B.A.R.K. Ranger badge awaits dogs at 7 national parks

For national parks enthusiasts, the joy of taking a dog along for a hike or history tour is a significant part of the experience. However, in recent years, some at the National Park Service saw that visitors weren’t always matching their admiration for these protected places with responsible canine behavior. Furry companions were disrupting wildlife and disturbing plants, and pet waste was becoming a growing problem.

“We had some people that thought their dog was so gifted and special that they did not need to abide by park rules,” said Ginger Cox, a ranger at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site just outside of Asheville, N.C. Rather than allowing these sites to go to the dogs, the NPS devised a canine-friendly solution in 2015: the B.A.R.K. Rangers program.

This lesser-known initiative, available at roughly 50 sites, provides dogs with the opportunity to become more considerate NPS guests by following four straightforward steps represented by the B.A.R.K. acronym:

Bag your pet’s waste. Always leash your pet (no longer than 6 feet).

Respect wildlife.

Know where you can go. Upon successful completion of the challenge, a pup can attain the esteemed title of B.A.R.K. Ranger and receive rewards such as a bandanna or a coveted ranger badge. Here are seven sites where your dog can earn the B.A.R.K Ranger title (and don’t forget to make a reservation if you need one).

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Erica Goode, of Scottsville, Va., along with her husband and three boys, traveled to Acadia National Park in 2021 with their German shorthaired pointer Stihl. They spent seven days in the park exploring Bar Island, Gorham Mountain, Great Head and Little Hunters Beach. Goode said “it was an amazing trip” but she found the amount of pet waste left on the trail disappointing. When she shared her observation with a park ranger, he introduced the family to the B.A.R.K. Ranger program.

“Our boys were very familiar with the Junior Ranger program, so we were excited to learn about it,” Goode said. Stihl, then just 9 months old,

HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK

For centuries people have visited the geothermal pools of Hot Springs. The ancient site remains culturally significant to the Quapaw and Caddo tribes, along with others. Today you can take your dog to walk past its remaining eight historic bathhouses or hike 26 miles of trails.

CARL SANDBURG HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

“We kicked off our B.A.R.K. Ranger program in 2020 by partnering with the Hendersonville Humane Society,” Cox said. The North Carolina site has seen significant dog improvement since its debut. Here, dogs are welcome to enjoy the former home of the famous poet and author, including anywhere on the trails and grounds, except the goat pen. And when a canine completes the B.A.R.K. Ranger program, they earn a free wooden badge.

Cox cautions visitors to be mindful of the terrain, the weather and a dog’s abilities. “We live in the mountains, and it’s hilly and rocky and can get hot and cold,” Cox says.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Dogs are allowed in Yosemite National Park, but the B.A.R.K. Ranger code is strict. To protect the 400 species that call the park home, pets must stay on paved roads, sidewalks and bicycle paths, with the exception of the paved Vernal Fall that leads to one of the park’s spectacular waterfalls. Due to nesting birds and rodents, leaving roads into meadows is a particular no-no.

In addition, Yosemite emphasizes that pet food is also bear food so the site provides food storage lockers to store any dog treats if you are camping.

NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY

Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile road that runs through three states (Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee) and has 60 miles of footpaths. It encompasses the old Natchez Trace that was once a footpath for bison herds before becoming a travel corridor for Indigenous people, as well as European settlers in the late 18th century.

Many of its paths are open to dogs. The best way for a pup (or cat!) to earn the B.A.R.K. Ranger title here is to visit the visitor center near Tupelo, Miss., where guests can pick up a four-page activity booklet.

PRINCE WILLIAM FOREST PARK

Prince William Forest Park is a great example of the enduring legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The park opened during the Great Depression as a “relief” camp for D.C.’s underprivileged children. Today, the 15,000-acre natural refuge invites visitors to explore 37 miles of trails, all of which are pet-friendly, with the exception of the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area.

WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK

White Sands National Park is the world’s largest gypsum dune field — 275 square miles of desert — and one of the most dog-friendly NPS sites you can visit.

“Dogs are allowed anywhere in the dunes as long as they are following the B.A.R.K. Ranger principles,” ranger Sarah Sherwood said. “This means that they are absolutely welcome to join their people while they sled.” That’s right; dog sand sledding is not only allowed, it’s encouraged.