Much to many pet owners' chagrin, many national parks don't allow dogs to join in on the fun. What's more, the parks that are dog-friendly have struggled to get owners to follow rules for dogs on hiking trails. People often allow their pets to disturb plants and wildlife, and owners disregard Leave No Trace Principles by leaving their pet's waste behind—bagged or otherwise.
The National Park Service's solution: the B.A.R.K. Ranger initiative. "B.A.R.K. Ranger programs are uniquely designed by each park for visitors and their pets to that park experience," according to the park service's program website. "Some parks have a 'walk with a ranger' program. Some have a pledge you take with your pet. Others are on the honor system that will simply follow B.A.R.K. principles when you visit."
The simple B.A.R.K. principles are:
- Bag your pet's waste.
- Always leash your pet.
- Respect wildlife.
- Know where you can go.
More than 50 parks participate in the program, though many others also are pet-friendly. Check for one near you on this interactive map, or peruse the Good Dog Trips list of parks. Though they may give you a chance to fill out the pledge, all of them may not offer the chance to get a nifty collar tag for your pup. These six noteworthy parks encourage you to get with the program:
1. Prince William Forest Park, Virginia
This pet-friendly park in northern Virginia has many trails that Fido can join you on, and some of the campgrounds even allow your pup to spend the night. To ensure compliance with the Prince William Forest Park B.A.R.K. program, park officials request that dog owners fill out the B.A.R.K Ranger booklet, which can be picked up at the visitor center. Upon its completion, you'll receive a nifty-looking leash tag, making your pet an official B.A.R.K. Ranger—as long as you follow proper etiquette.
2. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi
Pups (and cats) that want to frolic along the trails in Mississippi's Natchez Trace Parkway can also earn their B.A.R.K. Ranger badges. This park offers a digital copy that can be sent via email prior to your visit; or you can pick up a pamphlet at the visitor center, which is where you'll have to go to snag your B.A.R.K. leash tag. All visiting dogs must be on a maximum 6-foot leash, and only service dogs are allowed to go into buildings. As with many of the parks, you must be with your pet at all times. Bonus: You are allowed to have up to two pets camping with you.
3. Zion National Park, Utah
While many of the larger national parks aren't pet-friendly, Zion National Park participates in the B.A.R.K. program—with some restrictions. Namely, dogs are only permitted in select areas, including the Pa'rus Trail at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, on public roads and parking areas, in developed campgrounds and picnic areas, and on the grounds of the Zion Lodge. Zion also requires you and Fido to complete a few activities, learn the ranger code (hint: you probably have it memorized by now), and sign your pledge card. Once all of that is completed, you can purchase your pup's official badge at any of the Zion Forever park stores.
4. Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania
This historic Pennsylvania land didn't only provide refuge for the Continental Army. Valley Forge welcomes all pups on a leash in the outside areas. Pups are allowed on the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail, along with picnicking at Betzwood or roaming beside Valley Creek. Unfortunately, your furry history buff cannot go inside the buildings to see the exhibits—you'll just have to fill them in later. You don't have to do anything to become a B.A.R.K Ranger to visit: Pups—and their humans—just need to follow the principles of the program.
5. Petrified Forest National Park
If you want to score a special dog tag for your pup while exploring petrified wood dating back 225 million years, then you'll want to bring Fido along for the ride to Petrified National Forest. After filling out your B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge, you can buy a pet tag at the visitor center or grab a pet treat as a thank-you for taking an active part in making sure our parks are a pleasant place for everyone. Your pup can come with you on all paved roads and trails in the park, along with designated wilderness areas. However, they won't get to check out the exhibits indoors with you. Only service dogs are allowed inside the buildings. Temperatures can rise quickly within the park, so don't leave your pup unattended in a vehicle.
6. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
The B.A.R.K. Ranger program at Hot Springs is available for all visitors to complete with their pups. As with the other parks, dog owners just need to swing by the visitor center to pick up a pledge packet to complete. But, as with some of the other parks, pets are welcome on all 26 miles of trails within the Arkansas park. Pet waste stations are located throughout the park for proper waste disposal. Just note that pets are not allowed to go into buildings, and they should never be left unattended.
