national forest dog info

George Washington and Jefferson National Forest

Located in the states of Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia

In the Appalachian Mountains, the highest point of the forest is Mount Rogers, also the highest point in Virginia at 5,729 ft (1,746 m) in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. There are 230,000 acres (93,000 ha) of old-growth forest here, and the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail both run through the forest.

  • Along roads
  • Hiking trails
  • Wilderness areas
  • Campgrounds
  • Picnic areas
  • Other developed exterior areas of the forest
  • Must be restrained or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
  • Dogs must wear a collar with current tags at all times
  • Pick up after your dog at all times – Leave no trace
  • Saddle or pack animals are allowed in recreation sites only where authorized by posted instructions.

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Inside buildings (unless service animal)
  • On beaches or in other swimming areas (unless service animal)
  • Some cabins may not allow dogs.
  • Never leave your pet unattended or alone inside a vehicle
  • Never off leash – unless inside a vehicle, tent, dog crate or other portable kennel
  • Untagged dogs or dogs with uncurrent tags
  • Excessive barking

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Extreme range of weather
  • Venomous Snakes
  • Poisonous Plants
  • Predatory animals
  • Be aware of hunting areas
  • Ticks and biting insects
  • Do not drink from waterways – your dog may be harmed by **Giardia spp (see more details for full description)
  • Bring plenty of drinking water
  • Swim safely, extreme water areas

Leash Laws: Most parks require dogs to be on a leash in some or all areas, however, some parks allow dogs off leash in certain locations, please consult the parks website before going off leash, Thank you!

  • **Giardia spp. are parasitic protozoans (single celled organisms) found in the intestines of many animals, including dogs. Sometimes called “Beaver Fever”, Giardia is transmitted from host to host by ingesting cysts in contaminated feed or drinking water. Cysts may also be found in streams or other water sources. If your dog drinks from a native stream or pond watch for symptoms that can appear within 1-2 weeks of ingestion. Dogs can carry the disease and show no symptoms or dogs might have mild recurring diarrhea, to acute explosive diarrhea. Other signs associated with giardiasis are weight loss, listlessness, mucus in the stool, and anorexia. These signs are also associated with other diseases of the intestinal tract, and are not specific to giardiasis. Giardia can infect humans. If you think your dog may have been infected see your vet. To avoid the risk of your dog being infected by Giardia take plenty of clean water for your dog so it won’t have to drink from native streams. A leash comes in handy to keep dogs from drinking from streams.
  • Consult the park website before traveling all information is to be used as a guide.
  • Respect local wildlife.
  • Leave no trace – What you bring in, you bring out.
  • If you are visiting during the hottest months of the year, a “palm test” is recommended before walking your dog – place your hand on the pavement for a minute and see if it is comfortable there. If the pavement feels hot to your palm, it will be hot to your dog’s paws.

1-888-265-0019

George Washington and Jefferson National Forest Website

George Washington and Jefferson National Forest Camping

George Washington and Jefferson National Forest Hiking

George Washington and Jefferson National Forest Volunteer

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We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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