As FOX Weather celebrates America’s 250th birthday, FOX Weather Senior Correspondent Robert Ray showcases the amazing national parks he’s covered in the American Southwest, including Utah’s “Mighty 5.” See some of the world’s greatest natural wonders:
Our great nation is home to 63 national parks, offering millions of Americans and visitors from around the world a chance to experience the vast beauty of the United States.
Although almost all national parks allow some form of dog access, they are often very strict and do not have trails where your furry friends can travel.
Only a handful of parks allow dog access on trails. Here is a list of some of the best parks to take your furry family member to visit this summer.
Shenandoah National Park
First on the list of ideal locations to bring your dog this summer is Shenandoah National Park.
This is one of the few national parks that allow dogs on trails, allowing both dogs and their humans to enjoy the unique experience.
Dogs at National Park.
(NATIONAL PARK SERVICE)
The park offers pet-friendly campgrounds and lodging, of course, provided you follow the park rules, such as being on a leash at all times and picking up waste.
Shenandoah National Park features over 500 miles of trails, including the nearly 80-mile Frazier Discovery Trail.
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Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park offers a great opportunity for fun yet challenging terrain through the 100 miles of hiking trails.
This park is full of carriage roads and trails where dogs are permitted, though some areas are off-limits to furry friends, such as lakes, because they serve as public water supplies.
Dogs welcome at Acadia National Park.
(Briana Moore / NPS)
The park has a list of a few trails that could be unsafe for furry family members, but most are open to dogs.
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North Cascades National Park
Although the park is full of natural beauty, pets are not allowed in North Cascades National Park except on the Pacific Crest Trail.
A cat poses for a photo at North Cascades National Park.
(National park service)
The park follows strict rules known as “B.A.R.K.”:
Bag your pet’s poop
Pet owners are responsible for removing pet waste from all areas in the park, including campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, roads, pet-friendly trails, and other developed areas.
Always wear a leash
Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Respect wildlife
Pets can harass or harm wildlife by making noise or scaring wildlife away.
Know where you can go
Pets are allowed on a leash within the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. Pets are also allowed on most surrounding national forest lands.
Pets are not allowed within the national park except on a leash on the Pacific Crest Trail and along roads.
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Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The park is home to a gorgeous river for kayaking and natural beauty for picturesque moments with family.
This park allows dogs, cats and any “animal that has been domesticated,” according to the National Park Service.
Dog walking through National Park.
(© Joe Prekop, Jr. / NPS)
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is home to over 100 miles of hiking trails that allow you and your furry friends to explore.
A stunning 3-mile-long hiking trail the park offers to explore is the hike to Blue Hen Falls, which showcases a 15-foot waterfall that is stunning throughout the year.
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Yosemite National Park
Animals are allowed in developed areas of the park, including fully paved roads, sidewalks, and specific trails such as the Bridalveil Fall trail, the Lower Yosemite Fall trail, and the paved trail through Cook’s Meadow, which includes boardwalks.
Cute dog poses at Yosemite National Park.
(national park service)
You’re in luck if you are looking to stay overnight at a campsite with your furry friends, as animals are welcome in all campgrounds except walk-ins.
It is important to note that NPS officials do not make exceptions for carry-on pets in restricted areas.
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Mammoth Cave National Park
Unfortunately, animals are not allowed inside the iconic caves within the national park. Still, they are allowed on all surface trails throughout the park, which makes this a great location, nonetheless, for your furry friend to enjoy the great outdoors.
B.A.R.K. Ranger Stella poses for a photo.
(NPS PHOTO)
The park also offers pet-friendly lodging if you decide to stay overnight with family.
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Grand Canyon National Park
Perhaps the most iconic national park throughout the U.S., Grand Canyon National Park is a unique experience for you and your pet to experience together.
Animals are not permitted below the south rim or inner canyon trails, but are allowed on trails above the rim.
Cute dog poses for amazing photo at the Grand Canyon.
(NPS Photo/Bryan Maul)
Dogs are permitted at the Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, Trailer Village and throughout developed areas, with plenty of opportunities and stunning views for everyone to see.
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Dogs walking at Grand Canyon National Park.
(Robbin Goddard / Los Angeles Times / Getty Images)
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The Yavapai Lodge is the only in-park lodge with pet-friendly rooms, offering the opportunity to indulge in the raw beauty of the Grand Canyon.
