Vermont Dog Friendly Vacation Activities

Vermont has a way of stealing hearts — winding country roads, rolling mountains, crisp rivers, and small towns that seem like they’re built for exploring on foot. But what makes the Green Mountain State truly special is how welcoming it is to pets. Across Vermont, you’ll discover countless dog friendly activities, trails, lodging, and attractions where four-legged friends are not just allowed but celebrated.

If you’re planning a Vermont dog friendly vacation, this guide is your companion. Organized by region, it highlights the best places to hike, eat, sip, swim, and explore with your dog — plus a hand-picked list of dog friendly lodging nearby, so you and your pup can rest easy after a day of adventure.

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The Northeast Kingdom: Wild, Scenic, and Wonderfully Dog Friendly

The Northeast Kingdom (often called the NEK) is Vermont’s most rugged and remote corner, filled with glacial lakes, high ridges, and peaceful small towns. It’s also one of the most dog friendly regions in Vermont, offering off-leash play, uncrowded trails, and plenty of fresh mountain air.

Dog Mountain – St. Johnsbury

No dog friendly vacation in Vermont is complete without a visit to Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury. This 150-acre property was created by artist Stephen Huneck as a sanctuary for dogs and their humans. The famous Dog Chapel sits at the top of the hill, its walls covered with handwritten notes, photos, and memories of beloved pets. The grounds include meadows, ponds, and miles of hiking trails where dogs can romp freely, off-leash. Dog parties, festivals, and community events are hosted here throughout the year.

Visiting Dog Mountain is less like checking off an attraction and more like joining a movement — a joyful, tear-tinged reminder of how deeply our pets enrich our lives.

Where to Stay Near Dog Mountain St. Johnsbury

• Comfort Inn & Suites Near Burke Mountain – 703 US Route 5 South, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. Pet friendly, with large rooms, an indoor pool, and free breakfast.

• Burke Mountain Hotel & Conference Center – 2559 Mountain Road, East Burke, VT 05832. Modern slopeside hotel with dog friendly rooms and mountain views.

Willoughby Lake and the Pisgah Trails

Lake Willoughby in Westmore is one of Vermont’s most striking natural landmarks. Surrounded by sheer cliffs and forested peaks, the lake has several trailheads leading into Willoughby State Forest. Popular hikes include the Mount Pisgah Trail, where leashed dogs can climb to breathtaking overlooks, and the Mount Hor Trail, which offers equally scenic views of the water below. The lake’s northern shore has sandy areas where dogs can swim.

Where to Stay Near Willoughby Lake

• Willoughvale Inn & Cottages – 793 Route 5A, Westmore, VT 05860. Charming lakeside cottages with fireplaces, porches, and pet friendly policies.

• Highland Lodge – 1608 Craftsbury Road, Greensboro, VT 05841. Historic lodge with pet-friendly cabins on Caspian Lake.

• Clyde River Hotel – 5 Cross Street, Island Pond, VT 05846. A small boutique inn near remote trails and lakes, welcoming to dogs.

Kingdom Trails and East Burke

East Burke is home to Kingdom Trails, one of the nation’s premier mountain biking networks. In summer and fall, many trails are also open for hiking with leashed dogs. Wide meadows, quiet woods, and hilltop views make this area a favorite for outdoor-loving pups. In winter, cross-country ski trails welcome skijoring (skiing with your dog pulling you).

After a hike, stop in at Mike’s Tiki Bar in East Burke, a seasonal outdoor beer bar that welcomes dogs and serves rotating Vermont craft brews.

Where to Stay in East Burke

• Inn at Mountain View Farm – 3383 Darling Hill Road, East Burke, VT 05832. Historic inn and farm with acres of meadows and pet friendly policies.

• Burke Mountain Campground – 2259 Mountain Road, East Burke, VT 05832. Dog friendly tent and RV sites right on the mountain.

• Village Inn of East Burke – 606 Route 114, East Burke, VT 05832. Cozy inn with easy access to Kingdom Trails and pet friendly rooms.

