Part 18 of our 25-part Southeast road trip series takes us to the Empire State — and New York is one of the most extraordinary dog-friendly destinations in the entire country. From the wild peaks of the Adirondacks and the misty hollows of the Catskills to the vineyard-lined shores of the Finger Lakes, the charming Hudson Valley, and yes — even New York City itself — New York offers an almost overwhelming range of dog-friendly experiences across its vast and beautiful landscape.
🐾 Why New York?
New York State is so much more than New York City — though the city itself is more dog-friendly than most people realize. The Adirondack Park is the largest protected area in the contiguous United States, with thousands of miles of dog-friendly trails. The Catskills have become one of the most vibrant weekend destinations in the Northeast, with a booming food, craft beer, and arts scene. The Finger Lakes offer world-class wine and stunning gorge hiking. And the Hudson Valley is one of America's great scenic and culinary destinations.
🏨 Pet-Friendly Hotels & Stays
Kimpton Hotel Eventi — New York City (Chelsea)
Zero pet fees, steps from the High Line, Chelsea Market, and the Hudson River waterfront.
The Emerson Resort & Spa — Mount Tremper (Catskills)
A beautiful boutique resort in the heart of the Catskills that welcomes pets with stunning mountain scenery.
Mirror Lake Inn — Lake Placid (Adirondacks)
A beautiful lakeside resort in Lake Placid that welcomes pets with world-class outdoor recreation nearby.
Aurora Inn — Aurora (Finger Lakes)
A beautifully restored historic inn on the shores of Cayuga Lake that welcomes pets.
🍽️ Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Cafés
Gramercy Tavern — New York City
One of New York City's most beloved restaurants with a dog-friendly outdoor area in warmer months.
The Pines — Catskills (Eldred)
A celebrated Catskills restaurant with a dog-friendly outdoor area and extraordinary farm-to-table cuisine.
Lake Placid Pub & Brewery — Lake Placid
A beloved Lake Placid institution with a dog-friendly outdoor area and great craft beer.
🍺 Dog-Friendly Breweries
Brewery Ommegang — Cooperstown
One of America's most celebrated Belgian-style craft breweries with a stunning dog-friendly outdoor space on a former hop farm.
Catskill Brewery — Livingston Manor
A beloved Catskills craft brewery with a large dog-friendly outdoor space in the charming town of Livingston Manor.
Sloop Brewing — Elizaville (Hudson Valley)
A celebrated Hudson Valley craft brewery with a massive dog-friendly outdoor space on a beautiful farm.
Ithaca Beer Company — Ithaca (Finger Lakes)
A beloved Finger Lakes craft brewery with a large dog-friendly outdoor space overlooking the hills above Ithaca.
🌲 Dog-Friendly Parks & Trails
Adirondack Park — Northern New York
The largest protected area in the contiguous US with thousands of miles of dog-friendly trails. The High Peaks region around Lake Placid is particularly spectacular.
Watkins Glen State Park — Finger Lakes
One of the most spectacular state parks in the country, with dog-friendly trails through a stunning gorge past 19 waterfalls.
Central Park — New York City
843 acres of green space with dog-friendly paths and off-leash areas before 9am and after 9pm.
Harriman State Park — Hudson Valley
A stunning 47,000-acre state park just 30 miles from Manhattan with hundreds of miles of dog-friendly trails.
🗺️ Suggested Road Trip Route
Start in New York City → north through the Hudson Valley → west to the Catskills → west to the Finger Lakes → north to the Adirondacks. New York State is large enough to warrant multiple dedicated road trips.
🐶 Pro Tips
- New York City is more dog-friendly than you think — Central Park's off-leash hours, the High Line, and dozens of dog-friendly patios make it a great urban dog destination.
- The Adirondack High Peaks are extremely popular in summer and fall — go early and on weekdays.
- Watkins Glen's Gorge Trail can be slippery — use caution with dogs on the wet stone steps.
- The Catskills have exploded in popularity — book accommodations well in advance for fall foliage weekends.
Have a favorite dog-friendly spot in New York we should add? Drop it in the comments!
🐾 This is Part 18 of 25 in our Southeast Dog-Friendly Road Trip Series.
← Part 17: New Jersey | ↑ Back to the Series Hub | Part 19: Connecticut →