Pets

 

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Your Pet in Shenandoah

Shenandoah National Park is one of the few national 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.

 

Remember that you are taking your pet into a different environment and that you are responsible for your pet. Do you have enough water for you and your pet? Does your pet have the endurance (and paw pads!) to hike the trail you have chosen? How will your pet react if you encounter a bear, a skunk, or a snake? If your pet becomes disabled on the trail, what will you do? With a little preparation, you and your pet can have an enjoyable trip to Shenandoah National Park.

What you need to know:

Pets are allowed in campgrounds and pet-friendly lodging is available.

• Your pet must be on a physical leash no longer than 6 feet 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.
• Pets are allowed, if leashed, on most trails.

Pets are prohibited on the following trails:

• Fox Hollow Trail (mile 4.6)

• Stony Man Trail (mile 41.7) NOTE: the begining portion of the route to the summit follows the Appalachian Trail where dogs are allowed, but you cannot make the turn onto the blue-blazed Stony Man Trail to the summit with a pet.

• Limberlost Trail (mile 43)

• Post Office Junction to Old Rag Shelter

• Old Rag Ridge Trail

• Old Rag Saddle 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)

This list totals fewer than 20 miles of the 500+ miles of trails in the Shenandoah National Park!