The White Mountains offer incredible hiking opportunities for you and your furry best friend. While not all trails are suitable for dogs (some have ladders, exposed scrambles, or are simply too long), plenty of fantastic options exist for canine adventurers.
Here are our top picks for dog-friendly hikes, plus essential tips for hitting the trail with your pup.
Before You Go: Dog Hiking Essentials
- Leash - Required in most areas; 6-foot max recommended
- Water - Bring at least 8 oz per mile for your dog
- Collapsible bowl - Much easier than cupped hands
- Waste bags - Pack it out, always
- Dog first aid kit - Include paw balm, bandages, tick remover
- Booties - For hot rocks, rough terrain, or winter hiking
Easy Dog-Friendly Hikes
1. Lonesome Lake Trail - This 3.2-mile round trip to a beautiful alpine lake is perfect for dogs. Moderate grade, no scrambling, and water access at the lake. The AMC hut is a great rest stop (dogs stay outside).
2. Lincoln Woods Trail - A flat, wide former railroad bed following the Pemigewasset River. Go as far as you like—dogs love the river access. Great for older dogs or puppies building stamina.
3. Greeley Ponds - An easy 4.4-mile out-and-back to two scenic ponds. Gentle terrain and water for swimming make this a dog favorite.
4. Diana's Baths - Short 1.2-mile walk to a series of cascading waterfalls with swimming holes. Very popular, so go early with your pup.
Moderate Dog-Friendly Hikes
5. Mount Willard - The classic 3.2-mile round trip offers incredible views with no scrambling required. Dogs handle this well-graded trail easily.
6. Mount Pemigewasset (Indian Head) - A 3.6-mile round trip with great views from the summit ledges. The trail is dog-friendly throughout.
7. Mount Cardigan - Multiple routes to a bald summit with 360-degree views. The West Ridge Trail is most dog-friendly. Just watch the hot granite in summer.
8. Welch-Dickey Loop - A 4.4-mile loop with open ledges and great views. Some scrambling required—assess your dog's comfort level. Not suitable for all dogs.
Challenging Dog-Friendly Hikes
9. Mount Chocorua via Piper Trail - A longer day (9.2 miles round trip) but manageable for fit dogs. The rocky summit requires some scrambling—not for every dog.
10. Mount Moosilauke via Gorge Brook - The 7.4-mile round trip to this 4,802-foot summit is dog-appropriate, though long. Above-treeline section is exposed to weather.
11. Mount Carrigain - A 10-mile round trip with a fire tower summit. Long but no technical sections. Bring extra water for both of you.
12. Zealand Falls - The 5.5-mile round trip to the AMC hut and falls is moderate and dog-friendly. Can extend to Zealand and other peaks if your dog is fit.
Trails to AVOID with Dogs
These popular trails have features that make them dangerous or impossible for dogs:
- Huntington Ravine - Technical climbing, not suitable
- Franconia Ridge via Falling Waters - Ladders on the trail
- Mount Liberty via Liberty Springs - Ladders near summit
- Kinsman Ridge - Ladders on trail sections
- Owl's Head - 18-mile day too long for most dogs
- Presidential Traverse - Too long, too exposed
Safety Tips for Dog Hiking
- Check paws frequently - Look for cuts, hot spots, or debris
- Watch for overheating - Dogs can't sweat; take breaks in shade
- Tick check - Thoroughly check your dog after every hike
- Know the signs of fatigue - Excessive panting, lagging behind, lying down
- Stream safety - Not all water is safe; giardia is a risk
- Wildlife awareness - Keep dogs leashed to avoid porcupines, skunks, bears
