Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Virginia

Shenandoah National Park is a pet-friendly destination in Front Royal, VA. Travel along the Skyline Drive National Scenic Byway to Waynesboro, stop at one of the 75 scenic overlooks and enjoy over 500 trails. Fewer than 20 of the trails don't allow furry friends. Please refer to their website for the list.

Leesylvania State Park is a pet-friendly recreation area in Woodbridge, VA. The 556-acre park is nestled along the shore of Potomac River where Native Americans lived for thousands of years. Bring Fido out and spend the day on the trails or cool off in the water. There are also areas for picnicking, fishing and boating. Dogs must be leashed at the park.

Dogs are welcome to join their owners at Great Falls Park in McLean, VA. The trails at this pet-friendly park will lead you to an amazing view from the top, and there are several different trails you can explore with your leashed pup.

Lake Accotink Park is a pet-friendly public recreation area in Springfield, VA. The 493-acre park includes a 4-mile paved walking trail, a 55-acre lake for water sports, and lots of green space for picnics or relaxing by the lake. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after.

Mason Neck State Park features wooded trails and bay views in Lorton, VA. This pet-friendly recreation area features three miles of paved multi-use trails, a large picnic area, a playground and a car-top canoe launch. Pets are invited to enjoy the trails with you, but they must remain on a leash and be cleaned up after during their visit.

Jones Point Park is a pet-friendly recreational spot in Alexandria, VA, located on the Potomac River. Your leashed pup is welcome to tag along as you explore one of the historical places in town that features the last remaining lighthouse in Virginia. Restrooms, water fountains and a dog drinking bowl can be found underneath the park's bridge.

Dog-friendly Manassas National Battlefield Park, located north of Manassas, VA preserves the site of two major American Civil War battles. The peaceful Virginia countryside bore witness to clashes between the armies of the North (Union) and the South (Confederacy), and it was there that Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson acquired his nickname "Stonewall." Today, the National Battlefield Park provides the opportunity for visitors to explore the historic terrain where men fought and died more than a century ago. Bring Fido for a stroll on the historic grounds, which features historical structures, markers and statues.

Leashed dogs are welcome at the State Arboretum of Virginia in Boyce. There are several pet-friendly trails, two small lakes, beautiful meadows, a picnic area, and open areas to explore. The attraction is just off Route 50, West of Washington, past Middleburg.

Rose River Falls is a pet-friendly destination within Shenandoah National Park in Syria, VA. During your adventure, you and your leashed furry friend will come across a dazzling 67-foot waterfall. The trail is 4 miles long and is rated moderate.

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello is a historic, pet-friendly attraction in Charlottesville, VA. For almost 100 years, Monticello has been maintained and kept open to the public by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. Explore the grounds and trails with your leashed pup, including Mulberry Row, the main street of the 5,000-acre Monticello plantation.

Bring Fido to explore the pet-friendly Claytor Lake State Park in Dublin, VA. This is a perfect spot to take a walk along the water with your canine friend or for a nice afternoon picnic. Dogs must be kept on a leash under six feet, and they aren't permitted on public swim beaches or in public facilities. Please note that there's an entrance fee.

Belle Isle State Park is a pet-friendly destination in Lancaster, VA. You and your furry friend can explore the 7 miles of shoreline on the Northern Neck's Rappahannock River. Activities include hiking and relaxing by the water.

Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve, located in Willis, VA, is dog friendly, as long as Fido is wearing a leash. The summit of Buffalo Mountain offers 360-degree views of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and also hosts many rare plants and animals. The hike to the top is only around a mile, so most levels of hiker should be able to enjoy the views with their leashed pups. To the north, you can see Sharp Top and Flat Top at the Peaks of Otter, and to the south, you can see Pilot Mountain in North Carolina.

River Farm is a pet-friendly 25-acre historic site along the Potomac River in Alexandria, VA. Bring Fido along while you explore the beautiful pathways, gardens, woodlands and meadow surrounding the old home. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll or afternoon picnic. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

Windsor Castle Park is a pet-friendly spot in downtown Smithfield, VA. Fido is welcome to explore the 2018 acres of natural beauty along the banks of the Pagan River and Cypress Creek. During your day out, you and your pup can hike various trails, hit the dog park, witness the Manor House and go fishing.

Sky Meadows State Park is a pet-friendly recreation area in Delaplane, VA. The 1,862-acre park features 10.5 miles of bridle trails, 22 miles of hiking trails, 9 miles of bike trails, and access to the Appalachian Trai. Bring Fido and the family along for an afternoon of hiking or picnicking outdoors while taking in the beautiful views.

The Potomac Heritage Trail is a pet-friendly, multi-use trail that's a great place to walk Fido in Arlington, VA! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Potomac Heritage Trail. 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.

Discover pet-friendly Fountainhead Regional Park with Fido in Fairfax Station, VA. Whether you’re a cyclist, kayaker or hiker, enjoy 2,000 acres of rugged adventures with your pup in tow. There are shared-use hiking and equestrian trails and trailhead access to the 19.7-mile Bull Run Occoquan Trail. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.

The Warrenton Branch Greenway 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 "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Warrenton! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Warrenton Branch Greenway. 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.

The Mount Vernon Trail is a dog-friendly, multi-use trail that's a great place to walk Fido in Arlington, VA! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Mount Vernon Trail. 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.