Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont is a place where dogs are not just welcomed, they are cherished. Spanning 150 mountaintop acres in Vermont’s Northeastern Kingdom, thisone-of-a-kind dog-friendly destination encompasses extensive hiking trails, beautiful wildflower meadows,breathtaking vistas, a serene Dog Chapel, and more. Dog owners and lovers travel from near and far to visit Dog Mountain and pay tribute to the healing power of “dogs, nature, love, and art.”
Dog Mountain was the vision of late American artist Stephen Huneck. He was inspired by a near-death experience to create a public space that brings together people, dogs, and art as a place of healing, reflection, and celebration. His primary creative medium was woodcarving, but he considered Dog Mountain to be his ultimate artistic achievement. He believed that dogs bring us closer to nature, and they help us live in the moment and love unconditionally.
My husband and I have visited Dog Mountain often with our German Shepherd dog Roscoe. Each time, we find another reason to fall in love with the place all over again. When we drive down a dead-end dirt road, the white, wooden steeple topped with a gold-winged dog weathervane signals that we’ve arrived someplace special. I slip inside the chapel covered in tributes from other dog owners and am reminded to slow down and appreciate the time that I have to spend with my dog. Roscoe races ahead, reveling in his off-leash freedom. And I trust in our bond, knowing that when he is done exploring the many scent trails and cooling off in the swimming pond, he’ll return to my side.
Read on to discover how to plan a very special visit to Dog Mountain with your pup!
Things to Do at Dog Mountain
Hike over 150 acres of trails
Dog Mountain is located on private land, but access to the grounds is free and always open to the public. Leashes are optional, so dogs are free to run, play, swim, and meet other dogs. There are trails for hikers of all levels, with delightful surprises like swimming ponds, spectacular views, and playful woodcarvings by Stephen Huneck around every turn.
Pay tribute at the Dog Chapel
One of my favorite features of Dog Mountain is the little white Dog Chapel. A sign out front reads, “Welcome All Creeds, All Breeds, No Dogmas Allowed”. Stephen Huneck designed this chapel as a place for people to celebrate and honor the spiritual bond they have with their dogs. He dedicated a Remembrance Wall, where visitors can leave a photo or tribute to dogs loved and lost. Today, the whole building – every single surface – is covered with these remembrances. It’s a tremendously moving sight to see this overwhelming outpouring of love.
Browse the Stephen Huneck Gallery
The Stephen Huneck Gallery, housed in an artistically renovated farmhouse, is where you can really get a sense of the visionary behind Dog Mountain. His whimsical style shines through in his original woodcut prints, giclees, New York Times best-selling “Sally” series of children’s books, furniture, and more.
Attend a Dog Party
Several times a year, the Stephen Huneck Gallery on Dog Mountain hosts unforgettable Dog Parties. It’s great opportunity for dogs and humans alike to meet new friends. Festivities include live music and food trucks, and of course, everyone has a ball.
Enjoy live music
On Sunday evenings in the summer, thousands of concert-goers flock to Dog Mountain for The Levitt AMP St. Johnsury Music Series. Presented by Catamount Arts, the concerts feature a diverse lineup of musicians from all over the country.
Best Time to Visit Dog Mountain
There’s really no bad time of year to visit Dog Mountain. The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont is the perfect playground for outdoor-lovers in every season. The region draws mountain bikers in the summer and snow-shoe and cross county skiiers in the winter.Wildflowers blanket the mountainside in the springtime. In the fall, Dog Mountain is the perfect off-the-beaten path alternative to more popular leaf peeping spots in New England.
Dog Friendly Hotels near Dog Mountain
Here are nearby places I’ve stayed with my dog when visiting Dog Mountain in Vermont.
The Inn at Mountain View Farm
Located 30 minutes away in East Burke, The Inn at Mountain View Farm offers one of the most breathtaking views in the Northeast Kingdom. The dog friendly, 440-acre historic farm estate includes an on-site animal sanctuary dedicated to providing farm animals with a good future.
Circe & Hare Lodge
If you prefer to have you own space, stay at a dog-friendly Airbnb Circe & Hare Lodge. This rustic and refined cabin is in Greensboro, about 45 minutes away from Dog Mountain. You and your dog will enjoy having the peaceful property overlooking the Lamoille River all to yourselves.
Sugarloaf Campground
If you’re looking for a budget option in the area, consider camping with your dog in the nearby White Mountains at Sugarloaf Campground. This dog-friendly campground in the northwoods of New Hampshire is located 45 minutes away from Dog Mountain.
The Stowehof
Make the dog-friendly town of Stowe your final destination and stay at The Stowehof. Located an hour and a half drive from Dog Mountain, this classic lodge is the perfect central location for enjoying even more adventures with your dog.
Note: The Stowehof is currently closed for renovations until 2024.
Field Guide Lodge
Another dog friendly hotel option in Stowe is Field Guide Lodge. This stylish boutique hotel is located right in downtown Stowe, the perfect home base for you and your pup’s Vermont adventures.
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Dog Friendly Guide to Stowe, VT
Get even more recommendations for things to do in the nearby town of Stowe.
Ready to plan a visit to Dog Mountain in Vermont with your dog? Check out my Top Tips for Traveling with a Dog.
