Are All Parks And Trails Dog-Friendly?
A lot of state parks are becoming more dog-friendly, as long as your pup is on a leash. National Parks are starting to get on board, as they know people love their dogs and take them everywhere with them.
Keeping Your Dogs Safe On The Trail
Always have a water bowl and a bottle of water for your dog when you hit the trail. Just like you, they will get thirsty, especially during hot Texas summers. All parks and trails require that your pet is on a leash, unless it is a designated area specific for loose pets. It’s good to have dog-friendly tick and mosquito spray when you hit the trail; you can pick this up at your local vet. If you are on a paved trail, be sure it is not too hot for your pup’s paw pads. You can purchase walking socks for your pup, they’re especially great for cold and hot days.
Dog Backpacks
If you have a small dog, they may not like to walk as long as you do. If that’s the case, dog backpacks are great for keeping your pet safe while you enjoy the trail.
Dog-Friendly Parks and Trails In San Antonio
Brackenridge Park
Located at 3903 N Saint Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX, US, 78212, right outside the San Antonio Zoo. Filled with many nooks and crannies, these trails are perfect for exploring, and very dog-friendly.
Comanche Lookout Park
This park which has 4.55 miles of nature hiking trail, and is adjacent to Semmes Branch Library. The address is 15551 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX, US, 78247. There are a lot of different terrains to walk, from pavement to dirt, but be careful of the many cactus that line the trails. This park also has amazing views.
Medina Natural Area
Dogs on leashes are welcome in the Medina River Natural Area. It is located at 15890 Hwy 16 S, San Antonio, TX, US, 78264. This park has ten miles of hiking trails that wind through a variety of landscapes from riversides with towering pecan and bald cypress trees to uplands lined with cactus and honey mesquite.
McAllister Park
I have been going to this park for years; it is located at 13102 Jones Maltsberger Rd, San Antonio, TX, US, 78232. There are 976 wooded acres with 15 miles of trails for on leash walking. The terrain is hard and soft in areas and you can let your pups enjoy the dog park for off the leash play with separate areas for large and small dogs.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Park
This is a great area to hike within the city! There are some elevation with nice views of the tower and many of the paths are shaded. Some of the trails are non-paved and have natural rock or soft mulch. The loops are around 3 miles, which is perfect for a quick walk with your leashed dogs. The park also provides waste bags and trash cans. It is located at 19399 N W Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX, US, 78257.
Government Canyon State Natural Area
Dog are allowed at Government Canyon State Natural Area on the Frontcountry trails. There are two loops on the Frontcountry trails, Savannah Loop and Lytle’s Loop. You must clean up after your dogs and they must be on a leash no longer than six feet during your hike. Waste stations are located in three different areas of the Frontcountry trails. Located at 12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio, TX, US, 78254, it’s a quick ride from almost anywhere in San Antonio.
National Parks
Most National parks are very dog-friendly in developed areas, on many trails and campgrounds, and in some lodging facilities. Be sure to check the website of the National Park you are wanting to visit with your furry friend for all the rules and regulations.
Leashes Are Very Important, For Safety, And For Control
Always keep your pup on a leash when you are in a public area. There are many to choose from, my girls use a standard leash, but extending leashes are great too.
Find more outdoor dog-friendly inspiration in the posts below:
Oakwell Trailhead Park: Reset in Nature Without Leaving City Limits
Tips for Hiking and Camping with Your Dog
7 Spots Near San Antonio to Take Your Dog’s Bluebonnet Photos
Thanks for providing a few resources to help keep our pups active and healthy! Dogs need exercise too, I always say. Of course, I’m a personal trainer and may be biased. Last year I scoured the city with my Rhodesian Ridgeback, Abbey, and found as many dog friendly parks and hiking trails as possible.
I created an Ultimate Guide on that very subject and continue to update it. Sadly, it doesn’t receive as much attention as short posts and “best places” lists. If you would like to share it with your readers, let me know. If not, that’s cool too.
Thank you for sharing. We’re working on adding similar content to our own site. If you’re ever interested in submitting a guest post, give us a holler!