By Michele Byers
If you don’t want to leave your dog home when you head out for a hike this summer, here are some great ideas!
Hiking is always more fun with a furry companion at your side, and dogs need fresh air and exercise just as much as we do.
Before you hit the trail, you must prepare.
Mary Jasch, author of “Best Hikes with Dogs: New Jersey,” offers these tips:
Make sure your dog is trained to behave when faced with other hikers, dogs, wildlife or strange scents and sights.
Pack enough water for your dog, plus a water bowl. A good rule of thumb is 3 liters of water for any day hike where fresh water may not be available.
Bring treats. Keep your dog well fed on the trail; treats also will keep your pet’s attention.
Don’t forget the leash. There aren’t many trails and parks where dogs are allowed to run free, plus you don’t want to risk the loss of your pup.
Bring plastic bags to pick up poop. It’s a matter of courtesy to leave trails, woods and beaches as you found them.
Since summer days in New Jersey are often hot and muggy, dogs can easily get overheated. You and your pup will have the most fun on trails that provide shade and water.
Here are some great New Jersey hikes as recommended by Mary and other dog lovers.
Stepping-Stone Trail at Stokes State Forest, Sussex County — It’s short, shaded, runs along a stream and has a beautiful series of small waterfalls.
The Tillman Ravine Trail at Stokes is also cool, shady and near water.
Sussex Branch Trail and Paulinskill Valley Trail at Kittatinny Valley State Park, Sussex County — Most parts of these trails are shaded, and many run along the Paulins Kill, a Delaware River tributary.
Merrill Creek Reservoir, Warren County — The trail system includes forested areas, dam crossings and places where dogs can take a refreshing dip.
Hacklebarney State Park, Morris County — Beautiful shaded trails in rocky woods and lots of streams make this a popular dog hike.
Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area, Hunterdon County — An unpaved road, partially closed to through traffic, runs along the scenic, boulder-strewn South Branch of the Raritan River.
Round Valley Reservoir Recreation Area, Hunterdon County — An unmarked water trail starts at the boat launch area and leads to shaded trails through the woods.
Wickecheoke Creek Preserve, Hunterdon County — Try the Donald and Beverley Jones Footpath and Lower Creek Road, a popular place with dog owners.
Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, Mercer County — Located not far from downtown Princeton, this is a haven for local dog walkers.
Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area, Monmouth County — Dogs aren’t allowed on the ocean beach side in the summer, but they are welcome by the bay.
Fisherman’s Cove Natural Area, Monmouth County — This county park has upland trails leading to a narrow stretch of sandy beach along the Manasquan River.
Island Beach State Park, Ocean County — Dogs are welcome here, except on the guarded beaches and along a special trail designed for the blind.
Malibu Beach Wildlife Management Area, Atlantic County — Unlike the famous Malibu on the west coast, this beach is small and undeveloped.
Estell Manor Park, Atlantic County — This park has several trails that run along the South River and its tributaries. Trails are flat, but sometimes soggy, due to wetlands and beavers.
These are just a few cool places to hike with your pooch. Each location has its own regulations and hours so be sure to check.
If there are other dog hikes you’d recommend, please drop me a line at [email protected].
To learn more, go to www.trails.com and search “hikes with dogs.”
Michele Byers is executive director of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. For more information, contact her at [email protected] or visit NJCF’s website at www.njconservation.org.
