate
A long out-and-back trail which takes over 4hr to complete. It features a steady climb up to the “most photographed” place on the Appalachian Trail, so you can be sure you’ve hit a beauty spot, and you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Dogs welcome, on leash.
13. Washington: Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
Length: 8.5km
Elevation: 445m
Difficulty level: Moderate
Offering fantastic views of Mount Si and Mount Washington, this hike isn’t quite as challenging as some of Washington’s more arduous climbs, but still gives the reward (although it is prone to fog obscuring the panorama) with plenty of places to admire the lake and mountains.
Dogs welcome, on leash.
14. Arizona: West Fork of Oak Creek Trail
Length: 10.5km
Elevation: 172m
Difficulty level: Moderate
An out-and-back trail which benefits from some shade from trees and the steep canyon walls in Sedona, a hiker‘s paradise. This route has easier parking than some other Sedona trails.
You follow the creek upstream along sandy trails, with several stream crossings (which are easy except in extreme high-water conditions), so bring waterproof footwear. The canyon walls gradually close in on you, and you can continue to wade upstream or turn back. Great for dogs who love a bit of a splash.
Dogs welcome, on leash.
15. Massachusetts: Hickey and Peeskawso Peak Loop
Length: 3.9km
Elevation: 204m
Difficulty level: Moderate
A fairly short loop taking around 1hr30min, offering picturesque vistas of ponds, valleys and hills. Early spring or summer is the best time to see the mountain laurel blooming its pale pink flowers. There are natural streams and mini waterfalls, and it’s not too steep. The Devil’s Pulpit adds an extra climb for another spectacular view.
Bear in mind there is a cliff at the top, but dogs should be kept on a leash anyway.
16. Tennessee: Grassy Ridge via Appalachian Trail
Length: 8km
Elevation: 329m
Difficulty level: Moderate
Grassy Ridge is the longest stretch of grassy bald (treeless, grassy meadow) in the Appalachian Mountains, and this route travels through the Roan Highlands encountering three peaks, Round Bald, Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge Bald.
There are a few stiff climbs with Alpine-style views at the top. At the right time of year, you will enjoy the azalea and rhododendron blooms.
Mostly out in the open, and can get windy without any shelter.
Dogs welcome, on leash.
17. Indiana: Cowles Bog Trail
Length: 6.9km
Elevation: 66m
Difficulty level: Moderate
If you’re into plantlife, then this loop in Cowles Bog is the trail for you. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965 thanks to its status as a significant focus for ecological studies. There are plenty of habitats to explore, including ponds, marshes, swamps, black oak savannas and beaches. There are also steep sand dunes to up the challenge.
While some parts of the walk are a bit industrial, it’s exciting to see the city of Chicago across the lake. The beach is arguably the highlight.
Dogs welcome, on leash.
18. Maryland: Sugarloaf Mountain and Northern Peaks Trail
Length: 10.8km
Elevation: 449m
Difficulty level: Moderate
A loop that takes around 3hr30min to complete and a great workout, this trail has a mix of steep inclines and flat patches. It is rocky and uneven, but the routes are well marked and the views are beautiful. Especially stunning in the fall.
Dogs welcome, on leash.
19. Missouri: Lewis and Clark Trail and Lewis Trail Loop
Length: 13.2km
Elevation: 270m
Difficulty level: Moderate
A satisfying, long hike without being super challenging in terms of terrain. It is very scenic, passing by limestone cliffs and bluff escarpments, with views of the Missouri River. If the weather is wet, you may have to cross a creek, but it is straightforward.
Dogs welcome, on leash.
20. Wisconsin: Devil’s Lake via West Bluff Trail
Length: 7.7km
Elevation: 307m
Difficulty level: Moderate
A loop trail that takes around 2hr30min to complete. With steep, rocky paths taking you up to Balanced Rock, It is the most popular hike in the Devil’s Lake State Park, thanks to the great views, rocky climbs and a fabulous beach.
Due to its popularity it can be congested at peak times.
Dogs welcome, on leash.
21. Colorado: Mount Bierstadt Trail
Length: 11.6km
Elevation: 834m
Difficulty level: Hard
An out-and-back trail for hardened hikers with fit and agile mountain-savvy dogs, as there is plenty of scrambling. You climb up Mt Bierstadt, which is one of the state’s iconic “fourteener” (mountain over 14,000ft high). From the summit, you will look out over the Rocky Mountains, Grays Peak, Torreys Peak and Mount Blue Sky.
Keep an eye on weather conditions – it may be snowy, icy, windy and stormy.
The pass is usually closed from November to March. A permit is required to visit this area.
