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Let’s cut to the chase, you and your dog love the outdoors...
You are looking for adventure and enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. But sometimes, the prep for the trip is just as hard as the hike itself! So we’re going to make this process much easier for you…
We have the trail recommendations, gear you will actually use, and advice that will keep you and your dog ready to blaze the trails. Let’s get into it.
And just to make sure this is fool-proof, we put together a list of everything you’ll need on your next trail adventure. Check it out below…
The Best Trails to Hike in the South with Your Pup
Alabama
over 500 dog-friendly trails
Kings Chair Overlook at Oak Mountain State Park
City: Birmingham, AL
Distance: 3.4 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Tips: This hike is not for the faint of heart. This hike features steep terrain, ample debris, and cliff edges. If you are to hike this before sunrise, pack a headlamp… we learned the hard way.
Alum Hollow Trail at Green Mountain Nature Preserve
City: Huntsville, AL
Distance: 2.4 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: This trail is packed with beautiful scenery and the grand finale is 2 waterfalls. Pro tip: go the day after it rains for the most abundant waterfalls.
Little Rivery Canyon at Little Rivery Canyon National Preserve
City: Fort Payne, AL
Distance: 1.4 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: A staple for Alabama and Georgia residents. This is a simple hike and a great place to hang out for the day. If you’re not from around this neck of the woods, consider staying in Mentone or Fort Payne – lovely place to stay!
Find more dog-friendly hikes in Alabama on All Trails!
Arkansas
over 500 dog friendly trails!
Falls Branch Trail at Lake Catherine State Park
City: Hot Springs, AR
Distance: 1.7 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: The waterfalls are beautiful especially after rainfall. There are multiple spots to stop and drink some water for you and your dog. After your hike, be sure to check your dog for ticks.
Yellow Rock Trail at Devil’s Den State Park
City: West Fork, AR
Distance: 2.6 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Gorgeous overlook view of the Lee Creek Valley that draws crowds especially on the weekends. If you are only able to go during the weekend, go early for a more peaceful hike with your dog.
Glory Hole Waterfall Trail at Ozark St. Francis National Forest
City: Deer, AR
Distance: 2 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Near the Ozark National Forest, this trail goes downhill from the start. If visiting during rainy months, please use caution and expect a tough hike back to the trailhead as it is uphill the whole way. Bring towels and water shoes for the wet terrain and splashes from the fall.
Florida
over 500 dog friendly trails!
Historic Fort Pickens Trail at Fort Pickens
City: Fort Pickens, FL
Distance: 5.1 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Easy but long hike so please pack plenty of water for both you and your dog and take ample breaks. This is a highly educational hike with remnants of WWI, WWII, and Spanish War. Pro tip: take the NPS Self Guided Tour offered on their app.
Snake Bight Trail at Everglades National Park
City: Monroe County, FL
Distance: 3.7 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: PSA!! Wear bug repellant for you and your dog. This trail offers lovely bird watching (maybe don’t take your bird dog?) and offers ample shade throughout the hike. This is an easy trail to ease into your trip at the Everglades with your furry friend. This is for the campers!
Smyrna Dunes Boardwalk Trail at Smyrna Dunes Park
City: New Smyrna Beach, FL
Distance: 2.5 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: A boardwalk trail for an easy going stroll along the beach views. Dogs are permitted to swim on the riverside, but be aware of ocean life!
Georgia
over 500 dog friendly trails!
Mount Yonah Trail at Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
City: Cleveland, GA
Distance: 4.4 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Hard
Tips: This trail is very steep at times with rough terrain, so this is for our seasoned hiking dogs. We even recommend packing an emergency evacuation pack for your dog in case this hike is too hard for them.
East Palisades Trail and Bamboo Forest at Chattahoochee River National Recreation
City: Atlanta, GA
Distance: 4.2 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Beautiful views of the Chattahoochee River and offers a dog friendly beach. We have seen multiple dogs off leash, so if your dog is reactive – pack a leash!
Cloudland Canyon West Rim Loop at Cloudland Canyon State Park
City: Rising Fawn, GA
Distance: 4.8 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Although in Georgia, we love visiting this park when staying in Chattanooga, TN. It is the perfect daytrip for you and the pooch. The trail offers beautiful epic views!
