Best Paces in America to Take your Dog Backpacking

By Cap Puckhaber, Reno, Nevada

I’m Cap Puckhaber, a marketing professional, amateur investor, part-time blogger and outdoor enthusiast. Today we break down some of the best places in America to take your dog backpacking.

Backpacking with your dog is one of the best ways to bond while exploring the great outdoors. Whether you’re trekking through lush forests or scaling mountain peaks, there are plenty of dog-friendly trails that offer an adventure for both you and your furry companion. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves to bring your four-legged friend along, here are some of the best dog-friendly backpacking trips to consider. Before you go, always check the specific trail regulations for pets and make sure you have the right gear for your dog.

1. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park offers over 200,000 acres of protected land in the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it an ideal destination for dog-friendly backpacking. With its vast network of trails, including a large portion of the Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah provides a variety of hiking options. These range from easy strolls to challenging backcountry routes. The park is famously dog-friendly and allows leashed pets on most trails (with a few notable exceptions, like Old Rag). The park’s pet-friendly campgrounds, like Mathews Arm and Loft Mountain, make it easy to spend the night surrounded by nature.

Why It’s Great for Dogs

• Ample space to roam, diverse terrain, and one of the most dog-friendly National Park trail systems.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina & Tennessee

This is an important distinction: while Great Smoky Mountains is an excellent park to visit with your dog, it is not a dog-friendly backpacking destination. According to the official park pet policy, pets are not allowed on any backcountry trails. The park only permits dogs on two short walking paths: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. However, dogs are allowed in campgrounds, so you can use the Greenbrier area as a “base camp” for day hikes on those two trails.

Why It’s Great for Dogs

• Beautiful mountain scenery and pet-friendly “base camping” options, but not for multi-day backpacking.

3. Lost Coast Trail, California

For those seeking a more rugged and remote experience, the Lost Coast Trail in California’s Humboldt County is a fantastic dog-friendly option. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), this 25-mile trail stretches along the wild Pacific Ocean, offering stunning coastal views and solitude. The remote nature of the trail means fewer crowds, making it a perfect getaway. The BLM allows dogs on the trail, but you must keep them on a leash around wildlife and pack out all waste.

Why It’s Great for Dogs

• Remote coastal environment, fewer crowds, and a challenging adventure with incredible ocean views.

4. Olympic National Forest, Washington

Here is another critical distinction for backpackers. The famous Olympic National Park does not allow dogs on its backcountry trails, like the popular Enchanted Valley or Sol Duc Falls trails.

However, the surrounding Olympic National Forest is a massive, dog-friendly paradise. The National Forest welcomes dogs on hundreds of miles of trails, offering the exact same ecosystems—coastal beaches, temperate rainforests, and alpine meadows. You can tackle challenging, dog-friendly backpacking trips to stunning locations like Marmot Pass or the Upper Dungeness River Trail.

Why It’s Great for Dogs

• Massive, diverse ecosystems (rainforests, mountains) and hundreds of miles of dog-friendly backcountry trails in the National Forest.

5. Tonto National Forest, Arizona

Tonto National Forest offers a diverse range of landscapes, from saguaro-studded desert to mountainous pine forests. This makes it a great year-round destination for dog-friendly backpacking. With over 2.9 million acres, the forest features a vast variety of trails that welcome pets. According to the official US Forest Service rules, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Popular routes include the Peralta Trail and the Reavis Ranch Trail, which offer stunning views of the Superstition Mountains.

Why It’s Great for Dogs

• Vast landscapes, challenging desert and mountain hiking, and plenty of dog-friendly camping spots.

6. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a unique dog-friendly destination for those looking to combine backpacking and paddling. The US Forest Service permits dogs in this million-acre wilderness, known for its crystal-clear lakes, dense forests, and wildlife. Dogs must be on a leash or under your direct control at all times. You and your pup can explore endless canoe routes, portage trails, and remote campsites along the lakes.

Why It’s Great for Dogs

• A unique canoe-camping adventure, tranquil lakes, endless hiking opportunities, and pet-friendly backcountry camping.

7. White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire & Maine

The White Mountain National Forest is an excellent and popular option for dog-friendly backpacking on the East Coast. It offers a wide range of trails, from easy walks to the challenging peaks of the Presidential Range. The Appalachian Trail passes through the forest, and the forest’s pet policy is very accommodating: dogs are welcome on trails and can even be off-leash if they are under strict voice command (though they must be leashed in developed areas like trailheads and campgrounds).

Why It’s Great for Dogs

• Gorgeous mountain landscapes, a very accommodating pet policy, and endless miles of pet-friendly trails.

Conclusion

Backpacking with your dog is a rewarding experience that allows you both to connect with nature in a unique way. From the rugged coastlines of California to the lush forests of the White Mountains, these dog-friendly trails offer a variety of landscapes and challenges. Always make sure to check trail regulations, keep your dog on a leash or under control, and be prepared for your adventure with the right gear. Happy trails to you and your pup!

About the author

Cap Puckhaber is a marketing strategist, finance writer, and outdoor enthusiast. He writes across CapPuckhaber.com, TheHikingAdventures.com, SimpleFinanceBlog.com, and BlackDiamondMarketingSolutions.com. Follow him for honest, real-world advice backed by 20+ years of experience. 

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