22. Minnesota: Bean and Bear Lake Loop
Length: 11.1km
Elevation: 341m
Difficulty level: Hard
This loop trail in the Superior National Forest takes just over 3hr to complete and requires a fit human and hound. It can get very muddy so take appropriate footwear and a stick, and be prepared for a dirty dog on the way home!
Features steep uphill climbs, big rocks and spectacular views of the lake and forest.
23. South Carolina: Yellow Branch Falls Trail
Length: 5km
Elevation: 145m
Difficulty level: Moderate
An out-and-back trail taking around 1hr20min, near Walhalla in the Sumter National Forest. It is an adventurous trail passing through groves of hardwood, across streams (some have stepping stones, some bridges) and skirting the edges of ravines. The waterfall is stunning and well worth a visit.
Dogs are welcome and can be off leash at times.
24. Alabama: Walls of Jericho Trail
Length: 10.6km
Elevation: 412m
Difficulty level: Hard
A fairly long out-and-back hike at around 3hr20min.
The Walls, when it has water, is exciting, with water coming out of the rocks in all sorts of places. There’s also an interesting old cemetery of the Clark family which dates back to the 19th century.
Dogs are welcome and may be off leash at times.
25. Louisiana: Longleaf Vista Road to Backbone Trail
Length: 17.1km
Elevation: 197m
Difficulty level: Moderate
A long and picturesque loop trail in the Kisatchie Forest with rocky hills and scenic overlooks. It’s rocky footing, steep, and features creek crossings. Due to the length of the trail, it requires a decent level of fitness in both dog and human, but as the elevation is not enormous, it is not too strenuous.
Dogs welcome, on leash.
26. Kentucky: Double Arch, Courthouse Rock and Auxier Ridge Loop
Length: 9.7km
Elevation: 316m
Difficulty level: Moderate
If you are into geology, this is one for you. It follows a classic route in the Red River Gorge, with astonishing rock arch formations to admire all along. There are both steep climbs and long descents so you need to be fit but the panoramas are worth the effort.
Dogs welcome, on leash.
27. Oregon: Wakheena Falls, Ecola Falls and Multnomah Falls Loop
Length: 10.5km
Elevation: 172m
Difficulty level: Moderate
Oregon is renowned for its waterfalls, but many of the routes do not permit dogs. However, this dog-friendly loop in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area features one of the best waterfalls in the state, Multnomah, as well as other popular falls.
Check out the conditions beforehand as landslides are common. April to October is the best time to visit.
Dogs are welcome, on leash.
28. Oklahoma: Turkey Mountain via Yellow Loop
Length: 16km
Elevation: 113m
Difficulty level: Moderate
This loop trail should take around 1hr30min to complete. Turkey Mountain has a range of hiking trails with interconnected paths and plenty of shade from hot sun. There are some steep sections, but in general it is a fairly easy stroll in pretty scenery.
29. Connecticut: Ragged Mountain Blue and Red Blazed Loop
Length: 9km
Elevation: 257m
Difficulty level: Moderate
A loop trail that takes around 2hr30min to complete, featuring stunning views and a small waterfall. Rocky terrain mostly in the forest, and you may see some bears.
Dogs welcome, on leash.
30. Utah: Stewart Cascade Trail
Length: 5.6km
Elevation: 199m
Difficulty level: Moderate
Utah features some breathtaking hikes, but dogs are not permitted on many of the routes. This dog-friendly out-and-back trail takes around 1hr40min and features the beautiful waterfalls of the north of the state. Stewart Falls has two tiers, and reaches up to 200ft tall. This hike takes you through a forest in the Wasatch Mountains through the Provo Canyon.
Check for weather conditions before you go as it may be icy and the area is subject to closures for avalanches.
Dogs welcome and can be off leash at times.
31. Iowa: Dozer Cut, Bunker Hill and Badger Ridge Trail Loop
Length: 10.1km
Elevation: 387m
Difficulty level: Hard
A loop trail near Honey Creek, which takes around 3hr to complete. It’s an adventurous hike out in the wild with beautiful views and some strenuous climbs in the Hitchcock Nature Area near Omaha.
Dogs are welcome, on leash.
32. Nevada: Turtlehead Peak Trail
Length: 7.4km
Elevation: 603m
Difficulty level: Hard
While Nevada is famous for the Yosemite National Park, this is not a dog-friendly area. Instead head to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, where the Turtlehead Peak Trail will give you a strenuous 3hr25min workout with your fit and mountain-savvy dog in tow. It’s an intense climb up the peak, with great views especially at the summit.
Dogs are welcome, on leash.
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