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

How to Use a Dog Whistle: 8 Tips for Training & FAQ

Training any dog can be challenging, especially if yours never seems to listen to you. While it’s true some dogs are easily distracted,...

8 Best Dog Foods for Weight Loss Made in the USA in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Just like humans, dogs may struggle with excess weight. However, it’s more than just an aesthetic problem. Weight gain in dogs can contribute...

Dog Pancreatitis Recovery Time – Will My Dog Get Better? (Vet Answer)

Around the holidays, you may see a lot of information on dogs getting pancreatitis. Can your dog recover from pancreatitis, and how long...

Can Dogs Die From Fleas? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Prevention Tips

One of the most common health issues that dogs can experience is flea infestations. While these tiny pests may seem harmless, they can...

More related

Surf’s Up for the 20th Annual Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon

The sun was shining brightly on Del Mar Dog Beach in California on Sunday, September 7, for the 20th Annual Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon,...

What Is a Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog? History & Fun Facts

The world is full of exotic and lesser-known dog breeds, and one of them is the Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog. With a dainty...

Can Dogs Eat Fritos? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Dogs aren’t well-known for their pickiness, and it’s up to owners to monitor the food they can access. Just as you wouldn’t eat...

First Vaccines For Puppies: Our Vet’s Guide on Initial Vaccinations

Bringing a new puppy into your home can be both exciting and overwhelming. You’ll undoubtedly experience the joy that comes with puppy cuddles,...

Keep reading

10 Best Chicken & Rice Dog Foods in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Chicken and rice recipes are among the most popular and common dog food formulas. Virtually every brand and formula offers a chicken and rice recipe, and for good reason! Chicken is a lean, healthy, complete protein that’s affordable and highly...

cream dog eating from the bowl

Can Dogs Eat Fritos? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Dogs aren’t well-known for their pickiness, and it’s up to owners to monitor the food they can access. Just as you wouldn’t eat a bowl of Purina, your pup shouldn’t be making a habit of feasting on the foods we...

Can Dogs Eat_fritos

What To Add to Dog Food for Dry Skin: 9 Great Ideas

As dog owners, we understand the frustration of a pet that scratches and licks excessively, but it is much more agonizing for the dog. If you checked for fleas and there are none, your canine friend likely has dry, itchy...

woman feeding dalmatian dog

Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Oil? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Sunflower oil sounds about as natural as it gets. Whole foods have taken root in the dog food market as obesity rates are on the rise, and pet parents have become more knowledgeable about how to care for their fur...

Can Dogs Eat_sunflower oil

10 Best Grain-Free Dog Food in Australia in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Looking for the best grain-free dog food in Australia? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with our comprehensive reviews of the top grain-free dog foods on the market. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian if grain-free is required...

Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food new

Can Dogs Eat Quesadillas? Vet-Verified Risks & FAQ

It’s no secret that dogs want to eat everything they see us enjoying. Of course, as responsible dog owners, we know that isn’t possible. Certain foods are toxic to dogs while others simply aren’t good for them. One of the...

Can Dogs Eat Quesadillas

How to Save Money on Dog Food in 4 Ways (2026 Guide)

I am a dog sitter, which means I’m surrounded by happy pups 24/7. Things get wild at mealtime — something my dog, Riggins, will not allow to be missed. In fact, Riggins takes his mealtimes so seriously, he will start...

Maltese dog sitting on a picnic blanket

Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Review 2026: Pros & Cons and Recalls

Review Summary Purina has been one of the top producers in the pet food industry for over 90 years and has been a trusted brand for just as long. Since it has such a large variety of brands and recipes,...

Dogster_Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Review