Exploring national parks with your adventure cat can be a truly pawsome experience, but it requires careful planning.
Many U.S. national parks don’t allow pets because they have understandably strict rules to protect wildlife and fragile ecosystems. However, several parks offer extensive areas where pets are allowed on trails, roads, campgrounds, and other developed areas.
In general, the National Park Service requires pets to be leashed (six feet or shorter), under control at all times, and never left unattended, and pets are commonly restricted from wilderness zones, sensitive habitats, and buildings to protect both wildlife and the animals themselves.
Below are some of the most pet-friendly U.S. national parks, along with specific trails, campgrounds, and areas where cats are allowed.
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
One of the most pet-friendly national parks in the U.S., Acadia offers extensive terrain that pets can explore alongside their humans. Leashed pets are allowed on more than 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of historic carriage roads.
Cat-friendly areas
- Carriage Roads: A 45-mile network of crushed-stone roads perfect for walking a harnessed cat at a relaxed pace
- Jordan Pond area: Scenic carriage routes around the pond with views of the Bubbles mountains
- Backside trails of Champlain Mountain: Some moderate trails that allow leashed pets
Kitty camping
- Blackwoods Campground
- Seawall Campground
- Schoodic Woods Campground
Why it’s great for cats
Acadia’s carriage roads provide wide, gradual paths that are less crowded than steep hiking routes, making them ideal for cats that prefer calmer environments.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Camping with Cats
2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah is often considered one of the most pet-friendly national parks in the country. Pets are allowed on many miles of trails, including sections of the epic Appalachian Trail.
Cat-friendly trails
- Appalachian Trail sections: Numerous segments intersect the park and allow leashed pets
- Stony Man Trail: The beginning portion of the route follows the Appalachian Trail where pets are allowed, but you can’t make the turn onto the blue-blazed Stony Man Trail to the summit with a pet.
Kitty camping
- Big Meadows Campground
- Lewis Mountain Campground
- Mathews Arm Campground
Why it’s great for cats
The park’s forested trails and moderate elevations offer cooler temperatures and quiet environments that many cats tolerate better than exposed desert landscapes.
3. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley is another excellent destination for exploring with pets, with more than 100 miles of trails where leashed animals are welcome.
Cat-friendly trails
- Towpath Trail: A flat, multi-use trail following the historic Ohio & Erie Canal, which is great for cats who prefer easy terrain
- Brandywine Falls Trail: A short path to one of the park’s most famous waterfalls
- Ledges Trail: Scenic rock formations and shaded forests
Kitty camping
While the park itself has limited camping, nearby pet-friendly campgrounds and national park lodgings make it easy to stay overnight.
Why it’s great for cats
Urban access points and relatively gentle trails make this park less intimidating for first-time adventure cats.
4. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Congaree is unique among national parks because pets are allowed on all trails, including the park’s boardwalks through its old-growth forest.
Cat-friendly trails
- Boardwalk Loop Trail: A 2.4-mile elevated path through swampy terrain with towering bald cypress trees. However, keep in mind that this is a confined area so it can be difficult to make a quick exit, so it’s not recommended if your cat isn’t comfortable encountering other people and pets.
- Weston Lake Loop Trail: A longer forest walk with opportunities to spot wildlife
Kitty camping
Pets are allowed in designated campgrounds as long as they’re leashed.
Why it’s great for cats
The boardwalk trails provide safe, elevated pathways that avoid muddy ground and dense undergrowth.
5. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Petrified Forest is very welcoming to pets. Leashed animals are allowed on all paved roads and trails and even in wilderness areas.
Cat-friendly areas
- Painted Desert viewpoints: Short walks between overlooks with stunning desert scenery
- Blue Mesa Trail (paved portions): Colorful badlands formations
Kitty camping
While the park itself doesn’t have traditional campgrounds, nearby pet-friendly lodging and camping options make it accessible.
Why it’s great for cats
Short trails between viewpoints allow for flexible exploration without committing to long hikes.
6. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Colorado
For adventurous cats that enjoy unusual landscapes, Great Sand Dunes offers a dramatic environment. Pets can climb the first ridge of dunes and explore certain trails and campgrounds.
Cat-friendly areas
- Dunes first ridge: Pets can hike partway up the tallest dunes.
- Mosca Pass Trail: A forested trail in the preserve portion of the park
- Dunes Overlook Trail: Nearly 3-mile trail that overlooks numerous dunes
- Medano Creek area: Seasonal creek at the base of the dunes
Camping
Pets are allowed at Piñon Flats Campground and several picnic areas.
Why it’s great for cats
Soft sand and wide open space create a unique environment, but it’s best for kitties to visit early in the morning or in the evening to avoid hot sand.
7. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, West Virginia
Pets are allowed on all trails at New River Gorge — more than 100 miles of them. In fact, the park even hosted a cat hike in 2017.
Cat-friendly areas
- Endless Wall Trail: A 2.4-mile easy to moderate trail has only 427 feet of elevation gain and offers great views of the New River
- Glade Creek Trail: This 5.6-mile trail follows an abandoned railroad and is popular with hikers looking for swimming holes
- Long Point Trail: A 1.6-mile walk through fields and forest with a panoramic view of the gorge and New River Gorge Bridge
Camping
Pets are allowed at the park’s eight primitive campgrounds
Why it’s great for cats
Every trail is open to your feline friends, and you can’t get much more inviting than a park that’s actually invited adventure cats to explore its trails.
Tips for visiting cat-friendly national parks
Before heading out to any of these pawsome cat-friendly national parks, remember that each one has specific rules related to pets. However, as a general guideline, follow the B.A.R.K. ranger principles and do the following:
- Keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet.
- Stay on designated pet-friendly trails and developed areas.
- Prevent pets from disturbing wildlife.
- Pick up and dispose of pet waste properly.
Cat-friendly national parks are ‘purrfect’ for adventure
While most U.S. national parks limit where pets can go, clearly several parks provide ample opportunities for exploring with your adventure cat.
Parks like Acadia, Shenandoah, and Cuyahoga Valley stand out for their extensive pet-friendly trails, while others — such as Congaree and Petrified Forest — offer unique landscapes where cats can safely join the adventure.
Now before you hit the trail, meet Vladimir, the adventure cat that’s visited 59 U.S. national parks.
