There simply isn’t enough time in the day to touch on everything that makes the Mount Washington Valley and accompanying White Mountain National Forest area such an amazing place to call home.
However, yes, for many dog owners, the one aspect that reigns supreme is how dog-friendly it is! As with humans, there is a little something for everyone.
In this article, we will explore reasons why being a dog in the White Mountains is like winning the lottery.
Hiking
As previously mentioned, the inclusivity of dogs in our national forests isn’t something we should take for “granite” (Sorry, bad joke!)
Just as you would pay attention to your own ability level while out on trail, keep your dog’s in mind too. While there are ample dog-friendly hikes to enjoy in the White Mountains, much of New Hampshire’s terrain is known for its steepness and rock scrambles. Just because a trail allows dogs does not mean that it is necessarily recommended for use.
Be courteous to your fellow hikers. Like anywhere, “Leave no trace,” means just that. If your dog goes, be sure you have ample poop bags to make sure that it goes out with you.
Within the national forest area, dogs must be under physical or verbal restraint. Although, if you plan to hike during peak days or times, leashing your dog is strongly encouraged while on trail. Leashing is a have-to in parking lots and areas like campgrounds. Dogs are allowed at all state parks, but leashing is required.
Here you’ll find just some of the many dog-friendly hikes in the White Mountains.
- Arethusa Falls: This 3 mile out-and-back trail is both a dog and family-friendly hike in Crawford Notch State Park. In the summer months, the falls offer refuge from the heat once you have arrived. Not only is the cool, crisp mountain water refreshing– it’s a great way to regulate your pup’s internal body temperature. In winter, you’ll want a pair of microspikes, but you’re likely to get a hike and a show. Ice climbers often adorn the frozen waterfall when temperatures allow.
- Mount Willard: Great in all seasons, the view from Mount Willard provides panoramic views of Crawford Notch. There’s no question why this peak sits on the 52WAV (52 With a View) list. You will want to make sure your pup is securely leashed on the summit, however, as it would incur quite the fall. If your dog is reactive, keep in mind that this trail is often used by families, so consider leashing.
- Mount Washington: There’s a reason that there is a certain mystique that surrounds summiting Mount Washington. The tallest peak in the northeast and home of the world’s weather, this hike is a bit of a doozy. This doesn’t mean that dogs can’t manage it; this is one of those scenarios where you should realistically consider your pet’s age and ability.
Below you’ll find a few tips for fun, safe hiking with your dog in the White Mountain National Forest.
- With New England summers comes heat and humidity. Heatstroke in dogs is very real and is one of the more common reasons for emergency vet visits during the summer months. (We’ll discuss local animal care facilities shortly.) Having fresh water designated specifically for your dog’s consumption is recommended. Local specialty pet shop, Four Your Paws Only, affectionately known as FYPO, has a great selection of water accessories to utilize on your hike. If you find your dog isn’t drinking much on trail, try adding a little beef or chicken broth to the water.
- It’s never a bad idea to have a first aid kit for your pup in your pack. Emergency preparedness for your pet is just as important as for yourself. Consider purchasing or making your own first aid kit specific to common outdoors related dog injuries.
- (And this one is just for fun!) Many New Hampshire hikes from mid-to late July through mid-to late August offer free trailside snacks– wild blueberries! Bushes tend to grow low, so observe your surroundings and bring an empty tupperware to take some home with you. Not only can you use them for human treats, blueberries are an equally great superfood snack for your dog! I personally like to freeze our foraged berries in Kongs with yogurt and a little peanut butter for our pups to snack on.
Swimming
Once the spring weather starts, I can’t stop thinking about the warm afternoons to come that will be spent on the riverbank with our dogs. No need for a pool, Mother Nature has you covered with several dog-friendly swim spots. Check out one of our previous posts for all the best spots to take your dog swimming in the North Conway, NH area.
Cross Country Skiing
A great way to exercise your dog in the winter is with a jaunt on some of the many dog-friendly cross-country ski trails in Mount Washington Valley.
