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Trail Etiquette

Hiking with your dog is a privilege, not a right. Respect the rules and restrictions regarding pets wherever you hike. Dogs are very easily banned from great hiking trails due to misbehavior and irresponsible owners. Courtesy to other trail users, always having your dog under your direct control, and safe, responsible hiking will ensure our dogs are welcome on local trails for years to come.

When passing other trail users, always yield the right of way. If the trail is wide enough, step to the right and have your dog sit while the other user passes.

When you encounter strange dogs on the trail, always assume the dog is unfriendly and take necessary measures to protect both yourself and your dog. Never let your dog approach another dog until you are sure the other dog is social.

Never let your dog approach another trail user unless it's invited. You know your dog is friendly, but a stranger has no clue what your dog's intentions are. Don't let your dog make anyone else feel uncomfortable, remember, your dog doesn't have a right to be there, but the other user does. Respect their space.

Barking dogs create an annoyance to those around you. Most people hike to enjoy a quiet, natural environment. A barking dog disturbs that experience.

No one enjoys smelling, looking at, or stepping in dog 'piles' along the trail. Your dog's poo does not belong in nature. Dogs are domesticated animals; they are exposed to parasites which are harmful to wildlife and leaving 'it' behind can cause damage by not only direct contact to wildlife, but by contaminating water sources.

You should always bury or pack out your dog's waste. If the area is appropriate for burial of human waste, then you can also bury your dog's waste using standard Leave No Trace practices for digging and location of 'catholes'.

If the area provides facilities for humans (restrooms, privies, trashcans, etc...) then you should pack it out instead of burying it. Chances are, there is an overuse of the area and burial of your dog's poo would only contribute to that.

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