Hit the ground running with your dog this spring. Adventure through the great outdoors using Front Royal as your hub. As a gateway to Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park, it’s an excellent destination from which to explore.
Pet-Friendly Places to Eat & Drink
Don’t take your pet into hostile territory. Opt for the places where doggos are welcome and celebrated. These Front Royal area restaurants and breweries are among several that love to see wagging tails on their patios.
- The Apple House
- PaveMint Smokin’ Taphouse – along the Happy Creek Trail (restaurant reopens March 8, 2024)
- Vibrissa Beer – the beer garden is pup-perfect
- Backroom Brewery – dogs are welcome in the barn as well as outside
- Down Home Comfort Bakery – check out their barkery goods
- Saga Meadery
PaveMint Smokehouse is “a great place to stop after hiking Shenandoah … they provided water bowls and even have several great dog snack options for $0.99!”
– Cassandra, BringFido Reviewer
View this post on Instagram
Pet-Friendly Places to Stay
Most of the national brand hotels welcome dogs with an additional fee. You’ll find plenty of those in and around Front Royal. Our choice for traveling with a pet would be Skyline Yurt. It’s new, wonderfully secluded, and close to hiking. It’s also very well appointed with every amenity you can think of.
View this post on Instagram
Pet-Friendly Hikes
According to the National Park Service, “Shenandoah National Park is one of the few national parks that allow pets on trails.” Cheers to you and your pup! Of course, you will need to clean up after your dog and keep him on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Do not leave pet waste bags behind.
There are a few trails where dogs are not allowed. Steer clear of these 20 miles and enjoy the other hundreds available to you.
No Pets on These Trails:
- Bearfence Mountain Trail
- Dark Hollow Falls Trail
- Fox Hollow Trail
- Frazier Discovery Trail
- Limberlost Trail
- Old Rag Ridge Trail
- Old Rag Saddle Trail
- Post Office Junction to Old Rag Shelter
- Ridge Access Trail
- Stony Man Trail ( the portion that follows the Appalachian Trail is fine for leashed pets)
- Story of the Forest Trail
Show off your pups enjoying Front Royal and Shenandoah National Park. Tag us on Instagram.
Header Image Courtesy of Vibrissa Beer