🐾 Best Dog Friendly Things to Do in North Conway, NH(2026)
Planning a trip to North Conway with your dog? You don’t have to leave your four-legged family member behind. The Mount Washington Valley is one of the better destinations in New Hampshire for a dog friendly vacation, with hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic drives, outdoor shopping, patios and plenty of places to get outside together.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting North Conway with a dog is that many of the area’s best attractions are outdoors. You can spend the morning walking through the woods, visit a waterfall, explore the shops around town, and finish the afternoon relaxing at an outdoor patio.
Of course, dog friendly doesn’t always mean dogs are allowed everywhere. Some attractions have specific leash requirements, some restaurants only allow dogs on patios, and certain state parks have seasonal restrictions. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to some of the best dog friendly things to do in North Conway and the surrounding Mount Washington Valley.
Whether you’re bringing an energetic hiking dog or an older pup who is happier with a scenic walk and a patio, there are plenty of ways to include your dog in your North Conway vacation.
🥾 1. Visit Diana’s Baths
Diana’s Baths is one of the most popular natural attractions near North Conway and one of the easiest places to explore with a dog.
Located in the White Mountain National Forest just off West Side Road, Diana’s Baths features a series of waterfalls, cascades, pools and smooth granite ledges along Lucy Brook. The walk to the falls is relatively short and follows a mostly gentle gravel surface, making it accessible for dogs that aren’t ready for a serious mountain hike.
Diana’s Baths is officially identified as a dog friendly trail, with dogs required to remain leashed. Visitors are also asked to clean up after their pets and pack out waste appropriately.
This is a particularly good choice for families because you can enjoy a beautiful White Mountains attraction without spending several hours on a difficult trail.
It is also worth arriving early. Diana’s Baths is extremely popular, especially during summer weekends and peak fall foliage. Parking and the trail can become crowded, which may not be ideal if your dog isn’t comfortable around a lot of people and other dogs.
🌲 2. Hike Green Hills Preserve
If your dog has plenty of energy, head to Green Hills Preserve.
Located just outside North Conway, the Green Hills Preserve protects more than 5,500 acres and contains more than 50 miles of trails. The preserve offers everything from easier forest walks to more challenging mountain hikes, making it easy to choose a route based on your dog’s ability.
One of the most popular hikes is Black Cap, which provides excellent views across the Mount Washington Valley and toward the Presidential Range.
Dogs are allowed throughout the preserve but must be leashed. The Nature Conservancy specifically asks visitors to keep dogs leashed and under control to protect wildlife, habitat and the experience of other visitors.
Green Hills is particularly beautiful during the fall, when the hardwood forests surrounding the exposed ridges turn brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow.
The preserve is open from dawn to dusk, but parking can be limited and the area can get busy. If you’re visiting during peak foliage, an early start is a good idea.
🐕 3. Explore Whitaker Woods
For an easy outing close to town, Whitaker Woods is hard to beat.
The extensive trail network is located right in North Conway and gives you the chance to get into the woods without driving far from the village. The trails are used throughout the year for walking, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Dogs are welcome on the trails when properly controlled, making Whitaker Woods a convenient choice when your dog needs some exercise but you don’t necessarily want to tackle a major mountain hike. Current dog friendly listings describe the area as having nearly 28 miles of trails.
It’s also a good option for a quick morning or evening walk. You can spend 30 minutes exploring the woods or build a longer outing around the trail network depending on your schedule.
During winter, Whitaker Woods becomes especially appealing for visitors traveling with active dogs. Snowy trails give your dog plenty to explore while you enjoy one of North Conway’s most accessible outdoor recreation areas.
🌿 4. Take an Easy Walk at Dahl Wildlife Sanctuary
Dahl Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the quieter dog friendly options in the area and is worth considering if you’re looking for something less strenuous.
The 56-acre New Hampshire Audubon sanctuary sits along the Saco River and protects several different habitats, including floodplain forest, wetlands, fields and riverfront areas.
There are approximately 1.5 miles of trails, including an easy half-mile Pine Trail and a one-mile Silver Maple/Field Trail loop.
Dogs are permitted on the sanctuary’s trails but must remain on a short leash. Visitors are also asked to stay on the trails and carry out pet waste.
This is a good choice for dogs that enjoy exploring but aren’t necessarily ready for a steep mountain climb.
One thing to know before visiting is that parking is very limited. Don’t assume you can simply use nearby commercial parking if the sanctuary spaces are full. Plan accordingly before heading out.
💦 5. Bring Your Dog to Jackson Falls
Jackson Falls, located in the nearby town of Jackson, is another easy outdoor stop where your dog can join you.
