Spring is a wonderful time to step outdoors and experience some much needed nature therapy. In this post, I will share tips for successful hiking adventures with your dog, trail etiquette and 3 of my favorite DC-area spots to visit. If you’d like to join me and my dog, Ollie, for one of our monthly group hikes, please visit our Eventbrite page to sign up!
Preparation + Packing for Success
Before heading out, it’s important to take a moment to plan out your hike. Check local weather reports, park restrictions and trail conditions. I use AllTrails.com to research trails, read reviews, confirm the trail is dog-friendly and download/print trail maps. There are many other places to look including, national park websites, local/state trail guides, websites like TrailFinder, TrailLink, and personal blog posts like this one. :)
For most day hikes, I recommend packing a lightweight backpack or hip pack with the following:
• Water - bring more than you think you need for yourself and your dog.
• pop-up water bowl or dog water bottle
• snacks for you and dog
• first aid kit
• doggie poop bags
• hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes
• printed trail maps and a compass in case your phone dies
• warm layer and a light rain coat
A general rule of thumb is the longer the hike, the more food, water and supplies you should bring. If I’m hiking a long, unfamiliar trail, I also bring along supplies in case I get lost such as a camping multi-tool, emergency blanket, flashlight, ziplock with dog food, dog jacket, etc.
Hiking in heat + humidity: When it's hot and humid out, I recommend starting hikes early in the morning and choosing shorter, shaded trails. Watch for signs of your dog overheating—rapid panting, bright red gums, unstable. Heat exhaustion/heat stroke is serious and can be deadly so if your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, you need to take immediate action. Learn more about heat exhaustion, how to spot it and what to do here.
Hiking with Dogs | Trail Etiquette
Hiking is one of the best ways to spend quality time with your dog. For most dogs, the great outdoors offers a plethora of interesting smells to work their brains, a chance to bond with their humans and it is great exercise. There are a few ground rules to follow when enjoying the trails:
• Follow the leash laws. It’s not just for keeping your dog safe it’s also for the safety of others and protecting the park’s fragile ecosystem.
• Leave No Trace. Take out what you take in, that includes your dog’s waste. You can use a sealed poop container (like this, this or a plastic container/ziplock) so the rest of your hike is a little less stinky.
• Don’t feed wildlife and keep your distance.
• Stay on the marked trail.
• Hikers coming uphill have the right of way. However, when hiking with dogs, I always pull over to the side of the trail whenever people approach so they can pass safely. It’s also a great opportunity to train a sit and stay while out on an adventure.
Now that we have some ground rules in place and our bags are packed, here are three fantastic DC-area adventure spots for a day on the trails! ↓↓↓
1. Prince William National Forest Park | Triangle, Virginia
Prince William Forest has 15,000 acres of secondary growth forest, flowing creeks and 37 miles of hiking trails. The park is pet-friendly (except for public buildings, the group campground and cabins) and participates in the NPS’s B.A.R.K. Ranger program.
I love this park because despite its proximity to DC and its densely populated suburbs, you can truly immerse yourself in nature and get away from the crowds. My dog, Pepper, is working on her leash reactivity when she sees other dogs and this place gives us plenty of space to help her feel safe and practice her skills.
In late spring, early summer, visit the South or North Valley trails for a chance to view the beautiful display of mountain laurels along the north and south branches of Quantico Creek. Think tunnels of puffy pink and white blooms. It is magic.
Learn more and download maps on the park’s website.
*Important note: The park is near the Quantico Marine Base. There is a chance you will hear gunfire from the practice ranges on base. It’s never been an issue for my dog, Ollie, who has thunderstorm anxiety. You can check Quantico’s noise advisories here.
2. U.S. National Arboretum | Washington, DC
The U.S. National Arboretum is a wonderful spot in DC for a stroll around extensive gardens, especially in the spring when most people flock to the tidal basin for cherry blossoms. In addition to the gardens, the original columns from the U.S. Capitol building are exhibited here and make for a wonderful photo op.
The Arboretum has paved, accessible paths as well as narrow gravel, forested paths so there’s opportunity for anyone to explore the outdoors. Leashed dogs are welcome here but please make sure to keep them out of the garden beds and you must clean up after them. Their full pet policy can be viewed here.
Make sure to check out their website for hours, restrictions and upcoming programs.
Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park | Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia
This quaint little town is the halfway point for trekkers on the Appalachian Trail, the convergence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers and civil war history. On nice weekends, parking lots do fill up quickly so try to arrive early for day hikes.
There are trails for all levels here––stroll along the historical riverfront park and C&O canal for an easy day or take on the Maryland Heights trail* for a more strenuous hike which rewards you with amazing views of town. After your hike, pick up a sandwich or bring a picnic to enjoy while watching the rivers flow through.
Learn more about the park here. Research all the trails available to explore here.
*Parts of the Maryland Heights overlook are closed through July 2022 to protect a family of nesting peregrine falcons. Learn more here.
We are so lucky to have such wonderful natural areas to enjoy so close to DC’s busy metro area. Remember to be prepared, practice good hiking etiquette and be courteous to others while out on the trails.
If you'd like to join Ollie and I for our #travelswithollie group hikes, visit our Eventbrite page for upcoming adventures.
