If you’re anything like me, you might start celebrating autumn the minute a chill hits the air. Though the season doesn’t technically start until the end of September (which is the 22nd this year, by the way), I typically start bringing out my fall decorations as soon as the temps hit below 75.
There are so many fun things you can do in fall, from pumpkin picking and hayrides to a cozy night in with some scary movies. One of my absolute favorite things to do every year is to plan a weekend trip to enjoy the fall foliage. We try to pick a new destination every year, but there are a few favorites that I just can’t stop visiting. I absolutely love packing up Dune and Gracie in the car, filling up on apple cider, and hitting the road to do some exploring.
Keep reading to learn some of our favorite pet friendly fall destinations—within driving distance!—so you and your furry friend(s) can travel together this autumn, too!
#1: Jim Thorpe, PA
About thirty-five minutes away from home, Jim Thorpe is a fall MUST for our family—we usually go at least once a season, sometimes more!
It’s honestly difficult to get bored while visiting Jim Thorpe. It’s a perfect weekend destination with a quaint little shopping area and most of the buildings are dog friendly. One of my favorite places to stop is the Five and Dime store, where you can find all kinds of unique retro toys and games.
If you have the opportunity to visit, one thing you have to check out in Jim Thorpe is the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, where you can take your furry bestie for a train ride. Afterwards, Gracie and I like to walk along the D&L Trail, which is a flat (and maintained!) pathway perfect for taking walks or going for a bike ride. We always finish out our trip by stopping at the local ice cream shop and getting some soft serve by the train tracks.
One thing to note is that Jim Thorpe can get very busy on the weekends. If you have a dog that gets nervous around people or other dogs, try to stick to the more rustic parts of the area, like walking along the Lehigh Gorge Trail or the Switchback Road Trail.
#2: Bar Harbor, ME
Another favorite of mine is Bar Harbor. A few years ago, Dune and I traveled up to Maine for a week-long trip with my family to Acadia National Park. This was before I got Gracie, so we traveled as a service dog team, but I was surprised at just how many pet friendly options there were available for those that like to travel with their pets.
Bar Harbor is a cute little town located just outside Acadia National Park (which is also dog friendly!). After going for a nice long hike, you and your dog can travel into town to check out the many different shops, which are almost all pet friendly. Many of the stores put water out for the dogs and several shops also had free treats for furry visitors!
One of my favorite things about Bar Harbor was “Bark Harbor,” a cute little pet shop along the main street. This store carries local treats and goodies and New England-themed toys, like this adorable squeaky stuffed lobster that Dune still has and loves to toss around.
A big perk to the Bar Harbor area? There are tons of local house rentals that allow pets! Instead of staying in a hotel, which can be stressful for dogs, we found a great local house rental that was outfitted with a big yard for Dune to play fetch in. It was a great option for both of us when we needed a break from adventuring and shopping. There’s certainly no shortage of things to do in the area, no matter what pace you and your dog like to travel at!
#3: Lake George, NY
My family loves visiting Lake George. There are so many fun things for humans to do and let’s not forget the wine festivals, which my mom goes crazy for. While I didn’t have the dogs the last time we visited, I’ve heard so many good things about dog-friendly accommodations popping up left and right in the area.
If you haven’t visited Lake George, there are tons of great outdoor activities you can participate in. From camping to biking to watersports, there is something for everyone. During autumn, Lake George is a great place to check out the gorgeous fall scenery as the local foliage comes to life. One of our favorite trails to hike to check out the view is the Prospect Mountain Trail. It’s about a three-mile round trip and there are a few steep inclines, but it is dog friendly and definitely worth the hike. The summit reaches 100-mile views of the Adirondack Mountains, where you’ll be sure to enjoy the beautiful scenery and read about the history of the Prospect Mountain Railway. If you’re dog isn’t big on hiking, you can also check out the summit by car.
Outside of the Adirondacks, there are plenty of dog-centered activities, as well. One great thing to do, if your dog loves to swim, is to visit the Lake George Dog Beach, which runs along the shoreline between the Lake George Steamboat Company and Million Dollar Beach. This activity is completely free, there’s beautiful views to check out while your pup plays, and there are easy parking options for pup parents.
If your dog isn’t a big swimmer, they might prefer a boat ride with Lake George Cruises, instead. This one-hour cruise ride is perfect for the whole family and follows the history of the area while you and your pet sight-see. Together, you’ll check out the secluded islands, peaceful bays, and the million-dollar mansions in the area. Snacks and refreshments are available for paw-rents, but be sure to bring an extra bone if you think your dog might get fussy.
#4: Salem, MA
If you’ve never visited Salem, Massachusetts in the fall, you are seriously missing out. Salem is a fall must for my family and we try our best to visit the area every few years. If you’ve never been, you might not know that Salem is known for the infamous Salem Witch Village, which was the epicenter for witch trials in the late 1600s. A series of nearly twenty people were accused of witchcraft and were hanged for their crimes. Years later, the area has become a historical landmark for tourists to learn about Puritan culture.
If you choose to visit Salem, you’ll love strolling through the cobblestone streets and checking out some of the local stores, which vary from artisan coffeeshops to enchanting art corners. While not all of the local shops are pet friendly, there are some that allow dogs, like “Day of The Dog,” a charming little shop with one-of-a-kind treats, toys, and even pet accessories.
There are tons of great pet-friendly hotels in the area and there’s even a dog resort in Danvers, about ten minutes away, if you’d like to check out some of the local history by yourself. When you’re ready to pick up your pet, you might want to end the night with a dog-friendly Salem Ghost Tour to explore the area and see some spooky nighttime locals.
From a shopping spree at the New England Dog Biscuit Company to the local dog park, Salem is the perfect place to enjoy some spooky Halloween fun with your furry best friend. While not everything in the area is pet friendly, there are definitely tons of options to explore with your dog and there are even alternatives in the area if you’d like to let them play for the day while you check out some more human-centered history.
If you love seeing the fall foliage on the East Coast, but you don’t want to leave your fur child behind, there are so many fun places to check out that the two of you can explore together. From quaint village shops to lake cruises to ghost tours, there’s certainly something for everyone on this list. Leave a comment below if you have a fall foliage favorite you love to travel to during the autumn season!
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