One of the most reliable destinations for off-leash hiking are hunting lands. You will have to learn the local nomenclature to find some near you - hunting lands can be called "game lands" or "conservation areas" or "wildlife management areas" or even "refuges."
What can you expect when you take your dog to game lands? Hunters, for one. Check your local fish and game website for the dates of hunting season. Many states do not allow hunting on Sundays; hunters are most active on Fridays and Saturdays and at the beginning of individual game seasons. Always wear bright colors and if you become a regular visitor pick up a hunting vest for your dog.
If no one is around to tell you to put your dog on a leash you can can assume no one is going to be around to do trail maintenance so don't be surprised to find downed trees and overgrown pathways in the summer. There won't be a lot of trail marking and mapping going on either. For that reason it is not usually a good idea to seek out game lands when traveling - it often takes two or three exploratory expeditions to uncover the best trails and doggie swimming holes.
RETURN TO JULY 2011 NEWSLETTER
No Dogs Allowed?
Don’t let this happen to you
The Hiking With Dogs group on Facebook is the place to post photos and info on your favorite canine hikes. Also get questions answered and find advice from members: join now
Find a new tail-friendly trail every day at the hikewithyourdog blog...