The falls are located along the Wildcat River in the center of Jackson and are particularly enjoyable during the warmer months, when the pools and cascades become a popular place to cool off.
Well behaved pets are welcome at the falls, making it an easy addition to a dog friendly North Conway itinerary.
Jackson Falls is not a major hike, so it works well if you want to combine it with other activities around Jackson. You can visit the falls, walk around the village, grab something to eat and continue exploring the Mount Washington Valley.
Parking is limited and the main parking area has a two-hour limit, so pay attention to the posted restrictions when you visit.
🚂 6. Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad Valley Train
You don’t necessarily have to leave your dog behind when you want to experience one of North Conway’s most iconic attractions.
The Conway Scenic Railroad allows small pet dogs on its Valley Train excursions. The current policy permits one under 20lb, well behaved dog per party in Coach seating. Dogs must remain on a leash and at their owner’s feet and cannot sit on seats or laps.
There are some important restrictions. Dogs are not permitted on the Mountaineer excursion, in Comfort Class or Dome cars, or in cars where food is prepared or served.
That makes the Valley Train the option to look at if you’re traveling with a small dog.
The ride is also a nice alternative to another day on the hiking trails. You can sit back, enjoy the scenery and experience historic railroading without asking your dog to walk several miles.
Always check the current excursion schedule and pet rules when booking, since the railroad operates different trains and seating configurations throughout the year.
🛍️ 7. Go Shopping at Settlers Green
Shopping is another activity where your dog can come along.
Settlers Green is an outdoor shopping destination in North Conway, and the property specifically identifies itself as dog friendly. Many of the individual retailers also welcome dogs, although policies can vary from store to store.
Dogs should remain leashed, and dog friendly stores can generally be identified by signage or the property’s dog friendly information.
This is a great activity for a day when you want to give your dog some exercise without committing to a hike. You can walk between stores, browse outdoor gear and clothing, and take breaks along the way.
Settlers Green also has a one mile walking route that stays on sidewalks around the property, giving you another option if you’re looking for a simple walk.
And if you need anything for your dog during your trip, the area has several pet oriented shopping options as well.
🍺 8. Have a Drink or Meal at Moat Mountain Brewing
Moat Mountain Brewing is one of the local spots worth checking if you’d like to grab a beer and a meal without leaving your dog behind.
The restaurant has outdoor seating, well behaved leashed dogs are permitted when the patio is open, note that patio availability can vary depending on season and weather.
When the patio is operating, it’s a convenient stop after a morning spent hiking or sightseeing. You can enjoy one of the area’s longtime local breweries while your dog relaxes outside with you.
Moat Mountain is also especially convenient for guests staying in North Conway because it’s right on Route 16.
🍔 9. Enjoy a Dog Friendly Patio at Black Cap Grille
Black Cap Grille is one of the easiest dog friendly dining recommendations to verify because the restaurant itself clearly publishes its pet policy.
Its covered outdoor patio is open year round and welcomes well-behaved dogs on a leash. The restaurant also notes that patio access can be weather dependent and is ultimately at management’s discretion. Outdoor heaters are used when possible.
That makes Black Cap a particularly good option when you want a sit-down meal with your dog.
It’s located at Settlers Crossing, so you can easily combine lunch or dinner with shopping at Settlers Green and the surrounding stores.
The covered patio is also useful during shoulder seasons when temperatures can be a little unpredictable. Just check with the restaurant if the weather looks questionable before making it part of your plans.
🍺 10. Grab a Patio Meal at Barley & Salt
Barley & Salt is another strong option for dog owners.
The restaurant’s own website specifically states that its covered patio is open all season and welcomes dogs. The patio also provides views toward the Green Hills Preserve, making it a particularly nice place to sit after spending time outdoors.
The location at Settlers Green Streetside makes this another easy restaurant to combine with shopping.
For dog owners, the combination is convenient: walk around the shopping center, browse some stores that allow dogs, then settle in on the patio for food and drinks.
As with any outdoor dining option, it’s still smart to check conditions and availability when you arrive, but Barley & Salt is one of the more clearly documented dog friendly dining choices in North Conway.
🥃 11. Visit Cathedral Ledge Distillery
If you’re looking for something a little different than another hike or restaurant, Cathedral Ledge Distillery is a great dog friendly stop.
The North Conway distillery describes itself as child and dog friendly and welcomes furry friends in its tasting room.
The timber frame tasting room is located on White Mountain Highway, making it easy to work into an itinerary that includes other North Conway attractions.
The distillery also offers tours, although you should confirm the current rules regarding dogs if you’re planning to participate in a tour rather than simply visiting the tasting room.
This is particularly useful on a rainy day when you want something to do that isn’t entirely dependent on the weather.
