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Simple hiking etiquette can go a long way in making trail experience more enjoyable. Most state parks have rules and regulations posted but trail etiquette is a bit more.
Share the trail – Common rule is bikers yield to horses and hikers. Hikers yield to horses and horses yield to none. This is the common rule. I like to yield to bikers as well. I feel it is safer this way. Greet others as you pass. Uphill hikers should yield to downhill hikers.
Leave only footprints and take only pictures AKA leave no trace – Taking rocks, carving trees, damaging plants, etc. Not cool man, don’t ruin it for the next people! Even biodegradables like orange and banana peals should be packed out.
Stay on marked trails – This keeps you safe and protects flora and fauna. Even when navigating a tricky area like a big puddle, stay on the trail, get them boots wet. Staying on the trail helps prevent further trail erosion.
Keep the noise to a minimum – Noise travels in the wilderness, others might be trying to enjoy the quiet.
Clean up after pets – Bag the poop and carry it out.
Keep a leash on your pet – Use it when others are around. Not everyone loves your muddy dog as much as you!
Report any problems to park authorities – trail damage, vandalism, suspicious people, etc. The rangers will thank you.
Max the Dog
Most trails in Massachusetts are dog friendly, but there are rules and common etiquette that must be followed. Safety for you, your dog and others are number one. Read the sign at the trail head for any rules about the property you are hiking, many areas require dogs to be leashed, this is to protect the wildlife, your pet, and other hikers. I think it is common courtesy to keep your dog leashed when hiking at even a slightly busy area. Not everyone likes dogs and not all dogs are friendly with other dogs these people and pets should be able to enjoy the trails too…
Prepping for a Safe Hike:
- Make sure your dog is up for the hike. Not all dogs are built for a 12 mile day hike.
- Keep weather in mind. Hot days are extra hard on dogs.
- Think about the wildlife in the area you will be hiking. Are there dangerous snakes? Maybe Bears or Mountain Lions.
- Learn about ticks and lyme disease.
- Bring plenty of fresh drinking water for your dog. Drinking out of streams or lakes has the risk of giardia and other bacteria that can cause disease.
- Your dog should wear an ID collar with not only your name and number but the vets name and number as well.
- During hunting season get an orange vest for your dog, they can be found at many hunting shops.
Hiking with a Dog Ediqutte:
- Always follow the rules at the trail head.
- Keep unleashed dogs within site and under strict voice command at all times. Strict voice command means the dog immediately heels when told, stays at heel, and refrains from barking.
- ALWAYS leash your dog when others are approaching. Not everyone likes dogs!
- Step to the side off the trail and allow others to pass.
- Keep dogs quite and from chasing wildlife.
- Clean up after your dog. Pack out the poop or bury it in a cathole.
Keeping everyone safe and happy on the trail is easy when you follow the rules.
You can find well made dog packs allowing your dog to carry water and food for itself. Be sure not to exceed 1/3 of the pooches body weight in the pack. You can also find all kinds of other outdoor products for your four legged friend like collapsible water bowls, booties, and even sun glasses.
My dog Max
Yesterday someone asked if Max could have a little turkey. I said “sure, just a little though” and a few people started going into a rant about how turkey can kill your dog. One person even said they had a friend who had a dog die because of turkey. Well of course I don’t want that little guy over there dead so no more turkey…
If I was smart I would have whipped out the blackberry right there and did a google search. If I would have done that Max would have had a much better Thanksgiving! IT IS OK TO FEED TURKEY TO YOUR DOG! Just no skin, the skin is high in fat and hard for them to digest. It can lead to acute pancreatitis or so a google search says. You also don’t want to feed any poultry bones to your dog as they are hollow and splinter easily. The bones can cause bowel obstruction and require surgery to remove.
Foods not to feed the family dog: Read more »
hiking, how to, outdoors, pets | Husky Hiker - Jim Bradley | 
2/9/2011 8:50 AM | 
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