Is Shenandoah National Park Dog Friendly?
Shenandoah is a truly beautiful park, especially in the Fall, but it’s great to visit any time of the year. With over 200,000 acres, Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, and fields of wildflowers. It’s also filled with quiet wooded hollows that are a haven to the animals who call the park home: deer, songbirds, and black bear. There’s so much to explore and it seems like the perfect place to explore with your dog(s), doesn’t it? But let’s find out, Is Shenandoah National Park Dog Friendly?
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The Big Question: How Dog Friendly is Shenandoah National Park?
Dog Friendly National Park Rating:
Shenandoah National Park is one of the few parks that allow pets on trails. The regulations covering pets and their owners are put in place to allow you and your pet to share a Park experience while protecting Park resources, as well as other visitors.
For More Dog Friendly National Parks Check Out: The Most Dog Friendly National Parks
Where Are Dogs Allowed To Go Inside The Park?:
The simple answer is almost everywhere.
- In campgrounds, lodges, and cabins
- On most trails except for the less than 20 miles of trails listed below. But beware some of the most popular trails aren’t dog friendly (bummer, I know).
Where Are Pets Prohibited:
On less than 20 miles of the 500 miles of trails that Shenandoah has to offer! Dogs are prohibited on the following trails…
- Fox Hollow Trail (mile 4.6)
- Stony Man Trail (mile 41.7) except for a portion that follows the Appalachian Trail
- Old Rag Ridge Trail
- Limberlost Trail (mile 43)
- Post Office Junction to Old Rag Shelter
- Old Rag Saddle Trail
- Old Rag Access Trail
- Ridge Access Trail (Old Rag area)
- Dark Hollow Falls Trail (mile 50.7)
- Story of the Forest Trail (mile 51)
- Bearfence Mountain Trail (mile 56.4)
- Frazier Discovery Trail (mile 79.5)
Know Before You Go: Shenandoah Edition
- You will need to buy an entrance pass for Shenandoah.
- Passes are good for 7 days
- Single Vehicle – $30.00
- Single Motorcycle – $25.00
- Individual Person – $15.00
- Annual Pass – $55
- You can purchase passes online before your arrival here
- There are several entrances at Shenandoah –
- Front Royal, North Entrance
- Near Front Royal, Virginia, off of Route 340 (Stonewall Jackson Highway).
- Thornton Gap – east of Luray, Virginia, and west of Sperryville, Virginia. Off of Highway 211 (Lee Highway).
- Swift Run Gap -22591 Spotswood Trail, Elkton, VA.
- Rockfish Gap (South Entrance) – a few miles east of Waynesboro, Virginia, off of Highway 250.
- Tip: All of these register in Waze
- Be bear aware when hiking at Shenandoah National Park. It is home to a healthy black bear population.
Know Before You Go: Dog Edition
- Pets must be on
6-foot leash at all times. - Pets are NOT allowed on Ranger Programs.
- Bag your pet’s waste. Be sure to have a bag or canister to put it in until you can find a trash can. Do not leave pet waste bags in trees, on trail posts, or discarded in the woods. If there’s no trash can immediately available, take it with you until you find one. I know this one can be a pain but PLEASE don’t be one of the people who leave poop bags lying around.
Tips For Hiking With Dogs:
- Make sure to bring plenty of water for both you and your dog – we use a portable bowl like this and our 64 oz insulated bottle, plus my backpack with a Camelbak
reservoir !
- Dogs need to be on 6 ft leashes and I’ve found harnesses work much better for hiking. These are our favs –Loki & Freya
- Bring treats for the pups if it’s a long trail (or even if it’s a short trail haha) – these are Loki and Freya’s favorites!
- Carry a small dog first aid kit with you, we always have this one with us
- Make sure that all your dogs tags are on properly – just in case!
- Be aware of wildlife, especially in Shenandoah, where black bears are spotted on trails regularly. In my experience, black bears are normally afraid of you, but if you visit in spring and there are cubs, sows can become aggressive at a perceived threat – a.k.a your pup(s)
- Leave no trace with your pups – that means, please, clean up after them! I love this system and THIS so I don’t end up carrying poop bags constantly
- After every hike check for ticks – storytime – once Loki walked through a
tick nest in tall grass and I pulled 150 ticks off of him in one sitting – it was disgusting!!
Where Can I Stay Inside The Park With My Dog(s)? –
- Skyland Lodge (mile 41.7) – lodging ranging from premium rooms to small detached cabins, preferred and traditional rooms, suites, and pet friendly rooms – located in 28 separate buildings along the ridge and in the wooded areas on over 27 acres of Shenandoah National Park. There are many pet friendly options for an additional $30 a night. Find out more here.
