The Best Trails and Tips for Including Your Pup in Your Adirondack Elopement

Dreaming of saying “I do” with your furry best friend by your side? You’re in the right place! The Adirondack Mountains are one of the most stunning and dog-friendly elopement destinations in New York. As an Adirondack elopement photographer (and major dog lover myself!), I’m here to help you find the best spots and share tips for planning a perfect elopement with dog-friendly Adirondack elopement locations.

Let’s dive into some of the best dog-friendly trails, ceremony spots, and advice to make sure your pup has the best day ever too!

Why Plan a Dog-Friendly Elopement in the Adirondacks?

The Adirondacks are packed with pet-friendly hiking trails, lakes, and quiet ceremony spots where dogs are more than welcome. With thousands of acres of wilderness, fresh mountain air, and lakeside beaches, it’s one of the easiest places to plan a dog friendly elopement in the Adirondacks.

Plus, imagine the adorable photos you’ll get when your pup walks down the “aisle” (aka a mountain trail) with you!

If you’re just starting to plan your day, be sure to check out my blog on How to Plan an Adventure Elopement in the Adirondacks for more tips on timelines, weather, and packing lists.

Best Dog-Friendly Adirondack Elopement Locations

Here are my favorite spots where you (and your dog!) can say your vows surrounded by epic beauty.

1. Cascade Mountain (High Peaks Region)

• Distance: ~4.5 miles roundtrip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dog-Friendly: Yes (leash required)

Cascade Mountain is one of the easiest of the Adirondack High Peaks to summit and offers breathtaking views at the top. It’s a perfect ceremony spot for adventurous couples with energetic pups!
Learn more about hiking Cascade Mountain.

2. Heaven Hill Trails (Lake Placid)

• Distance: 1–5 miles (multiple easy loops)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dog-Friendly: Very!

If you’re looking for something super relaxed, Heaven Hill Trails is ideal. Wide open meadows, mountain backdrops, and easy trails make it perfect for couples (and senior dogs or tiny pups who don’t want a big hike).

3. Baker Mountain (Saranac Lake)

• Distance: ~1.8 miles roundtrip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dog-Friendly: Yes!

A quick but moderately steep hike, Baker Mountain rewards you with gorgeous views over Saranac Lake. It’s quieter than Cascade, making it perfect for a dog-friendly elopement Adirondacks style if you want something a little more private.

4. Paul Smith’s VIC Trails (Paul Smiths, NY)

• Distance: Varies (tons of trail options)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Dog-Friendly: Absolutely

Paul Smith’s College VIC (Visitor Interpretive Center) offers miles of trails through forest, marshland, and rolling fields — many of them board walked for easy walking with pups! Perfect for a relaxed, low-key ceremony.

Plan your visit to the VIC Trails.

Tips for Including Your Dog in Your Adirondack Elopement

Bringing your dog to your elopement adds a ton of love and personality to your day! Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Choose the Right Trail

Pick a hike that matches your dog’s ability level. Puppies and seniors may not handle long hikes well, so easy trails like Heaven Hill are a great choice!

2. Pack for Your Pup

Bring water, a collapsible bowl, treats, a backup leash, and doggy waste bags.
You can even get a cute floral collar or tuxedo bandana for your ceremony!

3. Assign a Dog Handler

Ask a guest (or hire a pet attendant service) to help with your dog during parts of the day when you need to focus on your vows, photos, or a private moment.

4. Practice Ahead of Time

Practice posing with your dog and walking on trails before your big day. This helps your pup get used to the leash, ceremony setup, and lots of excitement!

5. Keep it Low Stress

If your dog doesn’t love big crowds or new places, plan for a private ceremony with just you three. The Adirondacks are full of hidden spots that are perfect for this!

For more ideas on creating a low-stress, joy-filled wedding day, you can check out my Ultimate Adirondack Elopement Checklist too!

Why I Love Photographing Elopements with Dogs

Some of my favorite elopement moments have involved wagging tails! Whether it’s a hike up to a peak with your four legged fur baby or a lakeside vow reading with your rescue pup by your side, including your dog turns your elopement into an even more meaningful adventure.

If you’re dreaming of a dog friendly elopement Adirondacks style, I’m here to help you plan every detail — and make sure your pup gets plenty of love (and treats!) along the way!

Ready to Plan Your Intimate Wedding in One of These Dog-Friendly Adirondack elopement locations ??

Bringing your dog along for your big day is one of the best choices you can make — and the Adirondacks are the perfect backdrop for it. If you’re ready to plan a dog friendly elopement Adirondacks style, reach out to me here! I can’t wait to help you and your furry family member create the most unforgettable adventure together.