Make Your Own Map

One of the most frustrating hiking experiences is arriving at a park and not finding any trail maps at the trailhead. Even if the trail is blazed and you are up for a little exploring how do you know how far it goes? Some park trails are merely segments for multi-day, long distance trails.

The State of Connecticut, for instance, has embraced the Internet age and encourages the printing of maps off the website rather than supply printed maps in the parks. Which is fine if you know that in advance or are carrying an I-Phone.

If a park doesn't provide trail maps, a map is often posted on information boards. For this reason you want to always keep a pad of paper, or even a trail notebook, in your vehicle so you can sketch out a copy of the map to take with you. It's a simple thing but can make or break your canine hiking day.