- Big Meadow Lodge (mile 51) – lodgings ranging from main lodge rooms to detached small cabins, preferred and traditional rooms, suites, and pet friendly rooms – all located within walking distance of the main lodge building. There are many pet friendly options for an additional $30 a night. Find out more here.
- Lewis Mountain Cabin (mile 57.5) – offers accommodations to families, couples, or anyone seeking an authentic Shenandoah National Park experience. These rustic, furnished cabins also offer private baths and outdoor grill areas. There are pet friendly cabin options but make sure to declare dogs upon check-in. There is a max of 2 dogs per booking. Find out more here.
See #11 below for more options of where to stay inside the park.
What Makes The Blue Ridge Mountains Special?:
Believe it or not there are two National Parks and eight national forest within the Blue Ridge Mountains – both Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are within this mountain range.
You may be wondering what is so special about this area of the Appalachian Mountains that it merits this many national parks and forests? I mean, 10 national parks and forests is a ton!
The Blue Ridge Mountains contain the highest peaks in eastern North America. There are about 125 peaks that exceed 5,000 feet in elevation, which gives you those spectacular views! Most of the higher peaks are located in the southern portion of the Blue Ridge.
However, in Shenandoah National Park, you won’t be short on views. The highest peak in the park is Hawksbill at around 4,049 feet. And there are also over 60 peaks with an elevation over 3,000 feet inside the park.
But let’s get to it, let’s talk about all of the incredible adventures you can share with your pup(s) at Shenandoah!
11 Incredible Adventures With Your Dog At Shenandoah
1. Take In A Sunrise
I don’t know about you but mountain sunrises are some of my favorites. I love a full on sunrise in the mountains and I also love those cloudy misty mornings. Shenandoah is the perfect place to catch a sunrise if you are willing to get up a little early on your trip!
The best overlooks for sunrise are Tunnel Parking Overlook (mile 32.5), Buck Hollow Overlook (mile 32.8), Hazel Mountain Overlook (mile 33), and Thorofare Mountain Overlook (mile 40.5).
2. Hike To A Waterfall
Shenandoah has so many awesome waterfall hikes and on most of them your pup(s) can join you! There are 29 dog friendly waterfall hikes in Shenandoah and there is a hike for every skill level. I recommend…
Rose River Trail
- Distance: 3.8 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 875 ft
Lewis Spring Falls Trail
- Distance: 2.8 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 816 ft
Doyles River Falls Trail
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 1,181 ft
3. Hike For Amazing Views
With so many options for hiking with the pups while at Shenandoah it’s no
Upper Hawksbill Trail
- Distance: 2.2 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 488 ft
Hawksbill Summit Trail
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 627 ft
Millers Head
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Rating: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 357 ft
4. Hike A Small Part Of the Appalachian Trail
Most have heard of the Appalachian Trail and lucky for you part of it runs through this part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In case you’ve never heard of the Appalachian Trail is 2,193 miles, crosses 14 states, and has approximate elevation gains and losses of 464,500’. Crazy right? You can hike small sections of the trail in any of the 14 states that it runs through and Virginia/Shenandoah are no exceptions!
Crescent Rock Via Appalachian Trail
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 236 ft
Hawksbill Gap Loop Via Appalachian Trail
- Distance: 2.7 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 748 ft
Saddleback Mountain & Appalachian Trail Loop
- Distance: 4 miles
- Rating: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 633 ft
5. Not Into Hiking? Take In Epic Views On The Skyline Drive
The Skyline Drive is the main artery through the park. It runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is the only public road through the Park. It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the Park on a clear day. But I would give yourself at least 5 hours because you WILL want to stop at the overlooks to take in those gorgeous views!
Some Can’t Miss Overlooks:
- Loft Mountain
- Bacon Hollow
- Big Meadows
- Stony Man Mountain Overlook
- Buck Hollow
Skyline is almost always open but during inclement weather there is a chance that it will close. Find out what to do when that happens in this post, When The Skyline Drive Closes At Shenandoah.
Skyline drive is incredibly popular during the fall season and for good reason – the colors are stunning. Click to find out how to spend One Falls Day In Shenandoah.
6. Have A Picnic With The Pups
Especially during crazy seasons (hello fall) all of the food options in the park are incredibly packed. I generally recommend if you are visiting during a busy time of year (summer or fall) that you take a picnic lunch with you. There are so many cute picnic spots within the park where you can enjoy your lunch with your pups after some awesome hiking.
