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 York State (2026 Guide)

white dog looking the panorama at El Capitan Tunnel View overlook in Yosemite National Park

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!

dogster face divider

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

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

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

dogster face divider

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.


Featured Image Credit: Benny Marty, Shutterstock

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

What Were Airedales Bred For? History & Origin

The Airedale Terrier is a friendly and devoted dog known for its intelligence, obedience, and love of people. This breed is perfect for...

How To Thaw and Serve Frozen Dog Food: 6 Expert Tips (Vet Answer)

Choosing the right food for your dog can get pretty complicated. Not only are there hundreds of different brands and thousands of varieties...

10 Best Dog Foods on Chewy in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

As a dog owner, can you even keep up anymore with all these recent changes in dog diets? It can get so confusing...

10 Top Sporting Dog Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Sporting dogs were bred and raised to perform a variety of hunting tasks for their human companions who enjoy the hunt or do...

More related

Belgian Sheepdog: Info, Pictures, Facts, Traits & History

The Belgian Sheepdog is a striking and exceptional dog that has the potential to become a fantastic companion for the right family. The...

Can You Shave a Golden Retriever? Risks & Care Tips

Even the most luscious coat is susceptible to heat and humidity, leaving dog owners with a dilemma: Should they shave their Golden Retriever?...

Can Dogs Eat Flour Tortillas? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

Our dogs can enjoy quite a few items we have in our fridge or ripening on our counter. They delight in fruits, vegetables,...

10 Best Dog Insurance Companies in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dog insurance can save you thousands of dollars should your dog get sick or injured. Despite the many benefits, only about half of...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds? Vet-Approved Risks & FAQ

In the world of pet ownership, it’s essential to know what foods are safe for your dogs and which ones are not. Poppy seeds are a common ingredient in muffins, bagels, and salads, for example. One question that often pops...

Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds

13 Best Dry Dog Foods in the UK of 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

When it comes to keeping your dog healthy, high-quality food is a must. Dry food, in particular, can play an important role in your pet’s diet. This popular choice offers several benefits, including helping to keep your companion’s teeth healthy...

dog with a food bowl

Can Dogs Eat Eel? Vet-Approved Feeding Facts

Many dogs love fish, whether a fishy food formula or home-prepared salmon or herring. However, when it comes to less conventional types of fish, like eel, it can be hard to know what’s safe and what isn’t. In brief, common...

Can Dogs Eat Eel

7 Best Low-Fat Dog Foods in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Getting an overweight dog to shed some pounds can be challenging, but it’s the best thing for them. Obesity can lead to other health issues, like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. As much as we love our pups...

Ginger dog eating

Can Dogs Eat Waffles? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

It’s nice to spend time with your pet in the morning and share a good breakfast with them, which has many people wondering if it is safe to feed waffles to dogs. It might be fine for your dog to...

Can Dogs Eat_waffles

Can Dogs Eat Green Beans? Vet-Approved Feeding Facts

Our canine companions are excellent at sneaking food off our plates or out of our hands, but human food isn’t always the best for them. Sometimes, our food has more fat and sodium than our dogs need, while other times,...

Can Dogs Eat Green Beans

6 Best Dog Foods for Shiba Inus in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

As with most pets, the Shiba Inu is at its healthiest when eating high-quality dog food that is specially designed to meet its needs. This breed is energetic but also prone to becoming overweight due to being a small breed...

Shiba Inu dog eating from stainless steel bowl

Can Dogs Eat Yogurt? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Yogurt is one of the rare treats that blends a delicious flavor with potential health benefits. If you’re a diehard fan of the tasty dairy delight, you’ve probably wondered whether your pets could enjoy it as much as you do....

Can Dogs Eat Yogurt