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10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Virginia You Can Visit in 2026
Virginia offers a wealth of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts, including those with pets in tow. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, keep reading as we list several of the most popular trails in the Old Dominion State. You can see what each one looks like, along with the highlights, so you can determine if it is right for you and your pet.
The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Virginia
1. Great Falls Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102 |
| Open Times: | 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Cost: | $10 when walking/biking, $20 per car |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- A scenic hike that follows the Potomac River and offers views of waterfalls and rapids
- The park offers several different trails with varying difficulty levels
- Observation areas
2. Humpback Rocks Trail
| 🗺️ Address: | Blue Rdg Pkwy, Lyndhurst, VA 22952 |
| Open Times: | 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- The hike is 2.5 miles round trip and takes about 2 hours to complete
- A moderately difficult hike that offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Plenty of parking
3. McAfee Knob
| 🗺️ Address: | Virginia 24175 |
| Open Times: | 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- The hike is 8.8 miles round trip and takes about 4–6 hours to complete
- One of the most popular hikes in Virginia, offering stunning views of the Catawba Valley and North Mountain
- Plenty of wildlife and birds to spot
4. High Bridge Trail State Park
| 🗺️ Address: | Farmville, VA |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- The trail is 31 miles long, but you can break it up into smaller sections for shorter hikes
- A flat, easy trail that follows an old railroad bed and crosses a historic bridge over the Appomattox River
- Plenty of parking
5. Crabtree Falls
| 🗺️ Address: | Virginia 22976 |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | $3 parking |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- The hike is 2.5 miles round trip and takes about 1–2 hours to complete
- A series of waterfalls that you can reach by taking a moderate hike along a well-maintained trail
- Great spot for birdwatching
6. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
| 🗺️ Address: | 3714 VA-16, Marion, VA 24354 |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Multiple hiking trails ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous
- Wild ponies
- Visitor center with friendly staff
7. Shenandoah River State Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 350 Daughter of Stars Dr, Bentonville, VA 22610 |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | $10 |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Several different hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate
- The park offers canoe and kayak rentals for those who want to explore the river
- Picnic and swimming areas
8. Appalachian Trail to Damascus
| 🗺️ Address: | Damascus, VA |
| Open Times: | 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- The hike is 4.5 miles round trip and takes about 2–3 hours to complete
- A moderate hike that follows the Appalachian Trail through scenic forests and fields
- Plenty of wildlife
9. York River State Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 9801 York River Park Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188 |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | $5 |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Several different hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate
- The park offers fishing and boating opportunities for those who want to explore the river
- Close to Fossil Beach
10. Mason Neck State Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 7301 High Point Rd, Lorton, VA 22079 |
| Open Times: | 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Cost: | $5 |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Several different hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate
- Plenty of wildlife, including bald eagles and beavers
- Boat launch
In Conclusion
From the unique waterfalls and rapids you can see at Great Falls Park to scenic forests and fields, Virginia’s hiking trails offer plenty of opportunities for you and your dog to explore the great outdoors together. Just remember to check the park’s regulations beforehand and be responsible for your dog’s behavior while on the trail to ensure the best possible adventure for everyone.
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Featured Image Credit: N K, Shutterstock
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Ed Malaker is a veteran writer who has contributed to a wide range of blogs that cover pets, tools, guitars, fitness, and computer programming. When he’s not writing, Ed is usually performing DIY projects around the house or working in the garden. He’s also a musician and spends a lot of time helping people fix their guitars and composing music for independent films.
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