Potomac Pack lists 5 dog-friendly trails in Fairfax County. Each listing includes the dog rule we last checked. A few are listed because pets are not allowed, or only service animals are allowed, in all or part of the place.
Dog rule: GWMP-wide rule applies on NPS-managed sections along the Potomac: pets leashed at all times on a leash no more than 6 ft, pets prohibited from entering the Potomac River from GWMP lands (Great Falls Park page). Check each segment's managing agency.
Unconfirmed: Unverified Checked Nov 10, 2026. Source
Dog rule: NOVA Parks regulation s1.05: no animal may be in a park unless caged or on a leash and under the person's control, except dogs in designated off-leash exercise areas. Trail is a hiker-only natural-surface trail between Bull Run Regional Park and Fountainhead, confirm trail rules on the park page.
Venue confirmed Checked Nov 10, 2026. Source
Dog rule: NOVA Parks trail guidelines: keep pets on a short leash and under control at all times, best place for pets is the right shoulder next to the owner. A revised W&OD regulation (No. 2.0, dated 10/21/26) would require pets on a leash no longer than 6 ft, it goes to the NOVA Parks Board Nov. 19, 2026, so recheck then. Hours 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Venue confirmed Checked Nov 10, 2026. Source
Why this is listed: no dogs. Domestic dogs and other pets are not allowed on the Restoration and Heron Trails, including the wetland boardwalk (the only portion of the 1,500-acre park off-limits to pets). Reason given: nesting birds and a narrow boardwalk.
Dogs not allowed
Official rule confirmed Checked Nov 10, 2026. Source
Dog rule: FCPA rule applies on the 40-mile trail: pets must be leashed and under control, pedestrians have right of way, trails close at dark. FCPA trail rules: stay on designated trails, do not disturb wildlife.
Venue confirmed Checked Nov 10, 2026. Source
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