With a variety of hiking trails and activities that welcome dogs, the Adirondacks are a great place for you and your four-legged friend to spend some quality time together.
If you’re planning to hike with your dog in the Adirondacks, follow these tips to ensure a safe and fun adventure, and check out some of our favorite dog-friendly hikes.
Dog Hiking Etiquette & Guidelines
While the Adirondacks are generally dog-friendly, it’s important to follow the Department of Environmental Conservation’s guidelines for hiking with dogs, and to practice good hiking etiquette.
- Check for Restrictions – Not all trails in the Adirondacks are open to dogs, so make sure to check trail-specific information before heading out.
- Follow Leash Laws – In many parts of the Adirondacks, such as the High Peaks Region, dogs are legally required to be leashed.
- Practice Trail Etiquette – It’s important to remember that with or without a dog, hikers heading uphill have the right of way.
- Leave No Trace – Keep your dog off sensitive vegetation and environments and bury or carry out dog waste.
- Protect the Wildlife – Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are current to avoid spreading diseases and keep your dog under control in areas where wildlife is present.
Dog Hiking Essentials for the Adirondacks
Before you head out for a hike with your furry friend, be sure to pack the following essentials. Or, if your dog is big enough, consider purchasing a pack for your dog to help carry the load.
- Leash – You should always have a leash, even if the trail doesn’t require one. Long leads or retractable leashes allow for more freedom and flexibility.
- Water & Food – Carry enough food, treats and water for both you and your dog, and consider a collapsible water dish that can easily pack away.
- Waste Bags or Trowel – Bring waste bags or a small shovel/trowel to carry out or bury your dog’s waste.
- First-Aid Kit – For paw injuries or insect bites, bring a lightweight canine medical kit or carry a towel, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment or spray, gauze and Benadryl.
- Tick Repellent – Make sure your dog’s tick prevention is up-to-date and use a dog-safe tick repellent before hiking in wooded areas.
- Clothing – If the weather is cold, consider a jacket or booties for your pup, and during hunting season, both you and your dog should be outfitted in blaze orange.
Dog-Friendly Hikes in the Adirondacks
Not all trails are dog-friendly, so it’s important to research the terrain and the weather before you hike. You’ll also want to consider your dog’s age, breed, experience, and stamina when choosing a trail. Here are a few of our favorite dog-friendly hikes in the Adirondacks.
- Hurricane Mountain Trail (Southern Approach) – Moderately challenging 6.2-mile out-and-back trail near Keene Valley, NY
- Saint Regis Mountain Trail – Moderately challenging 6.5-mile out-and-back trail near Paul Smiths, NY
- Owl’s Head Mountain Trail – Moderately challenging 6.1-mile out-and-back trail near Long Lake, NY
- Van Hoevenberg – Moderately challenging, 3.7-mile out-and-back trail near Lake Placid, NY
- Jo – Moderately challenging 2.5-mile loop trail near Lake Placid, NY
Exploring the Adirondacks with Your Canine Companion
The Adirondacks are a dog-friendly destination with a variety of activities for owners and their pets. In addition to hiking, there’s canoeing and kayaking, as well as many pet-friendly towns with restaurants that offer outdoor dining options for people with pets.
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly place to call home, the Adirondacks are a great fit. Browse our Adirondack land for sale, or contact us and allow the Adirondack Mountain Land team to help you find the perfect plot of land for you and your pet.