Northern Vermont: Lake Champlain and Burlington’s Dog Friendly Vibe

Northern Vermont blends the wild beauty of Lake Champlain with the cultural energy of Burlington. This is one of the most dog friendly Vermont vacation regions, with breweries, markets, lakeside walks, and patios that welcome pups as warmly as their owners.

Burlington Waterfront & Bike Path

The Burlington Bike Path runs 8 miles along Lake Champlain, connecting parks, beaches, and neighborhoods. It’s perfect for walking or jogging with your dog on a leash. Stop at Waterfront Park for sweeping mountain views or let your pup splash in the shallows at dog-friendly spots along the shoreline.

Downtown Burlington is bustling with open-air cafés and patios. Foam Brewers on the waterfront allows dogs outside, and Switchback Brewing Company is known for hosting dogs on its patio. The Church Street Marketplace is a pedestrian street where you’ll find leashed dogs strolling alongside live music and local vendors.

Where to Stay in Burlington

• Hotel Vermont – 41 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05401. Dog friendly boutique hotel with modern style, local art, and great access to parks.

• Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain – 60 Battery Street, Burlington, VT 05401. Spacious, pet friendly rooms with lake and Adirondack views.

• Lang House on Main Street – 360 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401. Historic inn welcoming dogs in select rooms, walking distance to downtown.

Shelburne Farms and Vineyards

South of Burlington, Shelburne Farms is a working farm and historic estate offering trails where leashed dogs are welcome. The lakefront walking paths provide stunning sunset views.

Shelburne also hosts Shelburne Vineyard, a dog friendly winery with outdoor seating among the vines. Nearby, Fiddlehead Brewing often has dogs lounging on its patio while owners sip pints.

Where to Stay in Shelburne

• T-Bird Motor Inn – 4405 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, VT 05482. A budget friendly, dog-welcoming option close to Burlington.

• North Star Motel – 5107 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, VT 05482. Clean, comfortable, and pet friendly.

• Heart of the Village Inn – 5347 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, VT 05482. A charming B&B with select pet friendly accommodations.

Dog Friendly Islands of Lake Champlain

Drive the scenic causeways into the Lake Champlain Islands, where open fields, orchards, and quiet state parks welcome leashed dogs. Grand Isle State Park and Knight Point State Park have walking trails and picnic spots for a relaxed day with your pup.

Where to Stay in the Champlain Islands

• Shore Acres Inn & Restaurant – 237 Shore Acres Drive, North Hero, VT 05474. Lakeside inn with pet friendly rooms and on-site dining.

• Hyde Away Inn – 1428 Mill Brook Road, Waitsfield, VT 05673. Dog friendly country inn just a short drive from the islands.

Central Vermont: Trails, Villages & Mountain Adventures

Central Vermont offers some of the state’s best-known destinations: Stowe, Montpelier, and Woodstock. It’s also packed with dog friendly hikes, breweries, and inns.

Stowe Recreation Path

The Stowe Recreation Path is one of Vermont’s most popular dog friendly walks. This 5.3-mile paved path meanders through fields, past streams, and under mountain views. Dogs must be leashed, but there are plenty of shady spots and benches for breaks.

Afterward, stop at The Alchemist Brewery, home of Heady Topper, where leashed dogs are welcome outdoors. Or grab a pizza and pint at Idletyme Brewing Company, another local favorite with a dog friendly patio.

Where to Stay in Stowe

• Green Mountain Inn – 18 Main Street, Stowe, VT 05672. Elegant, pet friendly rooms in the heart of the village.

• Field Guide Lodge – 433 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672. Stylish boutique hotel with modern design and select pet friendly rooms.

• Stowe Motel & Snowdrift – 2043 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672. Affordable and dog friendly, close to the recreation path.

Montpelier: Vermont’s Dog Friendly Capital

Montpelier may be the nation’s smallest capital city, but it’s big on charm. The Hubbard Park Trail System offers miles of forested walks leading up to a stone observation tower. Dogs are welcome throughout the park. In town, Three Penny Taproom serves up local beers and allows dogs at outdoor tables.

Where to Stay in Montpelier

• Capitol Plaza Hotel – 100 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602. Pet friendly hotel steps from the State House.

