Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in New York State

You and Fido can enjoy a day out in nature at dog-friendly Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca, NY. Keep your pup on a leash and explore over nine miles of trails. The highlight of the park is Enfield Glen, a gorge with 12 stunning waterfalls to admire. Dogs are permitted in some camping sites and cabins at Robert H. Treman State Park but are not allowed in any swimming areas.

Dog-friendly Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, NY has plenty for you and your pup to explore. The upper park features a lake, woodland and gorge hiking trails, picnic areas, and playing fields. The lower park features the campground, pool, playing fields and a nature trail. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park with the exception of swimming areas. Some campsites and cabins also permit dogs.

Located in Castile, NY and renowned as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. Household pets are welcome to join you on their dog-friendly trails as long as they are on a leash no longer than six feet and have proof of a current rabies inoculation. For an easy out-and-back trail near Mount Morris, check out the Dam Overlook Trail. Or, challenge yourself to a moderate trail that leads to stunning views on the Inspiration Point and Lower Falls via Gorge Trail. Pets are not permitted in bathing areas, buildings, cabins or camping loops 300, 400, 500, 600 and 800. There is a two-pet maximum for campers.

Gardiner County Park is a pet-friendly recreation area in Bay Shore, NY. Bring Fido to the many on-leash trails that take you to the water and offer waste stations and a doggie water fountain. There are 231 acres to explore at this nature-oriented public park.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Kerhonkson, NY, is dog friendly. Leashed pets are welcome to join their owners as they explore the area, which is situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge, and features numerous waterfalls. Dogs are prohibited in buildings, camping, picnic, bathing areas or walkways. Hours vary seasonally, so dog owners should call before planning their outings.

John Brown Farm State Historic Site is a pet-friendly spot in Lake Placid, NY. Fido is welcome to join you as you explore the hiking and cross-country skiing trails. Please note your furry friend must remain leashed during your visit.

Bring Fido to walk along the Sand Point Castle or hike up the cliffs at Sands Point Preserve, overlooking the Long Island Sound in San Points, NY. Fido must be leashed at all times. Dogs are not permitted on the beach at any time. The Dog Run – also known as Charlie’s Run – offers two large spaces for pups to romp and socialize, one for small dogs and one for dogs of any size.

No trip to New York, NY, with your dog, would be complete without a stroll through the dog-friendly Central Park. Pets must remain on-leash in the park except during designated off-leash hours in 23 areas of the park. Off-leash hours are before 9:00 AM and after 9:00 PM. There are over 15 dog fountains throughout the park. Visit the website for specific information on dog-friendly areas. Make sure to always clean up after your pet.

Theodore Roosevelt loved animals, and dogs are as welcome at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site in Oyster Bay, NY, where he lived. Explore more than 80 dog-friendly acres of forests, salt marshes, and meadows on trails and boardwalks with your pup. Although your furry friend cannot enter any buildings, they are welcome throughout the grounds. There's even a nature trail to the beach, so your pup can dip his toes in the water. Just remember Fido must be leashed at all times.

Fido is welcome at the dog-friendly Harriman State Park in Ramapo, NY. Your furry hiking partner must always be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and display their rabies vaccination tag. Dogs are prohibited in buildings, beach/bathing areas, Beaver Pond Campground, Welch Beach or Sebago Cabins.

Blue Mountain Reservation is a 1,500-acre park in the northwest section of Westchester County in Peekskill, NY. This recreation area offers more than 20 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. One of their easy, dog-friendly paths will lead you to two ponds and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Due to the heavy population of mountain bikers, Fido must be leashed.

The Peninsula Nature Trails is a pet-friendly spot in Lake Placid, NY. Bring Fido on a day out to explore the area tucked back on a dirt road. The trails include the Corridor Trail, under a mile in length; Lake Shore Trail, following the shore of Lake Placid; Boundary Trail, a flat trail; and Ridge Trail, a forest hike. Dogs are welcome on a leash but not permitted in the water.

Mendon Ponds Park is the largest Monroe County Park with 2,500 acres of woodlands, ponds, wetlands and glacially-created land forms. Located in Honeoye Falls, NY, this pet-friendly park welcomes leashed dogs to enjoy a hike with you on the trails, except for the Nature Trail behind the Nature Center.

Eternal Flame Falls is a dog-friendly hiking trail that will bring you to two cascades. One waterfall is 30 feet tall and the top cascade is 8 feet tall. A small opening within the shale reveals a natural gas vent that is normally ablaze (it does have to be reignited occasionally). Early spring is the best time to visit, as the creek is typically dry in warm weather. Allot an hour or more to for a round-trip hike. This can be a dangerous trail, so bring Fido only if you both are skilled hikers. Admission is free.

Onondaga Lake Park is a pet-friendly destination in Liverpool, NY. Bring Fido to visit one of the most popular parks in Central New York, accumulating over a million visitors annually. Activities include four great trails- East Shore Recreation, Shoreline Walking Trail, Lakeland Nature, and the West Shore - bustling year-round with social interaction, special events, waterfront picnics, and the region's premier dog park.

Highland Park is a 150-acre, dog-friendly park in Rochester, NY. The park is home to Warner Castle and Sunken Garden, and visitors can take the opportunity to admire blooming flowers and walk the pretty tree-lined trails. There's also multi-use athletic fields, a playground and amphitheater. Fido must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

Storm King State Park has a somewhat difficult 3.5-mile hike that will take about 3 hours to complete with Fido in Cornwall, NY. Although the pet-friendly trail skips Butter Hill and Storm King Mountain, it does offer beautiful views of the Hudson River, Bannerman Island, Cold Spring, and Constitution Marsh and is also more lightly traveled. Dogs are not permitted in picnic areas and must be leashed.

Prosser Pines Loop Trail is a moderately trafficked, .7-mile pet-friendly hike in Middle Island, NY. The forest is unique and rare and is one of the oldest surviving White Pine Plantations on the eastern seaboard of the United States. During your adventure, ensure your furry friend remains on a leash.

The Walkway Over The Hudson in Poughkeepsie, NY, is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this dog-friendly "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Poughkeepsie! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Walkway Over The Hudson. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

An ancient "cathedral-shaped" cavern on a brook, Dover Stone Church is dog friendly. Dogs must be leashed during their trek to the historic attraction. The area features a Gothic formation of stones, a "pulpit" rock ledge, a brook flowing through the cavern and a small meadow with three spring-fed ponds.