Dog-Friendly Roztocze: Trails, Attractions and the Rules You Need
Roztocze is a great destination for dogs - but there is one major exception: Roztocze National Park has a total ban on dogs (assistance dogs only). Outside the national park you have plenty of options: the loess gorges of Szczebrzeszyn Landscape Park, the Szumy waterfall trail near Jozefow, the forests around Krasnobrody and Zamosc. Dogs must be kept on a lead on all forest land and in landscape parks. Rules can change - always check current regulations before you go.
Roztocze pulls you in with pine-scented forests, loess ravines and a silence you rarely find in central Poland. Many dog owners want to come here precisely for that - the long trails, the open skies, the feeling of real countryside. You can do all of that with a dog, but you need to know one hard rule before you pack the car.
Roztocze National Park - dogs are not allowed
This is the single most important thing to know. Dogs are banned from the entire Roztocze National Park. The prohibition has been in force since 2018, when the park's protection plan was formalised - and it covers the whole park area, not just the strict nature reserves. The only exception is for certified assistance dogs.
In practice, this means you cannot enter the following with a dog:
- Echo Ponds (Stawy Echo) - the popular beach and swimming area in Zwierzyniec,
- Bukowa Gora - the educational trail through a strict nature reserve,
- Florianka - the Polish Pony stud farm,
- most of the trails that run through the park's boundaries.
Ignoring the ban risks a fine. Check the current protection plan on the park's website (rpn.gov.pl) before your trip - rules can be updated.
Where you can hike with your dog in Roztocze
Outside the national park, the region has hundreds of kilometres of trails, broad forests and a landscape that rewards slow travel. Here are the main options.
Szczebrzeszyn Landscape Park - gorges and loess labyrinths
The Szczebrzeszyn Landscape Park (around 20,000 ha) covers the western part of Roztocze and is open to dogs - on a lead at all times.
The highlight is Piekielko - a dense network of deep, winding loess gorges between Szczebrzeszyn and Zwierzyniec. The gorge walls reach several metres high, tree roots form natural steps, and the filtered light through the canopy gives the whole place a fairy-tale atmosphere. A dog on a lead handles these paths well.
Four marked trails cross the park: the Central Trail (blue), the Partisan Trail (red), the Roztocze Trail (yellow) and a connector (black). The Wieprz River that runs through the park is also popular for kayaking - several-hour paddles with a dog on board are a common option in the area.
Szumy Trail near Jozefow - mini waterfalls in the forest
The Szumy Trail (blue, around 17 km, in the Jozefow area) follows the valleys of the Jelen and Tanew rivers, where rocky ledges create a series of cascades - locally called "szumy" (a Polish word for the sound rushing water makes). It is one of the most scenic stretches in the region.
A lead is required throughout - Polish forest law applies to all forest land. Some sections of the trail pass through nature reserves where dogs may be subject to additional restrictions. Check the information boards at the trail entrance and the current regulations of the Jozefow Forest District before setting off. Rules on individual sections can be updated.
Around Zamosc and Krasnobrod
Zamosc - with its UNESCO-listed Renaissance old town - makes a good base. The town centre itself means dogs on leads and busy pavements, but the surrounding countryside has extensive forest land and field tracks ideal for easy walks.
Krasnobrod in the Krasnobrod Landscape Park is another solid option, with a good range of dog-friendly accommodation and access to forest trails outside the national park. The town has a reservoir and picnic areas - check current pet policies at specific facilities before booking.
Quick reference table
| Area | Dogs allowed | Lead | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roztocze National Park | NO | - | Total ban (assistance dogs only) |
| Szczebrzeszyn Landscape Park | Yes | Always | Piekielko gorges accessible |
| Szumy Trail near Jozefow | Yes* | Always | *Check any reserve sections |
| Forest land outside parks | Yes | Always | Polish forest law requires lead |
| Krasnobrod Landscape Park | Yes | Always | Verify local regulations |
| Rural tracks and farmland | Yes | Yes | Standard public land rules |
What to prepare before hiking Roztocze with a dog
Roztocze is dense forest territory with a high tick population active from March to November. Tick prevention is non-negotiable here. Tablets, spot-on drops or an anti-parasite collar - discuss the best option with your vet well before the trip. Check your dog thoroughly after every walk.
Pack for the trail:
- water and a collapsible bowl (forest trails often have no water sources),
- a tick removal tool and a small first-aid kit,
- poo bags,
- a lead (required everywhere).
Finding dog-friendly accommodation in Roztocze
The region has a strong agritourism tradition and a solid number of guesthouses and rural B&Bs that accept dogs - particularly around Jozefow, Susiec, Krasnobrod and Szczebrzeszyn. When choosing accommodation, pick a base outside the national park so you are not transporting your dog every day to places you cannot enter together.
For more on planning a longer trip with a dog - what to check before booking and how to avoid surprises - see our guide to dog-friendly holidays in Poland.
More dog-friendly trails in Poland
Roztocze is genuinely special but requires careful planning because of the national park ban. If you are looking for other options for longer hikes with a dog, our guide to mountain trails with a dog covers landscape parks across Poland where dogs are welcome on the lead.
The DOGOUT map shows dog-friendly spots added by owners across the country - parks, trails, off-lead areas and more. Check what other owners near your planned base have flagged before you head out.
Get out there with your dog. Roztocze has a lot to offer - just know where you are both allowed to go.
Frequently asked questions
- Are dogs allowed in Roztocze National Park?
- No. Since 2018, dogs have been banned from the entire Roztocze National Park. Only certified assistance dogs are exempt. Violations are subject to a fine.
- Where can I walk with my dog in Roztocze?
- Outside the national park: Szczebrzeszyn Landscape Park (the Piekielko loess gorges), the Szumy trail near Jozefow, forests around Krasnobrody, and rural tracks around Zamosc. A lead is required everywhere.
- Can dogs swim at the Echo Ponds in Zwierzyniec?
- The Echo Ponds (Stawy Echo) are inside Roztocze National Park, where dogs are banned. Check the park's official website for the latest rules before planning a visit.
- Is a lead required in Roztocze forest areas?
- Yes. Polish forest law requires dogs to be on a lead in all forests. In landscape parks, a lead is mandatory throughout. Off-lead is only permitted in fenced, designated dog runs.
- What should I pack for hiking Roztocze with a dog?
- Tick prevention (drops, collar or tablet - discuss with your vet), water and a collapsible bowl, poo bags, a tick removal tool, and a lead. Tick season runs from March to November.
