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May 7, 2026

Dog Friendly Acadia National Park: The Ultimate 2026 Guide

Acadia is one of the most dog friendly National Parks in the entire United States, and after spending six months living right outside Bar Harbor with my three pups, I can tell you it’s the real deal. Here’s everything you need to know to plan an incredible 2026 trip to Acadia with your dogs, including the rules, the can’t miss spots, and a few things I learned the hard way.

March 6, 2026

15 Best Dog Friendly Hikes at Acadia National Park

Three dogs hiking the Little Long Pond trail in Acadia National Park, Maine — a brown mixed breed and two huskies on leash on a sun-dappled wooded path along the turquoise shores of Little Long Pond, highlighting Little Long Pond as a peaceful and dog-friendly walk in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island near Seal Harbor, Maine, perfect for hiking with dogs in Acadia

Acadia is one of the most dog friendly National Parks in the United States, and honestly, it’s the reason we keep coming back. The first National Park east of the Mississippi boasts nearly 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads that you can enjoy with your pups…

May 19, 2025

Paws on the Trail: The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains

Planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with your furry friend? While many trails restrict dogs, the Smokies still offer several dog-friendly hikes and scenic drives perfect for adventurous pups and their humans. From easy riverside walks on the Oconaluftee River Trail to scenic drives like Cades Cove Loop Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, this guide covers the best pet-friendly trails and outdoor experiences to help you explore the Smokies together. Discover insider tips, local spots, and must-visit places to make your Smoky Mountains dog adventure unforgettable!

July 27, 2021

11 Must See Waterfalls In The Smokies

Looking for a waterfall hike in the Smokies? Check out these 11 Must See Waterfalls In Great Smoky Mountains…

July 3, 2021

11 Fun Adventures In North Maine Woods

North Maine Woods is not really like anywhere else I’ve ever been, in a very cool way…

May 1, 2021

Rocky Mountain National Park Bucket List

Rocky Mountain National Park is a total gem! If you want to see Colorado at its best, Rocky Mountain National Park should be on your list. But what should you do? I’ve got you, here are the top 10 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park…

August 10, 2020

One Day in Cherokee, North Carolina

Don’t skip Cherokee, North Carolina on your next trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park…

Hi! I'm Vanessa, a 30 something, sunset chasing traveler. I'm here to inspire you to travel wherever, whenever, and with whoever you can. My Huskies, Loki and Freya are usually along for the ride. I have a soul that likes to wander, a desire to experience the unknown, and a curiousity to discover things off the beaten path. I hope you'll stick around for awhile!

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Let's be friends! I know e-mails can suck but mine won't and I promise cute pup photos too!

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Recent Posts

  • The Complete Guide To Getting Out On Frenchmans Bay
  • The Best Sunset Spots in Acadia National Park
  • One Day In Acadia With Dogs: A Local’s Itinerary
  • Where To Get The Best Lobster On Mount Desert Island
  • Dog Friendly Acadia National Park: The Ultimate 2026 Guide

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Utah has a mountain where you’re allowed to just…d Utah has a mountain where you’re allowed to just…dig for your own topaz. And somehow nobody talks about it.

Topaz Mountain is exactly what it sounds like, a stretch of high desert where you show up, pick a spot in the rhyolite, and crack rock until little crystals fall out. No guide, no fee, no gift shop. Just you, a hammer, and the slowly dawning realization that you’ve become a person who collects rocks on purpose.

Came home dusty, sunburned, and weirdly thrilled about a handful of crystals. 

10/10, would dilly-dally through the desert again.

📍 Save this for your Utah list 🔨💎✨
Bryce Canyon is the rare national park you can gen Bryce Canyon is the rare national park you can genuinely do a lot in one day! I only had 1 day at Bryce and here’s what I did…

Sunrise at Sunrise Point, the Queen’s Garden → Navajo loop down into the hoodoos, the overlooks at midday, and Silent City glowing at golden hour. That’s the whole day, no wasted miles.

📍 Save it for your trip to Utah 🏜️
(Fair warning: it’s the kind of place that ruins you a little for regular scenery 😉)
spent a summer on the Maine coast and now every ot spent a summer on the Maine coast and now every other place has to file a complaint 🌊🌲🦞⛵️
Everyone shows up to Airport Mesa with a tripod an Everyone shows up to Airport Mesa with a tripod and a plan. I showed up late as usual, sprinting to beat the sun ☀️ 

Went the wrong way on the trail, realized the sun was not going to wait for me, and full-on trail-ran the last stretch to catch it.

Made it with purple cheeks and maybe four minutes to spare. Sat down, tried to look like I hadn’t just hauled it up a mesa, watched the rocks go orange.

10/10. Would panic-jog again.

Save this for your Sedona list 📍 and send it to whoever you’d absolutely make run for a sunset
Arkansas, you got me. 🌲 Arkansas, you got me. 🌲
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