"National parks are among the most spectacular destinations to vacation with pups. Compared to big cities, they’re typically less crowded and expensive, ensuring a more stress-free experience for dogs in unfamiliar environments (and less fees for you), with plenty of room to prance around. Many national parks, however, restrict dogs to a few specific trails, if any, or certain areas only during quieter times of year. But Acadia National Park is one of the most dog-friendly parks in the country, with 100 miles of hiking trails open to dogs, as long as they’re leashed at all times. The flat Jordan Pond Path, a 3-mile loop around a shimmering lake, is a particular standout, as is the out-and-back Ocean Path Trail that begins at Sand Beach, where dogs are allowed during the off-season (mid-September to June). There’s also a Bark Ranger program that teaches owners about the Rules of B.A.R.K. (Bag your pet’s waste, Always leash your pet, Respect wildlife, Know where to go) and rewards dogs with special Bark Ranger collar tags. In the gateway town of Bar Harbor, you’ll find dog-friendly eateries, like Beal’s Lobster Pier, Peekytoe Provisions, and Side Street Cafe for all your lobster roll and haddock Reuben needs, while pet-friendly lodging runs the gamut from the casual, like Belle Isle Motel with its six acres of field space for your pup to explore, to the luxe, like Balance Rock Inn, where they’re welcome around the outdoor common grounds." - Matt Kirouac
