You’ve probably felt the guilt when you stared in your pet’s sad eyes as you packed your bag for vacation, but did you know that the Western White Mountains of New Hampshire are pet-friendly? Numerous trails, waterways and relaxing public areas are waiting for your pup to romp around on! The greater Lincoln and Woodstock area is also home to a ton of great pet-friendly activities, lodging and dining options, so you don’t have to leave Fido at home on your next vacation. Just remember to book early as pet-friendly rooms get scooped up fast!
Pet-Friendly Swimming Areas & Trails
Please always keep your pet on a leash when using public or private hiking trails in the Western White Mountains.
Lincoln Woods or East Side Trails
Located off Route 112 just East of Lincoln, the Lincoln Woods Trailhead is your basecamp for numerous dog-friendly hikes and dips in the Pemigewasset River. There is a $5 day use fee to be paid at the trailhead (bring cash – cell phone service is limited here), but it is well worth it!
Head to the Ranger cabin and swing a left over the suspension bridge to follow the Lincoln Woods trail for ~3 easy miles along the Pemigewasset River. Take a side trip to Black Pond or Franconia Falls (use caution with Fido or kiddos here). Turn around and go back the way you came when you’re tuckered out. After ~3 miles, the trail reaches the Pemigewasset Wilderness boundary and becomes much more difficult.
Looking for something a bit more off the beaten path? From the Ranger cabin, go right and follow the East Side Trail for ~3 miles miles until you reach Franconia Brook tent site. This easy-graded path follows the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River and has ample opportunities for you and your pup to cool off. Like the Lincoln Woods Trail, turn around and return back the way you came.
JE Henry Trail
The JE Henry Trail can be accessed from a parking area behind RiverWalk Resort off Main Street Lincoln. This mellow 1 mile trail follows the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River and offers plenty of river access.
Elbow Pond
Elbow Pond is a hidden gem located off Hwy 118, west of the town of Woodstock. Canoeing, hiking and swimming opportunities are in abundance. Please be aware that a shooting range is located at the beginning of Elbow Pond Rd.
Wildwood Picnic Area
Wildwood Picnic Area sits along the banks of the Wild Ammonoosuc River off Route 112 West. There are picnic tables, grills, a small pavilion, and plenty of green space for your pup to let out energy.
Pet Friendly Lodging & Dining
Loon Reservation Services – Lincoln & Woodstock
Loon Reservation Services manages vacation rentals at 12 resorts in Lincoln and Woodstock. Choose from one- to four-bedroom condos and townhouses all within three miles of Loon Mountain Resort. Many of the rentals are dog-friendly, so you can bring your pooch along to enjoy all the family fun. An additional pet fee is required, and all dogs must be approved by Loon Reservation Services prior to arrival.
RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain – Lincoln
RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain offers luxury pet-friendly suites overlooking the bubbling Pemigewasset River. Offering a variety of suites to meet any size family, RiverWalk Resort has dog-friendly suites on the first two floors of the resort. Situated in the center of Lincoln, you can take your pup for a walk in the woods or around town.
The Notch Hostel – North Woodstock
Located minutes away from the Appalachian Trail in an 1890 farmhouse in North Woodstock, the Notch Hostel offers an affordable and comfortable place to rest your head at night. The 30-guest hostel primary offers shared rooms with some being dog-friendly. During the summer months, there is a fenced-in yard for your dog to run around and play. Like any dog-friendly place, there’s a resident dog on staff called Delilah Jones who loves attention and treats.
Quality Inn & Suites – Lincoln
The Quality Inn & Suites in Lincoln offers pet-friendly rooms with exterior entrances for an additional pet fee. The rooms are limited so it’s important to book in advance. Located close to all the best attractions and hiking in town, Quality Inn & Suites is a great home base for all your adventures.
Parker’s Motel – Lincoln
Located next door to Franconia Notch State Park, Parker’s Motel is a family-run business with 24 rooms ranging in size. Well-behaved pets are welcomed with advanced booking and a small additional pet fee.
One Love Brewery – Lincoln
Located across the parking lot from the RiverWalk Resort in the Village Shops in Lincoln, One Love Brewery has pet-friendly outdoor dining on its deck. After a day of hiking with your dog, celebrate with a pint and some delicious wings at One Love Brewery. Fido doesn’t even have to wait for your scraps under the table – One Love has a “Patio Pup” Menu just for the doggos!
Woodstock Inn Brewery – North Woodstock
The historic 40-room country inn offers both pet-friendly rooms and dog-friendly outdoor dining. Many of the rooms at the Woodstock Inn Brewery have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs and all the modern comforts of home in a beautifully designed mountain-theme room. Not all rooms are dog-friendly so make sure you book in advance so you can reserve a pet-friendly room for Spot. Don’t forget to bring your pup along with you to the Dam Bar!
Adair Inn – Bethlehem
Built in 1927 in beautiful Bethlehem, the Adair Inn offers three pet-friendly suites and two pet-friendly houses. The Kinsman Suite with views of Mt. Washington and the Franconia and Crawford Suites with views of the Dalton Mountain Range are all pet-friendly with a pet fee. Additionally, the 1811 House and Carriage House are both dog-friendly if you need a little extra space. For lodging guests, well-behaved dogs are allowed on the patio during breakfast.
Book a Vacation with Fido
Fido, Spot, and all their furry friends will love a vacation in the western White Mountains. With a variety of pet-friendly accommodations for all budgets, there’s no excuse to leave your furry pal at home while you explore the beautiful mountains of New Hampshire.
