There’s nothing that gets your blood pumping like hiking through brisk winter air, and that’s not a joy you have to experience alone! Like every other part of your life, these hikes are best enjoyed with your dog by your side. However, not all trails are created equal. Are there trails that are best to go on with your furry friend during the winter months?
Quite a few, actually! So grab your dog’s leash, throw on your hiking boots, and get ready to head out to the trail for exercise, fresh air, and some time forest bathing. Here are some of the most popular hikes for forest lovers with dogs:
1. Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail
Telluride, CO
The Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail is a loop trail located near Colorado. The trail has many scenic views, including the San Miguel River Valley and the nearby mountain ranges. This memorial trail, which was dedicated to Jud Wiebe, was created by the US Forest Service in 2002. The trail features a waterfall and offers visitors Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan views — and plenty of fascinating scents and plants for your furry companion to investigate! Just be careful letting them roam around too much, and make sure you’re keeping your dog safe and nature undisturbed.
2. Black Mountain via SilverMine Lake Loop
Ramapo, NY
This is a 6.6-kilometer trail located near Highland Falls, New York. It is a great place to hike, bike, and take in the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains — all with your trusty dog hiking with you!
At Black Mountain via SilverMine Lake Loop, you will find yourself surrounded by trees as you make your way up the mountain. The leaves change colors in the fall and winter but are primarily green during spring and summer.
The trail starts with a steep climb of about 100 feet up a hill before leveling off for about 0.7 miles, where it enters into an open area with views of Silver Mine Lake below. From here, you can see Mount Pisgah to the west and Mount Jefferson to the east, as well as some of Black Mountain’s rock faces on either side of the route.
3. Witch Hole Pond Loop
Bar Harbor, ME
Witch Hole Pond Loop follows the carriage roads of Acadia National Park along a 3.3-mile route that visits Witch Hole Pond. The loop offers views of the ocean and the mountains.
This loop was designated in 2008 as one of America’s first National Trails to be managed by the National Park Service. It’s become a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians. It also has been used as a filming location for movies and TV shows like Jurassic Park III and Game of Thrones.
Witch Hole Pond Loop was designated in 2008 as one of America’s first National Trails to be managed by the National Park Service.
4. Mount Mitchell Trail
Burnsville, NC
Mount Mitchell Trail is a steeply sloped trail that rises thousands of feet to the top of Mount Mitchell, a 4,684-foot mountain in North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It begins at a parking lot near Montreat and climbs up through dense forest before emerging into open meadows above the treeline.
5. Palo Duro Canyon
Canyon, TX
Palo Duro Canyon is one of the most spectacular places in Texas. It has many trails to hike and bike through the canyon, which can easily be reached from Amarillo, Texas.
Palo Duro Canyon is 800 feet deep and covers 30,000 acres. The canyon is also home to 15,000 acres of trails to hike and bike through. The canyon is known for its fantastic scenery and its impressive history. The Palo Duro Canyon State Park was established in 1967 by President Lyndon B Johnson, who wanted a place where people could enjoy nature without any hassle or disruption.
6. Grandeur Peak East Trail
Salt Lake City, UT
The Grandeur Peak East Trail is a 9.5-kilometer trail located in Salt Lake City. The trail starts at the intersection of 300 East and 500 South and ends at 500 South and 300 East. It’s a popular hike that’s accessible to all hikers, both trekkers ready to take on the full loop and for people going on strolls with their dogs. If this is your first hiking trip with your dog, this is the trail you should pick.
Enjoy Your Time With Nature
If you’re looking to spend some time getting your weekly dose of nature, one of the best options is to go hiking with your dog. There are many benefits of taking your pet on a hike, including bonding time, physical activity, and fresh air. Both you and your canine companion will be overjoyed!
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore!
Trail photo credits – AllTrails
