Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails In New Hampshire (With Pictures)

Dog hiking with a woman

What’s better than going on an outdoor adventure? Going on one with your favorite canine companion! And if you live in New Hampshire, you’ll be pleased to know that you and your pup can go on many outdoor adventures together. In fact, if you enjoy hiking, you’ll find there are tons of dog-friendly trails in the state!

While there are more than these out there, here are ten dog-friendly hiking trails in New Hampshire that people (and pups!) seem to enjoy the most. Whether you want a quick, breezy hike or something a bit more difficult, you’ll find it below. Take a look to find your new favorite outdoor spot!

dogster face divider

The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails In New Hampshire

1. Lake Massabesic Trail

️Address: NH Audubon Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH 03032
Open Times: Open 11 AM–5 PM; closed Mondays and Saturdays
Cost: Free (but donations welcome)
Off-Leash Allowed?: No
  • Dogs must stay leashed
  • No dogs allowed in water
  • Best time to go is between April and October
  • 4 miles total and appropriate for all hiking skill levels
  • Parking available in the Audubon Society parking lot

2. Falling Waters Trail

️Address: 71 White Mountain Dr, Campton, NH 03223
Open Times: Open 8 AM–4:30 PM; closed Saturdays and Sundays
Cost: Free
Off-Leash Allowed?: In certain areas
  • Dogs need to be leashed, except in certain areas
  • Very advanced trail
  • Good to hike year-round
  • 6 miles total
  • Trail involves lots of water crossings, so be prepared

3. Dover Community Trail

️Address: 38 Fisher St, Dover, NH 03820
Open Times: Open 7 AM–9:30 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash Allowed?: No
  • Dogs are required to be leashed, but many people take their dogs off-leash anyway
  • Easier trail that follows a railroad bed
  • Parts of trail are rural; other parts go through town
  • Can fish and birdwatch in rural parts
  • 3 miles total

4. Franconia Falls

️Address: Franconia Falls, Lincoln, NH 03251
Open Times: Open 8 AM–4:30 PM; closed Saturdays and Sundays
Cost: Free
Off-Leash Allowed?: No
  • A bit long at 6.4 miles, but also one of the easier trails
  • Begins at Lincoln Woods Trailhead
  • Lots of boulders and cascades to view
  • Has a swimming hole
  • Fairly busy trail

5. Mount Willard Trail

️Address: Mount Willard Trail, Bretton Woods, NH 03575
Open Times: Open 8 AM–4:30 PM; closed Saturdays and Sundays
Cost: Free
Off-Leash Allowed?: In a few areas
  • Short at around 3 miles, but super steep
  • Offers incredible views at the top of Crawford Notch
  • Small waterfall and centennial pool on the trail
  • Very few trail markers and spotty cell reception, so be careful
  • Best time to hike is between May and October

6. Winnipesaukee River Trail

️Address: 1 Riverside Dr, Tilton, NH 03276
Open Times: Open 24/7
Cost: Free
Off-Leash Allowed?: No
  • Pups must remain leashed; this trail is relatively high-traffic
  • Used to be an unused rail corridor
  • Features an upside-down covered bridge and remains of a paper mill
  • Lots of seasonal wildlife and greenery for you and your dog to enjoy

7. Champney Brook Trail

️Address: Champney Falls Trailhead, Conway, NH 03818
Open Times: Open 8 AM–4:30 PM; closed Saturdays and Sundays
Cost: Free, but must purchase a parking pass
Off-Leash Allowed?: No
 

  • 8-mile trail but only considered intermediate
  • Best to visit in spring or early summer months
  • Leads to a large waterfall with lots of smaller pools to cool off in
  • Pups must remain leashed

8. Mount Garfield Trail

️Address: Mount Garfield, Franconia, NH 03251
Open Times: Open 8 AM–4:30 PM; closed Saturdays and Sundays
Cost: Free
Off-Leash Allowed?: No
  • Nearly 10 miles long
  • Level trail for the most part, but the last quarter is steep
  • Popular trail, so it’s reasonably busy
  • Pups must remain on leash
  • Some roads are closed seasonally, so check before going

9. Arethusa Falls

️Address: Arethusa Falls Rd, Hart’s Location, NH 03812
Open Times: Open 24/7
Cost: Free
Off-Leash Allowed?: No
  • Trail leads to Arethusa Falls, the highest falls in New Hampshire
  • Only 1.4 miles, but the first .6 miles is steep and a bit rocky
  • Located in Crawford Notch State Park, so dogs only allowed on hiking trails and in dog walk areas
  • Pups must remain leashed
  • Trail loops to Frankenstein Cliffs, but there is the danger of falling ice there in winter

