10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in New York State (2026 Guide)
New York is a large state with expansive forests and several state parks, and as long as you keep your pet on a leash, it’s incredibly dog-friendly, too! With that in mind, there’s no shortage of hiking opportunities for you and your pup to explore.
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorites for you here, but in New York State, there are likely more pet-friendly trails for you and your canine to enjoy!
The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in New York State
1. Sand Point Preserve
| ️ Address: | 127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY |
| Open Times: | Wednesday to Saturday, 11 AM to 6 PM, Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM |
| Cost: | $15 per car |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- 216-acre estate
- Outstanding views of the area
- Dogs can’t go inside
- It can get very windy
2. Whiteface Mountain
| ️ Address: | Whiteface Memorial Hwy, Wilmington, NY 12997 |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- 4-mile out-and-back trail
- Moderately difficult trail to hike
- Outstanding views at the peak
- 1,309 feet of total elevation
3. Buttermilk Falls State Park
| ️ Address: | 106 Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 |
| Open Times: | 8 AM to 7:30 PM |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- 65-mile hiking trail
- Beautiful gorges and rock formations
- One of many trails in the area
- Short but challenging hike
4. Minnewaska State Park Preserve
| ️ Address: | 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY |
| Open Times: | 9 AM to 7 PM |
| Cost: | $10 per car |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Several trails in the park to explore
- Plenty of parking
- Bring your own waste bags
- Strict park hours
5. Prosser Pines Loop Trail
| ️ Address: | 67 Yaphank Middle Island Rd, Middle Island, NY |
| Open Times: | 7 AM to 6 PM |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | In some areas |
- 7-mile loop trail
- Popular trail that might be busier than others in the area
- Open year-round
- Bring your own poo bags!
6. Knox Farm State Park
| ️ Address: | 437 Buffalo Rd, East Aurora, NY |
| Open Times: | 6 AM to 6 PM |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | At the dog park |
- 633-acre state park
- Several pond and wetland areas to explore
- 100 acres of woodland and 400 acres of grassland
- Pets must be on a leash under 6 feet (unless in the dog park)
7. Dover Stone Church
| ️ Address: | 3128 NY-22, Dover Plains, NY 12522 |
| Open Times: | 8 AM to 6 PM |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- 2-mile round-trip hike
- Outstanding caves and waterfalls to view
- Dogs must remain on a 6-foot leash
- Not handicap accessible
- Can get crowded
8. Stump Pond Loop Trail
| ️ Address: | 102 New Mill Rd, Smithtown, NY |
| Open Times: | 6 AM to 9 PM |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Only at the dog park |
- 1-mile loop trail
- Bring your own waste bags and water
- Not handicap accessible
- Great views of the pond along the trail
9. Alley Pond Park
| ️ Address: | Douglaston Pkwy, Queens, NY |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Only at the dog park |
- Easy access to the city
- 2-mile loop trail
- The park can get crowded
- Bring your own waste bags and water
10. Montauk Point Lighthouse
| ️ Address: | Camp Hero Bluff over Turtle Cove, Old Montauk Hwy, NY |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Lots of trails to explore
- Outstanding views along many trails
- Not as crowded as other trails
Final Thoughts
With so many great dog-friendly trails in New York State, there is no reason for you not to get out and explore a few of them with your dog. You can visit a favorite or explore new trails. As long as you are getting out into nature with your furry friend, the rest doesn’t matter all that much!
Just ensure you are a responsible pet owner by keeping your pet on a leash, cleaning up after them, and providing fresh water.
See also: Most Popular Dog Breeds In New York
Featured Image Credit: Benny Marty, Shutterstock
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Adam is a professional freelance writer and animal enthusiast who has rescued countless animals throughout the years. He's been a freelance writer for ten years and has been rescuing animals for even longer! Adam is also a proud father of three kids and is always up for a challenge and adventure!
