We usually trek with friends or solo but have you ever thought of hiking with your sweet little furry roommate? Yes! You read it right. You can hike with your pet at any of the dog-friendly hikes in New York.
Moreover, hiking with your dog is a different experience because it will help you to connect more with nature.
And, Of course! Nothing can beat the company of a dog in one of the most exotic places in the lap of nature.
If you want to have fun exploring nature through hiking with your dog, then New York has more than 4000 hiking trails with easy, moderate, and hard difficulty levels.
In this article, we have penned down the best ten hiking trails in New York that are easy to moderate and dog friendly. While going on a trek through these routes, you will feel connected with your pet more, and you two can have a great time together.
10. Cascade Mountain, Keene, NY
Location – Cascade MT, Keene, NY, US, 12942
Difficulty Level – Hard
Elevation – 4098 ft.
Starting Point – Route 73, marked with red discs.
Parking – Before Upper Cascade lake, but it is advisable not to bring your car as it usually remains full.
Located in the town of Keene in New York, Cascade mountain is one of the state’s dog-friendly hikes. This trial has a distance of 7.2 km and is considered one of the challenging routes in Keene, New York.
Authorities allowed leashed pets on this approximate 3 and half-hour trail. You can amaze yourself with the breathtaking experience and witness the richness of nature and wildlife year-round.
The path of this trail is rocky, and you can also enjoy snowshoeing in winter at this trail. If you plan to visit this place for the first time, it is advisable to check the weather forecast first, as sometimes extreme weather conditions can lead to road closures in winter.
When you reach the trail, do not forget to take photographs of the splendid view from the non-crowded corners, if you find any.
9. Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington, NY
Location – 5021 State Route 86, Wilmington, NY, US, 12997
Difficulty Level – Hard
Elevation – 4867 ft.
Starting Point – Follow Route 86 toward Wilmington
Parking – There are few spots available on route 86 for parking
With a length of 16.2 Km, this trek is one of the hardest dog-friendly hikes in New York. The average time to complete this hike is almost 7 hours because of the muddy and rocky trail.
This trail is only recommended to those who are experienced hikers and want to have a mind-boggling experience. You can have the best time with your pup on this splendid dog-friendly hike.
Whiteface mountain is the fifth-highest mountain hike in New York and is a very popular spot for hiking and snowshoeing. The forest area of the trail is challenging and beautiful at the same time.
If you plan to visit this place with your little buddy, make sure to put on a leash to avoid any chaotic circumstances. Also, do not forget to check the weather forecast before starting the hike.
8. Dover Stone Church, Dover Plains, NY
Location – 3128 NY-22, Dover Plains, NY 12522, United States
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Elevation – 502 ft
Starting Point – Face Route 22 to reach Stone Church Lane.
Parking – Dover Elementary School, Tabor Wing House, or Freshco22 Deli & Restaurant
Get ready to treat your eyes to the astonishing beauty of the Dover Stone Church, located in the middle of the forest area. Located in the Dover plains, this Stone Church looks like a Cathedral shape appearance of cave.
Not only is this trail dog friendly, but you can also set your friend leash-free in a few areas. You can run, hike, and enjoy the view with your dog.
This trail has a distance of 5.6 km and takes around two hours to cover the trail if you are a beginner. Moreover, this area is kids friendly also.
April to November is the best time to visit these trails and adopt the warmth of nature. You will find a majestic view when you reach the Stone cave, but the way of this trail is also full of mesmerizing views.
You can also check the visitor’s guide of the Dover Stone Church trail so that you can safely enjoy the view of this trail.
7. Manitou Point Preserve Trail, Garrison, NY
Location – 2-86 Mystery Point Rd, Garrison, NY, US, 10524
Difficulty Level – Easy
Elevation – 82 m
Starting Point – Mystery Point Road
Parking – Many spots available on the road
Earlier called the mystery point, this property is one of the beautiful trails in the Garrison town of New York. Currently, this property is owned by an individual; hence it is not considered public property.
But it is accessible to the public according to the agreement with the landowner. All you need to do is give attention to certain signboards related to the trail to maintain the owner’s privacy.
Make sure ot avoid entering the areas marked private. The length of this trail is 4 Km, and you can enjoy hiking, walking, running, wildflowers, and mesmerizing scenic beauty of the trail.
If your pup accompanies you to the trail, please be sure to leash the pet to avoid uncomfortable situations.
6. Peninsula Natural Trails, Lake Placid, NY
Location – Peninsula Trails, Lake Placid, NY, US, 12946
Difficulty Level – Easy
Elevation – 47 m
Starting Point – Route 86 further follows the center of Saranac Lake and the town.
Parking – Left side from the large DEC sign
Located on the shores of Lake Placid, the Peninsula Natural trails are also one of the pet-friendly trails in New York, with a 3.1 Km trail.
You can join the trail by leashing your dog but be careful if you are planning to have fun in the pristine water of Lake Placid; make sure your dogs don’t enter the water area.
