Letchworth State Park

In 2015, Letchworth State Park in New York won the USA Today Readers' Choice Award for Best State Park — that on its own should probably tell you that this is a park well worth visiting. And when you consider that your dog is more than welcome to join you on a camping trip to this wonderfully scenic location, it becomes crystal clear just how great a destination Letchworth State Park really is.

Known as "the Grand Canyon of the east", this spectacular park is located in the Genesee River Gorge in Western New York. Covering 14,500 acres, it's home to some of the most breathtaking scenery you'll see anywhere in the country, from stunning waterfalls and lush forests to 600-foot high cliffs. Everywhere you look, you'll find photo opportunity after photo opportunity, so be prepared to spend a lot of time snapping countless shots.

If you want to get active, Letchworth State Park offers excellent whitewater rafting, kayaking, and some 66 miles of hiking trails. There are also trails to suit horseback riders, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers and snowmobiles, so it's up to you to choose how you want to explore.

Wildlife is also abundant in this gorgeous park. You can see bald eagles at any time of year, large numbers of Canada geese in winter, and numerous other bird species at various other times. Mammals that frequent the park include white-tailed deer, coyotes, and beavers.

The campground offers more than 250 campsites and over 80 cabins, with pets welcome on campsites but not allowed in cabins. When visiting the park, you'll also need to keep your dog on a leash of six feet or less and make sure to always clean up after your pet.

With those responsibilities taken care of, you and your canine pal can sink your teeth into the best this paw-some park has to offer.