The 7 Best U.S. National Parks to Visit With Your Dog

Outdoor excursions are that much more enjoyable when you have a four-legged friend by your side. And if your pup isn't getting enough exercise from their daily walks or time at the dog park, you might want to consider a bigger excursion at one of the country's famed national parks. The U.S. National Park Service has a tool to identify parks that are pet-friendly, also outlining the principles of the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program.

If you and your pooch are ready for an adventure at a national park, you'll want to know which destination will be the right fit. Thankfully, travel experts have recommendations for the best U.S. national parks to visit with your dog—who might end up enjoying the trip even more than you do. Read on to find which parks you should explore alongside your furry friend.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

A top destination for you and your dog is Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio, where you can both enjoy the scenery and take on the trails. "Leashed dogs are welcome on all of the park's 125 miles worth of trails, which are generally of a good standard," Erika Barnes, founder and CEO of Pet Smitten, tells Best Life.

Aside from gorgeous forests and sprawling landscapes, Cuyahoga Valley is also a safe choice for you and your dog. "It has a relatively temperate climate, typically warm but not hot in the summer (great for making sure your dog avoids heat stroke) and cold but not freezing in the winter," Barnes says. "There's also, compared to many of our national parks, a refreshing lack of creatures and critters that might do harm to you and your dog. Sure, they are there, but for example, there have been no venomous snakes found at the park."

Acadia National Park

Head up north to Maine and take in breathtaking views at Acadia National Park with your dog in tow. According to the park's website, you both can explore 100 miles of hiking trials, 45 miles of carriage roads, and stay the night at the Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods campgrounds.

"There are plenty of trails to explore with your pup, and you can even bring them on a kayak or canoe trip," Matt James of the travel blog Visingtingly says, adding that as in other national parks, you'll want to make sure your dog is always on a leash.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

You may not have heard of this national park, but it's certainly one your pup will enjoy, Adam Marland, travel photographer and writer for We Dream of Travel, tells Best Life.

"The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is tucked away in a remote part of Southwest Colorado and is one of the most beautiful but overlooked parks in the NPS system," Marland explains, adding that leashed dogs can accompany you at visitors centers, campgrounds, and the three primary hiking trails at the park.

While exploring, you can discover the park's famed "sheer black canyon walls," Marland says, which are nearly 2 million years old, according to the park's website. "Wandering amongst the alpine nature with thriving wildlife, unbeatable views, and a plethora of smells for the pup to enjoy will be an experience that neither of you will forget."

Read the full article from Yahoo! Life here.