🏔️ 12. Hike the Trails Around Cathedral Ledge
Cathedral Ledge is one of the most recognizable scenic attractions near North Conway, and dogs can join you on the appropriate trails.
There is an important distinction here that is easy to miss.
New Hampshire State Parks says pets are permitted on hiking trails in the Cathedral and White Horse areas. However, pets are not allowed at Echo Lake from May 1 through October 31.
In other words, you can bring your dog to hike the permitted trails, but don’t plan on bringing your dog to the Echo Lake beach area during the seasonal restriction.
The views from Cathedral Ledge make this one of the more rewarding dog friendly outdoor activities in the area. Just remember that the terrain can be rocky and exposed in places, so this is better suited to dogs that are comfortable hiking.
🍂 Take Your Dog on a Scenic Drive
One of the easiest ways to see the White Mountains with a dog is to take a scenic drive.
The Kancamagus Scenic Byway is one of the most famous drives in New Hampshire. The 34-mile route crosses the White Mountain National Forest between Conway and Lincoln and is especially spectacular during fall foliage.
A scenic drive can be a great option when your dog needs a break from hiking. You can stop at designated viewpoints, get out for short walks, stretch your legs and continue down the highway.
This is especially useful during the fall foliage season, when you can see an enormous amount of scenery without needing to spend the entire day on a trail.
Just remember that many popular stops along the Kanc can become very busy during peak foliage weekends. Keep your dog leashed whenever you’re outside the vehicle and be especially careful around parking areas and roadways.
🐶 Tips for Visiting North Conway With Your Dog
A little preparation can make a dog friendly North Conway vacation much easier.
Bring a leash everywhere
Even if your dog normally has excellent recall, don’t assume that off-leash access is allowed. Many of the area’s preserves and trails require dogs to be leashed, and busy parking areas and scenic overlooks are not places to take chances.
Carry water and a collapsible bowl
Your dog can work up quite a thirst on even a relatively short White Mountains hike. Carry enough water for both of you, particularly during the warmer months.
Bring waste bags
Dog waste is especially important around waterways, wildlife habitat and heavily used trails. Pack bags and actually carry the waste out when required.
Check the rules before visiting water
A dog friendly waterfall does not necessarily mean every nearby swimming area is dog friendly.
Echo Lake is a good example. Dogs are permitted on the appropriate hiking trails around Cathedral and White Horse Ledges, but they are not allowed at Echo Lake from May 1 through October 31.
Call restaurants before heading over
Even when a restaurant has a dog friendly patio, outdoor seating can be affected by weather, season, staffing and events.
Don’t overdo the hiking
Your dog may be excited to explore the White Mountains, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend eight hours on the trail.
A morning hike followed by lunch on a patio and an easy evening walk can be a much better vacation than trying to squeeze several major hikes into one day.
🏡 Stay at a Dog Friendly Vacation Rental
One of the biggest advantages of bringing your dog to North Conway is having a comfortable place to stay where you don’t have to spend the entire trip worrying about hotel restrictions.
That’s one of the reasons Moat Mountain Getaway is such a convenient home base for a North Conway vacation.
After spending the day hiking at Green Hills, walking through Whitaker Woods, visiting Diana’s Baths or exploring the shops at Settlers Green, you can come back and relax instead of trying to keep everyone comfortable in a single hotel room.
Having a vacation home also gives you more flexibility throughout the day. You can come back for a break, let your dog rest, clean up after an outdoor adventure and head back out later.
For families traveling with dogs, that flexibility can make a big difference.
You can learn more about Moat Mountain Getaway and plan your stay through Shipwright Properties.
🐾 Planning the Perfect Dog Friendly North Conway Trip
North Conway is a particularly good destination if you want your dog to be part of the vacation instead of sitting in a hotel room while everyone else explores.
You can start the morning with a hike at Green Hills Preserve, cool off at Diana’s Baths, take a scenic drive through the White Mountains, browse dog friendly stores at Settlers Green and finish the day with dinner on a patio.
And you don’t have to make every day a major adventure. Places like Dahl Wildlife Sanctuary and Whitaker Woods are perfect for shorter walks, while Jackson Falls and Cathedral Ledge give you easy ways to experience some of the area’s scenery without committing to an all day hike.
The biggest thing to remember is that dog friendly doesn’t mean rule free. Keep your dog leashed where required, clean up after them, respect wildlife and check individual business policies before visiting.
With a little planning, your dog can experience a pretty great White Mountains vacation right alongside you.
And when you’re ready to call it a day, Moat Mountain Getaway gives you a comfortable home base in North Conway to relax and recharge before the next day’s adventure.
🐾 Your dog doesn’t have to stay home for your North Conway vacation.