National Forests · AL

Dogs in National Forests in Alabama

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Dog-friendly

Dogs are welcome across Alabama's national forests, including the 26,000-acre Sipsey Wilderness in the Bankhead unit, where they must stay leashed on every trail. Keep pets on a 6-foot leash in developed recreation areas.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the Sipsey Wilderness trails (about 50 miles across 12 trails and 7 trailheads), on the Pinhoti and Conecuh National Recreation Trails, and throughout the Bankhead, Talladega, Conecuh, and Tuskegee units. On the general forest dogs may be off leash if under control, but Sipsey requires a leash at all times.

Where dogs are allowed

Leashed dogs are welcome on the Sipsey Wilderness trails (about 50 miles across 12 trails and 7 trailheads), on the Pinhoti and Conecuh National Recreation Trails, and throughout the Bankhead, Talladega, Conecuh, and Tuskegee units. On the general forest dogs may be off leash if under control, but Sipsey requires a leash at all times.

Leash rule

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
U.S. Forest Service
View the Forest Service page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National Forests

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to National Forests in Alabama?

Dogs are welcome across Alabama's national forests, including the 26,000-acre Sipsey Wilderness in the Bankhead unit, where they must stay leashed on every trail. Keep pets on a 6-foot leash in developed recreation areas. Leashed dogs are welcome on the Sipsey Wilderness trails (about 50 miles across 12 trails and 7 trailheads), on the Pinhoti and Conecuh National Recreation Trails, and throughout the Bankhead, Talladega, Conecuh, and Tuskegee units. On the general forest dogs may be off leash if under control, but Sipsey requires a leash at all times.

What is the leash rule at National Forests in Alabama?

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Are service animals allowed at National Forests in Alabama?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.