Shenandoah allows pets on most of its trails, on a physical leash no longer than six feet at all times. A short list of trails is closed to pets, and it includes two of the best-known hikes in our area: Old Rag and Dark Hollow Falls.
Trails where pets are not allowed
The park's list, as published by the National Park Service:
- Fox Hollow Trail (mile 4.6)
- Stony Man Trail (mile 41.7)
- Limberlost Trail (mile 43)
- Post Office Junction to Old Rag Shelter
- Old Rag Ridge Trail
- Old Rag Saddle Trail
- Ridge Access Trail (Old Rag area)
- Dark Hollow Falls Trail (mile 50.7)
- Story of the Forest Trail (mile 51)
- Bearfence Mountain Trail (mile 56.4)
- Frazier Discovery Trail (mile 79.5)
Service animals are welcome on all of them.
Dog-friendly hikes in our area
| Hike | Distance | Difficulty | Park at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Whiteoak Falls | 2 mi | Easiest | Whiteoak Canyon lower lot |
| Hawksbill Summit | 2.1 mi | Easiest | Upper Hawksbill lot |
| Marys Rock from Meadow Spring | 2.9 mi | Moderate | Meadow Spring lot |
| Lewis Falls | 3.3 mi | Moderate | Big Meadows |
| Rose River Falls Loop | 4 mi | Moderate | Fishers Gap lot |
| Rapidan Camp | 4 mi | Moderate | Milam Gap lot |
| Upper Whiteoak Falls from Skyline Drive | 4.6 mi | Moderate | Whiteoak Canyon upper lot |
| Hazel River Falls | 5.3 mi | Moderate | Meadow Spring lot |
| Cedar Run and Whiteoak Canyon Circuit | 8.1 mi | Very strenuous | Hawksbill Gap lot |
Swaps that keep the dog along
- Instead of Dark Hollow Falls, walk the Rose River loop from Fishers Gap. The park suggests it as the pet-friendly alternative, and it passes a 67-foot waterfall. If you add the short spur toward Dark Hollow Falls, keep the dog off that trail.
- Instead of Stony Man, try Hawksbill, the park's highest summit, where leashed dogs are allowed.
- Instead of Old Rag, try Lower Whiteoak Falls from the Syria side, or the full Cedar Run and Whiteoak circuit if you both want a big day.
Not allowed with dogs in our list: Old Rag Circuit, Old Rag Summit via Berry Hollow, Dark Hollow Falls, Stony Man.
Stays that take dogs
- Birch's Library, Syria: dogs welcome. Check the host’s pet policy and fee before booking.
- Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges, Syria: some pet-friendly rooms and houses. Check the host’s pet policy and fee before booking.
Filter the map for dogs
Pick a trailhead, tick "Bringing a dog", and only dog-friendly stays are ranked.
Open the explorer with dogs onSources
- Pets in Shenandoah, National Park Service. Checked Oct 19, 2026.
- Dark Hollow Falls, National Park Service. Page updated Mar 3, 2023. Checked Oct 19, 2026.
- Rose River Falls, National Park Service. Page updated Feb 20, 2025. Checked Oct 19, 2026.
- Stony Man, National Park Service. Page updated Jul 23, 2025. Checked Oct 19, 2026.
- Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges, Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges. Checked Oct 19, 2026.
- Birch's Library (host's own listing), HikeOldRag.com (founder-owned). Checked Oct 19, 2026.