Also, do not forget to enjoy the magnificent views of mother nature from the Corridor Trail with your furry bud. Furthermore, you can have fun following trails like Lake Shore Trail, Lake Placid, Boundary Trail, Ridge Trail, and Flat Trail.
You can hike through the forest and enjoy the lakeside area. Moreover, this trail is kid-friendly, too, if there are any plans to come up with your family.
Whenever you are visiting these trails, always stay curious to keep your knowledge up concerning the weather.
5. Mountain Lakes Trail Park, North Salem, NY
Location – 313-315 Hawley Rd, North Salem, NY 10560, United States
Difficulty Level – Easy
Elevation – 982 ft.
Starting Point – Hawley Road
Parking – General Parking at Community Park North Parking lot
With a length of 6.3 Km, you and your doggo can have fun walking through this trail. This Mountain Lakes Trail is not only one of the dog-friendly hikes but is the best place to enjoy with your kids and family.
The beauty of this One and a half hour long route is difficult to explain in words. You can enjoy walking, hiking, wildlife, birdwatching, and running on this wonderful trail. So, pack your bags without your dog’s leash and nurture yourself in nature.
It is recommended that you guys make proper plans, carry the maps before you begin the hike, and carry basic repellants to save yourself from any inconvenience from insects.
The areas on the trail are beautiful and are open year-round. So, you can make your way to this beautiful dog-friendly trail in North Salm town any time of the year.
4. Castle Rock Unique Area, Garrison, NY
Location – Garrison, NY, US, 10524
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Elevation – 738 feet
Starting Point – Field with old barn and pump house structures
Parking – Available through route 9D in Castle Rock Unique Area
With a moderate path, this hike is a 4.7 Km long trail with a year-round experience with your dog. This hike is not recommended for kids. Also, you should put a leash on your dog.
Hiking, walking, running, bird watching, forest, wildflowers, wildlife, and mesmerizing water bodies contribute to the scenic view of this trail.
This area is perfect for year-round hiking with your dogs and is safe to return in a day. It will take around one and a half hours to complete the hike on one side.
Moreover, the astonishing view of the castle between the woods gives you the experience of staying in a secluded area.
Keep a note that the castle is not public property and is not allowed to enter at any time. So, it is advisable to take the path by climbing up the Sugarloaf Hill area to cover the trail.
3. Black Rock Forest Trail, Cornwall, NY
Location – 65 Reservoir Rd, Cornwall, NY 12518, United States
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Elevation – 1402 ft
Starting Point – 65 Reservoir Road
Parking – The parking lot is available at 70 Reservoir Road
This trail offers a moderate-level path and offers an awesome view with a length of 13.5 km. The hike is challenging and has rocks on the path. Make sure to prioritize your safety if you hike on this path.
Sometimes, rattlesnakes can also cross your path while hiking but have rare possibilities. So, keep a bug spray and repellent to keep yourself safe from bugs.
This hike is also dog-friendly but prefers to keep your pet on a leash. Besides hiking, this place is perfect for Snowshoeing, running, cross-country skiing, wildlife, waterfalls, wildflowers, and awe-inspiring views.
Overall, this trail is a perfect hike for almost four hours. Also, there is a hiking fee to enter the forest. You can also get a free map for a great hiking session while entering the forest.
2. Kitchawan Preserve Trail, Ossining, NY
Location – 712 Kitchawan Rd, Ossining, NY, US, 10562
Difficulty Level – Easy
Elevation – 63 m
Starting Point – Yorktown Heights
Parking – At the starting point of the preserve
Kitchawan Preserve Trail is one of the easiest trails in Ossining town in New York. The length of this trail is 3.1 Km, and it usually takes almost an hour to complete.
You can have a fantastic time with your dog year-round, but keep a leash on your little friend. Even though it is one of the dog-friendly hikes, you should always care to follow the trails’ rules to avoid discomfort for others and yourself.
Other than hiking, snowshoeing, walking, bird watching, lake, wildlife, and snow can be witnessed on this amazing trail. I bet you and your pup will have a spectacular time on this beautiful trail.
1. Robert H. Treman State Park, Ithaca, NY
Location – 105 Enfield Falls Road, Ithaca, New York
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Elevation – 115 ft. for Lucifer falls
Starting Point – Enfield Falls Road
Parking – At the beginning point of the park
This trail is a moderate-level route consisting distance of 5.5 Km. Not only is this hike dog friendly, but it also offers wildlife, waterfalls, forest views, and an astounding hiking experience.
If you wish to enjoy the beauty of this trail, you must pay a fare to enter so that you can enjoy all the amenities available in the park.
In fact, campsites, cabins & lodging are also available in this area. Always carry all the necessary things if you hike with your dog.
Ending Note
I have finalized this list with the hope that you will find the appropriate place for hiking with your dog in New York State. You can get on any of these dog-friendly hikes in New York, as the views here are enthralling.
Do let us know if you have any suggestions for more dog-friendly hiking places. Also, keep yourself updated with all the further information related to the hikes in the United States as well as in several parts of the world.
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