National dog park pet policy info.

Shenandoah National Park

Located in the state of Virginia

Shenandoah's Blue Ridge Mountains are covered by hardwood forests that teem with a wide variety of wildlife. The Skyline Driveand Appalachian Trail run the entire length of this narrow park, along with more than 500 miles (800 km) of hiking trails passing scenic overlooks and cataracts of the Shenandoah River. Our goal is to make pet rules of the National Park easy to follow. Below are the dog and pet rules for the park. Please use them as a guide and remember to contact the park for questions you may have prior to your trip and as always, if you have a suggestion, please comment below or contact us directly.

  • Parking areas and along paved roads
  • Most trails unless marked
  • Campgrounds
  • Picnic areas
  • 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

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Inside buildings (unless service animal)
  • Shuttle buses (unless service animal)
  • Pets are NOT allowed on the following trails: Fox Hollow Trail (mile 4.6), Stony Man Trail (mile 41.7) except for portion that follows the Appalachian Trail, Limberlost Trail (milepost 43), Post Office Junction to Old Rag Shelter, Old Rag Ridge Trail, Old Rag Saddle Trail, Dark Hollow Falls Trail (mile 50.7), Story of the Forest Trail (milepost 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.
  • 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
  • Extreme hot and cold weather
  • Venomous Snakes
  • Poisonous Plants
  • Spiny and prickly plants
  • Predatory animals
  • Be aware of animal traps and hunting areas
  • Swim safely, extreme water areas
  • Ticks and biting insects
  • Do not drink from waterways
  • Bring plenty of drinking water

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!

  • 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.

(540) 999-3500

Shenandoah National Park Website

Shenandoah National Park Camping

Shenandoah National Park Hiking

Shenandoah National Park Volunteer

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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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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