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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 the Best Bars in Bar Harbor, Maine
  • 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

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15 Fun Things To Do In Medora, North Dakota

18 Best Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine - sunset over a tranquil harbor near Acadia National Park captures the magic of Maine's coast, from lobster boats at anchor to pink granite shores and golden skies

The 18 Best Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine

Zion National Park

Zion National Park Guide

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Three years on the road and this country still isn Three years on the road and this country still isn’t done surprising me. Happy 250th. 🇺🇸
Somewhere Alan Jackson is nodding right now Somewhere Alan Jackson is nodding right now
A dog-friendly sunset spot in New River Gorge? Sig A dog-friendly sunset spot in New River Gorge? Sign me up. 🐾

Loki claimed the overlook wall at Sandstone Falls like he’d personally filed the deed. One blue eye on the view, one on anyone who looked like they might have snacks.

If you’re heading to New River Gorge, here’s the move:

🌅 Sandstone Falls Overlook (off Hwy. 20), easy pull-off, front-row seats to sunset.

🥾 Sandstone Falls Boardwalk, a little farther out, but I’d make the drive every single time. Get there about an hour before sunset and watch the whole place turn gold. It’s one of those spots that quietly reminds you why you got in the car in the first place.

Have you been? 🌅
While everyone else was claiming their sunset spot While everyone else was claiming their sunset spot three hours early, we were sitting on the rocks at Schoodic wondering how an entire peninsula could be this empty. Maine really said, “The crowd goes left. The magic goes right.”

—-> Grab my Complete Schoodic Guide at the link in stories 🫶
I stand by every single one of these. Mostly. 🎸 S I stand by every single one of these. Mostly. 🎸

Some of these were obvious. Some of these came to me somewhere between mile 300 and a gas station coffee that tasted like regret.

Save this for your next road trip playlist, send it to the friend who has very strong opinions about Yosemite, and prepare to argue with me in the comments.

Because apparently assigning 90s songs to National Parks is serious business.

Which one did I absolutely get wrong? 👇
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