Kentucky
over 500 dog friendly trails!
Auxier Ridge Trail to Courthouse Rock at Red River Gorge Geological Area
City: Stanton, KY
Distance: 4.3 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: This trail ends with steep stairs, but is overall a simple hike! The earlier you commence your hike, the less crowds you will see.
East Pinnacle at Berea College Forest
City: Bighill, KY
Distance: 3.6 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: This trail is only 10 minutes from I-75, making it the perfect spot to stretch your legs if you’re traveling. Rocky at times, but an easy hike for you and your dog!
Cedar Sink Trail at Mammoth Cave National Park
City: Park City, KY
Distance: 1.6 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: An educational trail of the caves and sinkhole. We recommend taking a left at the fork in the road!
Louisiana
252 dog friendly trails!
Cane Bayou Trail at Fontainebleau State Park
City: Mandeville, LA
Distance: 4.4 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Known for having a lot of wildlife, so be on the lookout for your dog. This is an easy flat hike with plenty of signs.
Couturie Forest at City Park
City: New Orleans, LA
Distance: 1.1 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: If you’re living in Nola or just visiting for the weekend, this is the perfect hike for you and your dog before you take on the French Quarter.
Bogue Chitto Gorge Run Trail at Bogue Chitto Gorge Park
City: Franklinton, LA
Distance: 4.9 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: This is an especially great trail for our runners, but a wonderful long wooded hike for all adventurers. The trail offers great bird watching as well.
Mississippi
211 dog friendly trails!
Bear Creek Outcroppings Trail at Tishomingo State Park
City: Dennis, MS
Distance: 1.9 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: This trail offers stunning views and beautiful rock outcroppings. There are challenges of tricky footing so be sure your dog takes it slow!
Clark Creek Primitive Trail at Clark Creek Natural Area
City: Woodville, MS
Distance: 5 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: With numerous waterfalls and challenging terrain, this is not a starter trail! Be sure to wear terrain boots and take it slow to ensure your dog does not slip.
North Cypress Lake Trail at North Cypress Lake Recreational Area
City: Keel, MS
Distance: 3.3 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: If you’re frequently visiting Ole Miss, this is a great trail to check out for some exercise with your dog!
North Carolina
Over 500 dog friendly trails!
Triple Falls Trail at DuPont State Recreational Forest
City: Hendersonville, NC
Distance: 2.6 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Not far from Asheville and is the perfect hike to jump start a morning! This trail features beautiful falls, great for a picture perfect moment!
Photo: jametlene Reskp
Hawksbill Mountain Trail at Linville Gorge Wilderness
City: Jonas Ridge, NC
Distance: 2.1 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: The view at the end of this trail is EPIC!! If there was an insta-moment, this is it.
Craggy Gardens Trail at Blue Ridge Parkway
City: Blue Ridge, NC
Distance: 2.1 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: This is the spot when all flowers are in bloom. You’ve probably seen this on Pinterest, now show it to your dog!
Oklahoma
450 dog friendly trails!
Friends Trail Loop at Beavers Bend State Park
City: Broken Bow, OK
Distance: 1.5 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Incredible river views leading with a steep hike, but levels out for an easy stroll.
Elk Mountain Trail at Charons Garden Wilderness
City: Indiahoma, OK
Distance: 2.4 mi roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: This trail looks like it should be in Yellowstone National Park, a must see. We recommend downloading the trail map and bring plenty of water for you and your dog!
Black Mesa Trail at Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve
City: Kenton, OK
Distance: 8.8 roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: A long but easy hike with great views of mesas. It’s like going out west, but staying in the South. Win-win.
South Carolina
500 dog friendly trails!
Table Rock Trail at Table Rock State Park
City: Pickens, SC
Distance: 7 roundtrip
Difficulty: Hard
Tips: This hike is a beast, but the views are WORTH IT!! This hike features steep and rocky terrain. So this hike is for seasoned hiking dogs only!
Boardwalk Loop at Congaree National Park
City: Gadsden, SC
Distance: 2.3 roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: We love checking off another National Park in our books and this one is the perfect spot to go! It is a simple hike and great for all dogs.
