Shenandoah Dog Policy

Shenandoah National Park mainly runs along a ridge of mountains and overlooks of the surrounding area including the Shenandoah River. The over 200,000 acres here include meadows, forests, a number of waterfalls and creeks, and abundant wildlife. During many times of the year, it's quite common to see black bear and deer here. The park is also large enough to visit a number of times and see something new each time.

Shenandoah National Park is a dog friendly national park. It's one of the rare national parks that allows dogs on trails. There are only a few trails (noted below and on the linked NPS pet policy page) on which dogs are not allowed. Dogs are also allowed in the campgrounds. Please make sure to watch out for and respect local wildlife such as bears.

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Website

https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm

Pet Policy Details

https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/pets.htm

Area

311 mi²

Annual Visitors

1,666,265

Trail Policy

Dogs are allowed on most trails at Shenandoah National Park. Out of 500+ miles of trails, there are only about 20 miles of trails on which they're not allowed. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6'.

Dogs are allowed on all trails except the following:

• Fox Hollow Trail (mile 4.6)
• Stony Man Trail (mile 41.7) except for portion that follows the Appalachian Trail
• Limberlost Trail (mile 43)
• Post Office Junction to Old Rag Shelter
• Old Rag Ridge Trail
• 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)

Campground Policy

Dogs are allowed at campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6'. Below are details on the main campgrounds at Shenandoah. In addition to the main campgrounds, there is also the small campground Lewis Mountain Campground, which also allows dogs, and is first-come, first-served.