Looking for a great place to vacation with your dog? Mt. Washington Valley is a destination where you and your pup can enjoy all the scenic beauty together, along with countless pet-friendly amenities. Hiking, swimming, dining, shopping, lodging—your four-legged best friend can enjoy it all right alongside you.
Hiking
The White Mountains and Mt. Washington Valley have endless options for dog-friendly hikes, ranging from easy woodland walks to more challenging mountain summits.
- Whitaker Woods (convenient and easy): a roughly 9-mile network of multi-use trails just outside North Conway Village. Go for an easy scenic stroll with many short loop options.
- Sabbaday Falls (destination for a short but scenic walk): stop along the Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountain National Forest for a walk along a brook to a stunning waterfall (.7 miles round trip).
- Mt. Chocorua (strenuous adventure for fit, well-equipped hikers and pets): take the Piper Trail for a hike with nearly 2,900 feet of elevation gain over 4.25 miles (making it an 8.5 mile round trip). View some of the best views in the region from the rocky summit.Â
Always check local regulations. Most hiking areas allow dogs on a six-foot leash, but some locations have restrictions. Make sure your dog wears an up-to-date ID tag and consider packing a dog backpack with essentials such as fresh water, a collapsible bowl, high-energy treats, tick & insect repellent, a pet first-aid kit, and emergency paw protection.
Before heading out on a mountain hike, check the Higher Summits Forecast from the Mount Washington Observatory, and consider your pet's breed, age, physical condition, and tolerance for heat. Larger breeds such as Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, and Mastiffs, as well as brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Boxers, and French Bulldogs may be especially vulnerable to hot and humid conditions. And with any outdoor activity, please be sure that your dog is in good physical shape and that you're following hikeSafe principles and the state's Wildly Responsible guidelines for recreating in the White Mountains.
The White Mountains are a great place for recreation with your dog. Follow these tips and local guidelines for a safe experience.
Swimming
Swimming is another favorite activity for dogs and their owners in Mt. Washington Valley. While pets are not permitted on New Hampshire State Park beaches, they are welcome in many rivers and National Forest swimming areas. The Saco River offers shallow shorelines, gentle currents, and sandy areas where many dogs can safely enjoy the water. However, owners should always be cautious around deeper water and stronger currents. Popular public access points include Weston's Beach in Fryeburg, Maine (dogs not permitted 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May-Sept), and First Bridge along River Road in North Conway.
Always keep your dog on a leash where required, clean up after your pet, and be realistic about your dog's swimming abilities. Even strong swimmers can become tired unexpectedly. Just as life jackets are recommended for people, they are also a smart choice for dogs enjoying boats, canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards.
Shopping & Dining
If you're looking to slow down and spend some time in town, Mt. Washington Valley offers a variety of pet-friendly dining and shopping opportunities. Many restaurants welcome well-behaved dogs in their outdoor seating areas. Black Cap Grille and Sea Dog Brewing Company in North Conway are popular choices, offering outdoor seating, fresh water bowls, treats and seasonal dog menus. Cathedral Ledge Distillery also welcomes well-behaved dogs inside its tasting room, allowing visitors to enjoy local spirits and shop for merchandise with their canine companions by their side.
Shopping is another activity that pets and their owners can enjoy together. Settlers Green welcomes leashed dogs throughout the property, and many locally owned specialty shops are pet-friendly as well.Â
For pet lovers, a visit to Four Your Paws Only is a must. This specialty pet store offers hiking supplies, life jackets, toys, treats and other essentials for dogs. Visitors can also treat their pets to homemade frozen treats and ice cream or check out the store's on-site bakery.
Four Your Paws Only is a North Conway store where pets can shop for themselves. It's a great local resource for pet-related supplies, treats, and information. Owners Brian and Kathy Ahearn are shown here in front of the FYPO Pet Bakery. (courtesy photo)
Lodging
Not sure where to stay? The Mt. Washington Valley offers a wide variety of pet-friendly accommodations. One favorite is the White Mountain Hotel & Resort, which is well known for its "Bed & Bone Club," where canine guests receive a welcome package complete with a dog bed, food and water bowls, and a hand-decorated dog bone.Â
Explore our lodging directory for more pet-friendly options in the area.
Summer Safety Tips for Pets
NEVER Leave Your Pet Unattended in a Vehicle
Even with the windows cracked and under shade, a vehicle can heat up dangerously fast. This is a real risk for visitors exploring Mt. Washington Valley in the summer—after a morning hike or swim, it's tempting to run into a shop or restaurant "for just a minute" while your dog waits in the car. But an unexpected delay, a longer line or a chat with a local can quickly turn dangerous. In just 10 minutes, the temperature inside a car can rise nearly 20 degrees, reaching life-threatening levels. Dogs can only cool themselves by panting, making them especially vulnerable to heatstroke.
Beware of Hot Pavement, Rocks, and SandÂ
Walking your dog on hot surfaces can cause painful burns to their paw pads in just seconds. On an 85°F day, asphalt can reach temperatures of 135°F or higher. Before heading out, test the surface with your hand or bare foot. If it's too hot for you to comfortably touch, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Whenever possible, walk on grass, choose shaded routes, or go out during cooler parts of the day.
Prevent Overexertion and Heat ExhaustionÂ
Heat exhaustion occurs when a dog's body temperature rises to dangerous levels due to hot weather, strenuous activity, or a combination of both. Left untreated, it can quickly progress to life-threatening heatstroke.
To help keep your pet safe:
- Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day (3–5pm).
- Schedule walks and playtime for early morning or later evening.
- Always provide access to fresh water.
- Make sure pets have plenty of shade and opportunities to rest.
Certain pets are at greater risk, including brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs, senior dogs, overweight pets, and dogs with heart or respiratory conditions.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, bright red gums or difficulty breathing. If you suspect your pet is overheating, move them to a cool area immediately and contact a veterinarian immediately.
Every dog is different, so use your best judgment when planning activities and choose adventures that are appropriate for your pet's age, health, fitness level and temperament. Please keep in mind that policies, regulations and business practices can change over time. The locations and activities mentioned are intended as suggestions only, so it is always a good idea to check ahead to confirm that dogs are still permitted.
Stay safe, have fun, and protect our outdoors for generations to come.Â
It's what we do in NH. Click here to learn about planning for outdoor recreation like a local.
To learn more about New Hampshire vacations, go to www.VisitNH.gov