Riley Moore Falls at Sumter National Forest
City: Long Creek, SC
Distance: 2.2 roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: The hike to the Chuaga river is very easy, but it is tough heading back to the car. Workout second? No problem!
Tennessee
500 dog friendly trails!
Grassy Ridge Bald via Appalachian Trail at Pisgah National Forest
City: Roan Mountain, TN
Distance: 5.1 roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Multiple steep sections of the trail, but worth it for the views!
Gorge Overlook and Woodland Trails at Fall Creek Falls State Park
City: Pikeville, TN
Distance: 3.2 roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Incredible views of the Tennessee River Gorge and is a must see state park!
Gatlinburg Trail at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
City: Gatlinburg, TN
Distance: 3.8 roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: This is one of our favorite places to visit in the summer and fall, especially with our dogs. You MUST pack bear spray! Please note that dogs are not allowed on all trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National park, please check the NPS app for dog friendly verification on other trails.
Texas
500 dog friendly trails!
The Lighthouse Trail at Palo Duro Canyon State Park
City: Canyon, TX
Distance: 6.1 roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: A dusty trail, so be sure to wash off your dog’s paws after the hike to keep your car from getting too dirty!
Crockett Gardens Falls at Cedar Breaks Park
City: Georgetown, TX
Distance: 3.8 roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Beautiful water views serving as a very relaxing walk for you and your dog! Although relaxing, this hike is not for beginners as it is very rocky.
Cedar Ridge Outer Loop at Cedar Ridge Preserve
City: Dallas, TX
Distance: 5.6 roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: There are many stairs and rocky terrain on incline. You will definitely need trekking poles for this one!
Virginia
over 500 dog friendly trails!
McAfee Knob at McAfee Knob Trailhead
City: Salem, VA
Distance: 8 roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Limited parking at this trailhead, so come early to park and beat the heat!
Hawksbill Summit Trail at Shenandoah National Park
City: Syria, VA
Distance: 1.6 roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Views are unmatched so bring your camera! On the way up it is very steep, this is not for the untrained hiker.
Blackrock Summit at Shenandoah National Park
City: Grottoes, VA
Distance: 1.2 roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: This is a must-do hike for the Shenandoah National Park. It is low effort and offers beautiful views. A great alternative to just driving to view points in the park.
West Virginia
500 dog friendly trails!
Endless Wall Trail at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
City: Lansing, West Virginia
Distance: 5.5 roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: A must-do if you are in the area! We recommend parking at the bottom and hiking up first to get the hard part out of the way and enjoy your hike with your dog.
Maryland Heights Loop at Harpers Ferry National Park
City: Harpers Ferry
Distance: 6.6 roundtrip
Difficulty: Hard
Tips: Pack extra water and treats as this trail is harder thank you think! Steep incline at times and would be best to go in the morning to beat the summer heat.
Long Point Trail at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
City: Fayetteville, West Virginia
Distance: 3.1 roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: The viewpoint at the end is what makes the hike worth it on this one! There’s a slight elevation gain at the end, but nothing too extraneous.
Photo: Jon Cartagena
Now that you’re prepped and ready for your trail blazing this summer, share with us your stories after you climb that mountain!
We want to know what gear, tips, and stories you have from the trail. Send us your photos and videos of dusty paws, epic overlook views, gear that actually made your life easier, and the moments that made you feel lucky to share this adventure with your bestie.
Tag us on social media or submit on our website so that our community can continue to level up their summer “dog mom” game!
Because let’s be honest… if you and your dog didn’t post it, did the hike even happen?
Meet The Author
Hi y’all! I’m Morgan, but everyone calls me Mo. I was born and raised in Rome, Georgia with two labs and a dachshund, the dogs that sparked my love for all animals. After graduating from Auburn University (War Eagle!), I got a miniature golden doodle and named her Sophie aka Tootie. Sophie and I have moved 4 times together across the South and even to New Mexico for 6 months. We now reside in Birmingham, Alabama and have planted roots. Along with our day to day, I often go to Alabama football games (Roll Tide?), photograph landscapes and automobiles, and plan trips to Walt Disney World. Sophie and I can’t wait to share our love for the south, dogs, and community with y’all!
