Hiking with your Dog: Series 009

Apr 18, 2012 by DailyPuppyCharm

Hiking with Your Dog encourages both the dog and owner(s), perhaps even a friend or two to get out and take a hike! But before you run off to the nearest trail (where dogs are allowed) please follow these safety precautions because there is nothing better than a well-behaved dog and prepared owner on the trail.

1) Your dog should be trained to walk well and quietly on a leash.

2) You should be able to control your dog if any circumstances arise.

3) Pick-up after your dog’s poop and dispose of it properly.

4) Bring water for both you and your dog.

5) Plan ahead! Do your research or ask park officials if pets are allowed, if it’s an on-leash or off-leash trail and if trail conditions are suitable.

Harquahala Mountain Summit Trail (Wickenburg AZ) The Harquahala Mountain summit path might seem easy since you and your dog begin by padding along an old mule trail, but with 3290 feet of elevation gain and a rocky trail surface, it is a true challenge. Plan to start early, pack in lots of water, and be confident of your dog’s conditioning before setting out. As always, when visiting fragile desert environments, pick up after your dog. Leashes are not required here as long as your dog responds unfailingly to voice commands, but keep the leash handy as a courtesy to other trail users you may encounter. The summit is accessible by another route, and it is there that you will likely meet other visitors.

Hat Creek Trail (Burney, CA) From late April through mid-November, this trail is teeming with anglers, sniffing out the best places to chase the thousands of rainbow and brook trout the California Department of Fish and Game plants each general trout fishing season. Oh, you’ll see others on the trail, retired folks walking hand-in-hand as they take a break from their recreational vehicle wanderings, teens heading to secret swimming holes, and certainly, dog walkers—and happy dogs who rush from the trail to Hat Creek for a dip or drink. The rushing waters of spring-fed Hat Creek and the canopy of riparian forest bring trekkers here all year, from the crunch of fall leaves, through the crunch of snow in winter and the renewed energy of spring, all the way through the heat of another Northern California summer.

Dogtown Commons (Gloucester, MA) The name alone should spark enough interest for you and your pooch to check this place out. Once a farming community, Dogtown Commons represents one of the few deserted villages in New England. Settled in the early eighteenth century, it was abandoned by 1830, leaving only dogs to roam the area. Today, this open space is comprised of 3000 acres of fields, forest, reservoirs, and marshes, with so much terrain that you and your pup will keep coming back for more. Most of Dogtown is dense woodland, crisscrossed and bisected by trails and old roads that make it very easy to get lost, so bring a snack and some extra water, just in case. Special notes: Hunting season is October 19 through April 1, Monday-Saturday. Wear bright colors , and proceed with caution.

Pipeline Road Trail (Felton, CA) Pipeline Road, one of three trails that allow leashed dogs, is a paved path that begins behind the gift shop. Don’t let the word “paved” turn you off. Not only are dog owners lucky to find a state park that allows dogs on a trail, but also this paved trail under a canopy of redwoods complete with seasonal streams and a lazy river is astonishingly pristine.

View our previews posts:
Hiking with your Dog: Series 001
Hiking with your Dog: Series 002
Hiking with your Dog: Series 003
Hiking with your Dog: Series 004
Hiking with your Dog: Series 005
Hiking with your Dog: Series 006
Hiking with your Dog: Series 007
Hiking with your Dog: Series 008