- Bear Notch Ski Touring: With dogs allowed on their entire ski network and scenery including rivers, waterfalls and more, it’s easy to see why they call themselves the “best kept secret in the White Mountains”.
- Jackson Cross Country: Considered to be the mecca for Nordic skiing in the northeast, Jackson Cross Country is a happening spot on sunny winter weekends. Patrons will feel as though they’ve entered the scene of a Norman Rockwell painting while skiing through covered bridges and by cozy inns. While there are a handful of trails that do allow dogs, be advised that this ski network is not fully accessible for four-legged friends. Check out their trail map for information about which trails are dog-friendly.
Let your pup run like the big dogs with Musher’s Secret. This natural paw protection was originally intended for sled dogs, but will help keep your dog moving through the rugged New England winter conditions.
Skijoring harnesses provide an added element of fun for both you and your dog! Let that working dog do some of the work by pulling you along with a dogsled-specific harness.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Let’s be honest, your dog is probably your ideal dinner date. Lucky for you, several restaurants in the area offer seasonal patio/porch dining for dogs.
- Flatbread Company | (603) 356-4470 | 2760 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH 03860
- Red Fox Bar & Grille | (603) 383-4949 | 49 NH-16, Jackson, NH 03846
- Fiesta Jalisco | (603) 733-5550 | 6 Mountain Valley Blvd, North Conway, NH 03860
- Black Cap Grille | (603) 356-2225 | 1498 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH 03860
- Sea Dog Brewing Company | (603) 356-0590 | 1976 White Mountain Hwy #9, Conway, NH 03818
Places to Stay
For guests just passing through, it only makes sense that an area so rich in dog-friendly activities should have plenty of dog-friendly places to stay.
- Christmas Farm Inn and Spa | (603) 383-4313 | 3 Blitzen Way, Jackson, NH 03846
- Red Jacket Mountain View Resort | (800) 752-2538 | 2251 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH 03860
- Stonehurst Manor | (603) 356-3113 | 3351 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH 03860
- The White Mountain Hotel & Resort | (603) 356-7100 | 87 Fairway Dr, North Conway, NH 03860
- Farm by the River Bed & Breakfast | (603) 356-2694 | 2555 West Side Rd, North Conway, NH 03860
- Huttopia White Mountains | (603) 447-3131 | 57 Pine Knoll Rd, Albany, NH 03818
Care
Pet owners are fortunate to have several options for veterinary hospitals in the North Conway Area. In addition to regularly getting your furry friends checked up on, these facilities also offer emergency care if ever you should need it (though hopefully not!).
- True North Veterinary Hospital | (603) 374-5130 | 1053 US-302, Bartlett, NH 03812
- Conway Veterinary Hospital | (603) 447-3449 | 296 E Main St, Conway, NH 03818
- North Country Animal Hospital | (603) 356-5538 | 2237 West Side Rd, North Conway, NH 03860
- Littleton Area Veterinary Urgent Care | (603) 444-5533 | 59 W Main St, Littleton, NH 03561
Local Shelters
Perhaps you just moved to the Mount Washington Valley and you’re looking for a four-legged adventure buddy or to expand your family with a furry friend. There are some really wonderful local shelters within the Valley that can help you give an animal another chance at a happy life.
- Conway Area Humane Society | (603) 447-5955 | 223 E Main St, Conway, NH 03818
- Harvest Hills Animal Shelter | (207) 935-4358 | 1389 Bridgton Rd, Fryeburg, ME 04037
Conclusion
In this article we’ve explored the various aspects that make New Hampshire’s White Mountains such a dog-friendly destination. Very rarely will pet owners have to make the difficult decision to leave their pet at home, making for exponentially more opportunities to make memories together. To put it plainly: if you’re going to be a dog, this is the place to be. From outdoor adventures to quality veterinary care, the Mount Washington Valley area has it all.
- Special Thanks to Guest Writer Denver DiMarzio for this great local article!