Top 5 Dog Friendly Hiking Spots
Nevada County is well known for its abundance of outdoor adventures, and if you are in the area, the trails of historic Nevada County are a must see! Here we have highlighted five of the best dog friendly hiking spots in the area.
Empire Mine State Historic Park: Located in historic Grass Valley, Empire Mine State Park includes 14 miles of trails, open year round for hiking, walking your dog, or enjoying a horse or bike ride.
Buttermilk Bend Trail: This trail allows dogs on leashes. Buttermilk Bend Trail begins near Penn Valley, winding a little over a mile up the South Yuba River. Be sure to come in the Springtime to see the spectacular Spring wildflowers!
Independence Trail: The first ever wheelchair accessible wilderness trail in the country! With easy terrain and extra wide paths, the Independence Trail is the perfect hiking experience for the whole family, including furry friends on leashes. The Independence Trail West and the main parking area are currently closed.
Point Defiance Trail: This 2.5mile loop located near Bridgeport with access to a lake is the perfect way to get some exercise and then take a refreshing swim with your pup.
Deer Creek Tribute Trail: If you’re looking for a quick trip into nature, check out the Deer Creek Tribute Trail. Located right in historic Nevada City, this trail features a suspension bridge that spans a portion of Deer Creek. And yes, dogs are welcome here!
Top 5 Dog Friendly Restaurants
Whether you are setting off on your adventures for the day, or ready to wind down, a delicious, relaxing meal is sure to keep you going in the right direction. We’ve taken the stress out of dining with your pet by listing five of the wonderful places to eat out while in Nevada County. Bon appetit!
Cosmic Roots Market: Situated right in downtown Nevada City, Cosmic Roots Market is the perfect place to grab a coffee or a healthy bite to eat with the patio behind the market.
Three Forks Bakery and Brewing Company: Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Three Forks sources much of its food from local organic producers. The outdoor patio is no longer dog friendly, but there’s doggie parking outside the restaurant with leash hook ups if you want an award winning beer on tap.
Lazy Dog Ice Cream: You can enjoy an ice cream and sit at their outdoor tables in historic Grass Valley. Water is available outside in a nice, big dog bowl for your four-legged friends.
Pine Street Burgers: Located in historic Grass Valley, Pine Street Burgers offers a lovely, casual dining experience. With an extensive menu of all natural burgers, fries, hot dogs, wraps, and shakes, you will certainly find something to satisfy your hunger! A small patio out front welcomes four legged friends.
Additional options in Nevada City & Grass Valley
Grass Valley Brewery
Thirsty Barrel Tap House
Diego’s
Tofanelli’s Gold Country Bistro
Sergio’s Cafe
Jernigan’s
Durgas Cafe
- Dogs Run Free Dog Park in Condon Park in Grass Valley, check our their Facebook page for more photos.
- Western Gateway Dog Park in Penn Valley
The InnSide Nevada City blog, VisitNevadaCityCA.com, has some great posts on local hikes, cycling, SUP, rock climbing, swimming and more, so no matter what you want to do while in the Nevada City area, we’ve got ideas and suggestions.
Photos by Erin Thiem, Lenkaland Photography, Sandy Boyd and Bob White
