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Know before you go. Confirm that the trail you’re heading to allows dogs so you aren’t disappointed at the trailhead and be respectful if it isn’t—there may be important conservation or safety reasons. Trust park rangers and conservationists to make that call.
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Know the leash law for the trail you plan to hike and honor it. And choose the right kind of dog leash—some trails require a non-retractable one that’s six feet or fewer in length. Only allow your dog off leash in areas where it’s permitted and only if your pup has excellent, reliable voice recall. Be sure to keep them within sight and earshot.
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Simply put, this means get your dog out of the way—beyond the “sniffing” range—of hikers, cyclists, dogs, or horses. If your dog is off leash, leash them and step aside to allow others to pass.
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Leave plants and wildlife undisturbed and stick to the trail to minimize environmental impact on the lands and waters we love. The best rule of thumb: leave the trail exactly as you found it for others to enjoy.
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Leave No Trace, a core principle of enjoying the outdoors applies to you, your dog, and your dog’s waste. To minimize carrying waste bags on the trail, try to give your dog time to do their business at the trailhead where trash cans are accessible. We’ll also pack in a secondary bag or waste bag carrier to make the job easy.
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