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Alright, alright, let’s talk about findin’ some places to walk with your dog, you know, them dog friendly hikes near me, or whatever the young folks call it these days. I ain’t got no fancy phone or computer, but my grandson showed me how to look this stuff up, so I reckon I can tell ya a thing or two.
First off, you gotta know where to look. It ain’t always easy, see? Sometimes they got signs, sometimes they don’t. But them city folk, they like makin’ lists and maps. So, you gotta find them “dog friendly trails near me” lists. They got all sorts of trails, some easy, some hard, just depends on how much you and your dog wanna huff and puff.
Now, some places, they let dogs run all over the place, others, they gotta be on a leash. You gotta pay attention to that, or you might get yourself in trouble. My neighbor’s dog, Buster, he’s a runner, always chasin’ squirrels and such. He needs a leash, that’s for sure. So, look for places that say “dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash“. It’s safer that way, for everyone.
Then there’s the kind of walkin’ you wanna do. Some places are flat, easy peasy, good for old folks like me and dogs with short legs. Other places, they got hills, mountains even! My grandson, he likes them “challenging mountain climbs” he calls ’em. Me? I’m more of a “serene forest path” kinda gal. Just a nice, quiet walk in the woods with my old Bess, that’s all I need. She’s getting on in years too, you know.
And don’t forget to think about the weather. Hot days, you need a place with some shade, maybe some water for the dog to cool off. Cold days, you need to bundle up and make sure your dog ain’t freezin’ its paws off. Common sense, right? But you’d be surprised how many folks don’t think about these things.
- Flat trails: Good for old folks and dogs with short legs.
- Hilly trails: Good for young folks and energetic dogs.
- Forest paths: Nice and shady, good for hot days.
- Mountain climbs: Challenging, good for experienced hikers and dogs.
Now, if you can’t find nothin’ nearby, you gotta look a little further out. They got these “national forests” and “state parks” and sometimes them places got trails too. Might take a bit of a drive, but it’s worth it if you wanna give your dog a good run. We used to take the kids to the state park when they were little. They loved it, and the dogs did too.

And don’t be afraid to ask around. Talk to your neighbors, talk to the folks at the pet store, they might know some good spots. Word of mouth, that’s how we used to do things back in the day. Before all this fancy internet stuff.
Sometimes, them trails got special names, like “Dog Mountain Trail” or somethin’. That’s a good sign, means they’re probably dog friendly. But always double check, just to be sure. And pay attention to the “detailed reviews and photos from hikers“. They can tell you if a trail is really dog friendly or not.
And remember, always bring water for you and your dog, and clean up after your pet. Nobody wants to step in dog poop, you know? It’s just plain rude. And keep your dog on a leash if it’s required. It keeps your dog safe, and everyone else on the trail, too.
So, there you have it. A little bit of advice on findin’ them “dog friendly hikes“. It ain’t rocket science, just takes a little bit of effort. But gettin’ out in nature with your dog, that’s good for the soul. And that’s worth more than all the gold in the world, in my book.
Now go on, get out there and enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friend! And don’t forget a treat for the dog, they deserve it.
And one more thing, if you’re going somewhere new, maybe try looking up directions beforehand. Getting lost ain’t fun, especially with a dog in tow. I got lost once, years ago, and Bess, she just sat there looking at me like I was crazy. So, yeah, be prepared. That’s the key.

Tags: [dog friendly hikes, dog friendly trails, hiking with dogs, dog friendly parks, outdoor activities with dogs, pet friendly trails, dog friendly cities]