7. Visit A Dog Friendly Winery
This part of Virginia is pretty dog friendly, I lived nearby (an hour away) for about 5 years and loved it. There are so many great wineries in area and tons of them are dog friendly.
Three Fox Vineyard
- 10100 Three Fox Ln, Delaplane, VA 20144
- (540) 364-6073
- Sat-Sun: 11am-7pm
- Find Out More Here
Breaux Vineyard
- 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln, Purcellville, VA 20132
- (540) 668-6299
- Daily 11am-5pm
- Find Out More Here
Barrel Oak Winery
- 3623 Grove Ln, Delaplane, VA 20144
- (540) 364-6402
- Mon-Thurs: 12-5pm
- Fri-Sun:11-8pm, 11-9pm, 11-6pm
- Find Out More Here
8. View Wildlife With The Dog(s) Safely
Although Shenandoah isn’t necessarily known for its abundant wildlife, there are deer and black bears within the park.
Wildlife Distanes:
- Stay at least 75 feet (23 meters), or about two bus-lengths away from all wildlife. Keep at least 150 feet (46 meters), or about four bus-lengths away from black bears. If wildlife approaches you, it’s your responsibility to back away and maintain that safe distance.
Wildlife Viewing Tips:
- Use binoculars or a spotting scope for a safe, close-up view.
- Calling, whistling,
or making noises of any kind to attract wildlife is illegal. Do not do anything that changes the natural behavior of wildlife. - Pull safely and completely off the road, making sure that all four wheels are off the road on a safe shoulder. Use your car as an enclosure for viewing from a distance.
- Wildlife is usually more active at dawn or dusk, so time your outings for a better chance of seeing animals out and about.
- Look at the edges of the landscape (e.g. where forest trees meet a grassy area).
- Stay quiet and still. Noise and quick movements can scare wildlife away.
- It is recommended that you use your camera’s zoom or a telephoto lens to get a close-up while still maintaining a distance from wildlife.
9. Wine Not Your Thing? Visit Hawksbill Brewing Co With The Pup(s)
Hawksbill Brewing Co
- 22 Zerkel St, Luray, Virginia 22835
- (540) 860-5608
- Wed-Thurs: 4-8pm
- Fri-Sat: 12-8pm
- Sun: 12-6pm
- Find Out More Here
Dogs are welcome to join their owners in the beer garden at Hawksbill Brewing Co! This pet-friendly brewery is a great spot to hang out with the pups when the sun’s out. They offer stouts, porters, brown ales, IPAs, and cream ales on regular rotation, along with a number of other beers that appear seasonally.
10. Take In A Sunset With The Dog(s)
If you missed the sunrise because you got a late start then definitely hang out in the park to enjoy a sunset. Hop on Skyline Drive and check out one of these outlooks for an epic sunset view. The best overlooks to take in a sunset are the Hazeltop Ridge Overlook (mile 54.5), The Point Overlook (mile 55.5), Bearfence Mountain (mile 56.4), Brown Mountain Overlook (mile 77), Rocky Top Overlook (mile 78).
11. Stargaze & Camp Under The Stars With Your Furry Best Friend
Did you know that roughly 80% of people in North America cannot see the Milky Way due to electric lights at night? While Shenandoah may not get as dark as some of the parks of the North and West, its high elevation combined with its relative remoteness from dense urban areas, make the Park a great place to stargaze! One of the best ways to do that is to camp with your pup(s)!
If you plan your visit right (on moonless and cloud-free nights) Shenandoah is a wonderful spot to view the Milky Way or some of the 2500 stars visible to the unaided eye that make up one of the 88 official constellations.
One of the best places for star viewing at Shenandoah is the Big Meadows area and wouldn’t you know it, there is also a campground in Big Meadows.
Shenandoah boasts 5 different camping facilities within park limits and bonus ALL are dog friendly!
- Matthews Arm Campground (mile 22.1) click here to make reservations.
- Big Meadow Campground (mile 51.2) click here to make reservations.
- Lewis Mountain Campground (mile 57.5) no reservations accepted, this campground operates on a self-registration, first-come, first-served basis only. More primitive.
- Loft Mountain Campground (mile 79.5) click here to make reservations.
- Dundo Group Campground (mile 87.3) this campground has three sites, each of which is for groups of 7-20 people. All sites must be reserved in advance. Click here to make reservations.
There are so many things to do with your pups in Shenandoah National Park that it would be a shame to leave them at home during your visit! It’s one of the most dog friendly National Parks in the United States and easily top 3 on the East Coast. No matter what time of year you visit, Shenandoah with the pups is sure to be an epic adventure.
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