As summer fades into autumn, the cooling temperatures can be quite inviting for those looking for an outdoor travel adventure.

For people with pets who also like the great outdoors, visiting a United States National Park can be a perfect destination.

While most National Parks do permit pets, there are some general rules that apply:
•    Pets are only permitted along roadways, developed areas and camping grounds.
•    Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet or must be crated or caged.
•    Pets are not allowed in any buildings, on most trails, beaches or in the wilder areas.

With that said, some National Parks are more pet-friendly than others. For example, Acadia National Park in Maine and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia allow dogs on most trails; Grand Canyon National Park will allow dogs on the trails above the rim, but definitely not below; and Colorado's Great Sands Dunes National Park actually allows 100% access for dogs.

For a complete list of pet friendly national parks listed state by state (complete with their rules), please visit: petfriendlytravel.com/national_parks

Jodi Ziskin, our Traveling with Pets Editor, is a Holistic Wellness Consultant for Animal Companions, specializing in nutrition and proactive health. She is a Certified Pet Nutrition Consultant who also holds a Master of Science degree in Holistic Nutrition. Through her company Holistic Jodi, LLC, Jodi makes house calls throughout South Florida, helping cats, dogs, birds and rabbits be as healthy and happy as possible.

She and her husband Zach live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with their two cats, Obi and Emma.

Photo: Denali National Park

Please feel free to contact Jodi at holisticjodi[at]gmail.com or visit http://www.healthypetcoach.com/

Photo Credit – Courtesy of John Angle.