• Econo Lodge – 101 Northfield Street, Montpelier, VT 05602. Budget friendly, dog welcoming rooms.

• Inn at Montpelier – 147 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602. A classic New England inn that accepts pets in select rooms.

Woodstock and Quechee

Woodstock is often called Vermont’s prettiest village, and it’s dog friendly too. The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park has extensive carriage roads and trails where leashed dogs can hike alongside their owners. Nearby Quechee Gorge offers a short trail leading to Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon,” with dog friendly picnic areas.

Where to Stay in Woodstock

• 506 On The River Inn – 1653 West Woodstock Road, Woodstock, VT 05091. Pet friendly rooms with river views and spacious grounds.

• The Shire Woodstock – 46 Pleasant Street, Woodstock, VT 05091. A dog welcoming inn with easy walking access to town.

• Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm – 1119 Quechee Main Street, Quechee, VT 05059. Historic inn with select pet friendly rooms.

Southern Vermont: Villages, Country Inns & Dog Friendly Culture

Southern Vermont is known for covered bridges, rolling farmland, and classic New England villages. It’s also full of Vermont dog friendly lodging, trails, and breweries.

Manchester and the Equinox Trails

Manchester is a shopping and hiking hub. The Equinox Preservation Trust protects over 900 acres of trails leading up Mount Equinox, all dog friendly with leashes required. In town, outlets and boutiques often leave water bowls out for pups, and outdoor patios like Union Underground are dog welcoming.

Where to Stay in Manchester

• Kimpton Taconic Hotel – 3835 Main Street, Manchester Village, VT 05254. Luxury hotel famous for its dog friendly policies (no pet fees).

• Four Winds Country Motel – 7379 Main Street, Manchester Center, VT 05255. Affordable, comfortable, and dog welcoming.

• The Inn at Manchester – 3967 Main Street, Manchester, VT 05254. Warm, welcoming inn with select dog friendly rooms.

Brattleboro: Arts, Food & Scenic Trails

Brattleboro blends artistic energy with outdoor adventure. The West River Trail follows an old rail line for dog friendly walking and biking. Downtown Brattleboro is full of dog friendly patios, and Whetstone Station Restaurant and Brewery is a riverside spot where pups can join you on the deck.

Where to Stay in Brattleboro

• Latchis Hotel – 50 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Iconic art deco theater hotel with pet friendly rooms.

• Colonial Motel & Spa – 889 Putney Road, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Dog friendly accommodations with on-site spa.

• Black Mountain Inn – 959 Putney Road, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Comfortable and pet friendly, close to trails and town.

Bennington and the Shires of Vermont

Bennington anchors the southwestern corner of Vermont and is home to the Bennington Battle Monument and covered bridge tours. Dogs are welcome at the Mile-Around Woods trail, a gentle loop with sweeping farmland views. Many cafés and shops in downtown Bennington put out water bowls for furry visitors.

Where to Stay in Bennington

• South Shire Inn – 124 Elm Street, Bennington, VT 05201. Elegant Victorian inn welcoming dogs in select rooms.

• Paradise Inn – 141 West Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201. Spacious rooms, outdoor pool, and pet friendly policies.

• Bennington Motor Inn – 143 West Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201. Affordable dog friendly motel within walking distance of downtown.

Vermont Dog Friendly Travel Tips

• Always bring a leash, even in remote areas — many Vermont towns require it.

• Pack a collapsible water bowl and treats for hikes.

• Vermont’s weather shifts quickly — carry rain gear and layers for both you and your pup.

• Always confirm dog policies with inns before arrival, as rules can vary.

Wrapping Up: Vermont for You and Your Dog

From the meadows of Dog Mountain to the bustling breweries of Burlington, from quiet trails in the Green Mountains to riverside patios in Brattleboro, Vermont is one of the most dog friendly destinations in New England. This is a state where dogs are not just tolerated but embraced — running alongside hikers, curling up at the foot of rustic inns, and joining their owners at farm stands, festivals, and breweries.

Bring your dog, your walking shoes, and a spirit of adventure, and Vermont will welcome you both with open arms (and wagging tails).

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