10. Basin Cascade Trail

️Address: Pemi Trail, Lincoln, NH 03251
Open Times: Open 8 AM–4:30 PM; closed Saturdays and Sundays
Cost: Free
Off-Leash Allowed?: No
  • Moderate hike, but short at only about 2.5 miles
  • Highly popular, so you may see lots of people
  • Follows along a brook where you can see many waterfalls and cascades
  • Pups must remain leashed
  • Contains ample parking
dogster face divider

Conclusion

Hiking in New Hampshire with your dog is relatively easy, as there are a plethora of dog-friendly trails in the state. Whether you want an easy or challenging hike, there’s a trail for everyone. So, have fun adventuring with your pup in New Hampshire!

Related Reads:


Featured Image Credit: Jana, Pixabay

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

10 Best Dog Foods for Catahoula Leopard Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

The Catahoula dog breed is beautiful, muscular, and tough. These amazing dogs were originally bred to work in forests and swamps to assist...

Can Dogs Sense Cameras? Vet-Reviewed Canine Perception Facts

If your dog ever seems unusually photogenic or fearful right as you’re about to take a photo, it might seem like they can...

Top 15 Most Popular Dogs in France in 2025 (With Pictures)

They’re known for their fashion, food, and the Eiffel Tower, but the French are also dog lovers. It’s estimated that there are around...

How to Make Dog Treats to Sell at Home & Start a Business: 11 Tips

If there’s one thing we know about dogs, it’s that they absolutely love having as much food to eat as possible. It seems...

More related

6 Best Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses for the Car in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

When a driver or passenger is in a car, we’re quite well aware of the importance of the seat belt, as it can...

9 Dogs That Look Like Lions: Pictures, Facts & History

The lion is one of the most recognizable animals on Earth. Fascination with the lion and reverence for its appearance and elegance goes...

Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (July, 3 2025)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

Raw vs Cooked Dog Food: Vet-Reviewed Pros, Cons & What to Choose

One of the most common questions that people ask when it comes to their dogs is what kind of food to feed them....

Keep reading

Finn Dog Supplements Review 2025: An Expert’s Breakdown

Have you ever found yourself searching high and low for the perfect supplements to meet your dog’s needs? It can be confusing with the number of products on the market, and many of them are designed in fancy and eye-catching...

DOG_SAPR_Finn Dog Supplements

Raw Dog Food Diet Plan: Vet-Approved Guide to Get Started

Raw food diets for dogs are surrounded by controversy, but they’re becoming more popular among dog owners. These diets aren’t new. Racing Greyhounds and sled dogs have been eating raw diets for decades, and an Australian veterinarian, Ian Billinghurst, proposed...

Husky wolf dog excited to be fed with raw food

Taste of the Wild Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Taste of the Wild is a pet food brand owned by Diamond Pet Foods, which has its headquarters in Meta, Missouri. The brand’s mission is to create nutrient-packed, affordable cat and dog food that mimics their wild ancestor’s...

Dogster_Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Food Review

pawTree Dog Food & Treats Review 2025: An Expert’s Breakdown

Review Summary *Use Code INTRO4U20 On Your First Order When You Spend Over $100 pawTree is a company that produces and sells dog and cat foods, treats, supplements, toys, supplies, and more. They offer a wide range of products, and...

pawTree Dog Food - Featured Image

Valu Pak Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

Review Summary Valu Pak is owned and manufactured by Specialty Feeds, a US company that has been making pet food for more than 50 years. It is a reasonably priced food, and while there are some ingredients that might be...

Dogster_Valu Pak Dog Food Review

10 Frozen Dog Treat Recipes: Great Summer Options for Your Pup

Dogs love treats in all shapes and forms, and there are so many commercial options to choose from. But when it’s a hot summer day, a frozen treat tends to hit the spot much better than a commercial or homemade...

Frozen Dog Treat Recipes

9 Best Dog Biscuits in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Our dogs spoil us with endless love and loyalty, so it’s no surprise we all want to spoil them back. For our food-motivated friends, treats are the ideal way to show our love and tighten our bond. They also work...

australian shepherd dog having treat

Instinct Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Instinct Dog Food is made by Nature’s Variety, a brand that’s been in operation since 2002, specializing in holistic pet food. None of its formulas contains wheat, corn, by-product meals, or artificial colors or flavors. The Instinct Raw...

Dogster_Instinct Dog Food Review