Napa Valley has more dog-friendly walking options than many residents realize, but the rules vary quite a bit from one park to another. In most places, dogs need to stay on leash, and some popular hiking areas don’t allow dogs on trails at all.

Alston Park, Napa is one of the easiest places to start. The 157-acre park has roughly three miles of trails through rolling grassland, plus both on-leash and off-leash dog areas. The popular loop is about 2.7 miles and is relatively easy, though there is very little shade, which matters on warmer days. Parking, restrooms, and drinking water are available.

For a more traditional hike, Westwood Hills Park offers about three miles of trails through oak groves and grassy hills, with broad views over Napa. Dogs are allowed, but should remain under control and leashed where required.

Farther south, the Napa River Bay Trail in American Canyon offers a flatter option through wetlands and along the river. Dogs are welcome on leash, making this a good choice for an easier walk or for dogs that may not enjoy steeper terrain.

Upvalley, dogs are allowed on the Oat Hill Mine Trail in Calistoga.

This one is more rugged and better suited to dogs and owners comfortable with a real hike. Napa Outdoors recommends keeping dogs under voice control and suggests leashes for safety.

Another option is the Hennessy Unit of Moore Creek Park, where dogs are allowed on leash in the park and on trails. One important restriction: dogs are not allowed in Lake Hennessy because it is a drinking-water source for the City of Napa.

For something gentler, the Napa Valley Vine Trail is paved, relatively flat, and dog-friendly on leash. Completed sections currently connect portions of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga, making it especially useful for an easy walk without committing to a full hiking trail.

One important caveat: some of Napa Valley’s best-known hiking destinations are not dog-friendly on trails. Dogs are restricted to developed areas at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and Bale Grist Mill, and they are not allowed at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.

Before You Go: Bring water for both you and your dog, watch for foxtails, ticks, and rattlesnakes, and double-check leash rules before heading out. On hotter days, it’s also smart to choose shaded routes or go early.

This is the first in a short Napa Valley Grapevine series on dog-friendly spots around the valley. Next week, we’ll look at where to take your dog off-leash, including local dog parks and other places where pups have a little more room to run.