Excellent Autumn Trips to Take with Your Dog

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By Joe Laing

Autumn is an ideal time to get away and do some leaf peeping, fit in some outdoor recreation and generally have a good time. The weather is cooler and the crowds have let up. But you will want to take your dog with you, because leaving him (or her) home is not even something to consider. Your furry friend is part of the family and needs a vacation too! Traveling this autumn with your pet means you want to find the most dog-friendly destinations possible. Here are some:

Acadia National Park

In the far northeast corner of our great country, there is a national park which is one of the most dog-friendly in the nation. Maine’s Acadia National Park allows dogs on almost all trails and paved carriage roads. This means you can get out into nature and take your best friend along. Take your pooch to the top of Cadillac Mountain to look over the changing colors this fall. You will want to plan this trip for mid-October to catch peak season.

Provincetown, Massachusetts

One town on the East Coast has been named “DogTown USA” by Dog Fancy magazine. Provincetown, Massachusetts is a picturesque place on Cape Cod where dogs are treated as well (if not better) than humans. They have a top-rated dog park too, called Pilgrim Bark Park and plenty of off-leash beaches. Dogs are also allowed in the town stores. This is lovely place to spend some time with the whole family!

Before the weather gets too chilly, you can head to another spot in Massachusetts where you can have a great time with your pet. Salisbury Beach has many water activities you can enjoy, from fishing and boating to swimming if warm enough while you are there. A few pet restrictions but nothing that will hold you back from enjoying yourself immensely. You can camp here until the middle of October.

Shenandoah National Park

Further south you will discover a land magical with foliage, scenery and nature. This is Shenandoah National Park with its long Skyline Drive and its views of the Shenandoah Valley. By the end of October you’ll discover brilliantly colored terrain and you can hike anywhere you’d like with your dog to enjoy the rich colors. Driving from one end of the park to the other in an RV can be quite a thrilling and beautiful experience!

Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Great River Road winds along the great Mississippi, with quaint towns along the way and the opportunity for steamboat excursions and beautiful fall colors. Stop for some views and let your dog stretch. The colors change earlier than you would expect so be prepared to arrive by early October to catch the beauty of the predominately yellow and orange leaves.

Colorado

Colorado offers plenty of space for your dog to roam and romp. In Aspen, Colorado the aspens are so rich in beauty as to take your breath away. Everyone needs to experience these magnificent colors at least once in a lifetime. The snowflakes have not yet begun to fall, the weather is just right for hiking, and thus Aspen is one great place to visit in the autumn.

New Mexico

In Albuquerque, New Mexico you will find a huge number of campgrounds that welcome your dog. And this is a place where you can expect all kinds of great adventures, such as taking a hot air balloon ride, finding some unique Native American jewelry or hiking in the dry desert air.

Another great spot in New Mexico to explore is Santa Fe National Forest. Dogs are allowed on all trails so, again, you can get out into the wilderness and take your best friend right along with you. More aspen trees change colors here, and you will find the Sangre de Cristo Mountains give you lots of interesting places to explore. The International Balloon Fiesta is held in this area from October 6th through the 14th.

Arizona

Whether or not you’ve been here before, Grand Canyon National Park still will inspire and amaze in its gorgeous views and colors. Arizona’s most famous park is also one of the most dog-friendly parks in this country. You can walk for miles along the South Rim with your pet. There are also places to hike with your dog on the North Rim.

Pick one of these wonderful autumn destinations or research and find many more where you can enjoy a colorful vacation with your pet. This is a great time to get away and relax before the snows come.

About the Author

Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV, your nationwide source for RV rentals. El Monte RV also sells used motorhomes through eight different locations across the United States.

Image credit: chalabala/123RF Stock Photo