What a treat when your furry bestie can roam the trails with you.  We've put together some paw-some (pun intended) trails in Northern Virginia for you to share with your furry friend. Check out these eight trails and trail tips to ensure your dogs experience is safe and memorable. 

TRAIL TIPS
for hiking with a dog

Your best furry friend is excellent trail company but requires the same care as you while preparing and exploring. there obvious benefits for your dog to be on the trail and of course some areas to be mindful of. My dog konan is now 11,  and he has hip dysplasia so for him a flat nice padded trail is his tune and is excellent for his condition.. 

Here are the Yonder recommendations for paw approved trails:
  1. Get to know the terrain and trail in advance - Yes sure, your dog will follow you anywhere and everywhere but that doesn't mean its safe for them.  Consider that your dogs pads are like your toes!  Also be mindful of proper signage on the trails, if the trail says no to dogs then respect the signage.
  2. Bring water and food bowl : just like humans, the elements can play a role in your dogs experience. be sure to pack water for your furry friend and be sure to grab a compactable water bowl. TIP: leave emergency water in the car for both of you
  3. I.D or Chip - What's better than your dog getting a free roam on the trail? Just like you carry a wallet, your buddy needs to have a collar with an I.D and also highly recommended is having your furry buddy be chipped.
  4. The Elements - The sun, the heat, the humidity all play into your trail experience and your dogs as well.  Dogs can suffer  a heatstroke too!  so if in a position where it feels too exposed or too hot for you, then your dog is feeling the same.  Safety tip: if your dog becomes overheated, find shade to apply cool water gently to their belly , foot pads or find a body of water to help them go for a dip!
  5. Hitchhikers : Your dog can bring home more than just memories and more than you bargained for. Yes its true, ticks can ride along and find their way to your car or home. You know what can also come home with you? poison ivy and poison oak! Yes the oil within a dogs fur can pick up the toxin and carry it until you pat your dog and take the toxin to your body. Be sure to bring wipes along on your trail to clean your best furry friend off before a good bath at home.
  6. Manners - Not everyone likes dogs, not every dog likes another dog. Respect others on the trail by moving your dog to the outside of the trail , having you and your body in between others. Also shorten the leash and maintain commands with your dog to help them meet new friends respectfully or to help them move forward.
Wolf Run Shoals
​Location: Clifton, VA

Your Dog will love: 
 The wide meandering trail comprised of crushed dirt, moss, and loose pebbles. Your trail experience also comes with creek crossings all while under the protection of a lush forest canopy. ​Your dog will bark for joy at the serenity, the lack of human traffic and the river views.
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Burke Lake
​Location: Burke VA

Your Dog will love: 
This flat five mile loop with plenty of tree canopy and water views. Enjoy wide berth trails comprised of crushed dirt, roots and pavement for ease of use. Best of all, your trail experience is a social hoot as a popular dog walking trail and jogger trail.
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Blue Bell
​Location: Centreville, VA

Your Dog will love: 
​A simple mile long trail along Bull Run stream with multiple access points for a dip. in the Spring your trail experience blooms into the famed Blue Bell trail. Enjoy a walk amongst these yearly favorites, accompanied by well used trails, towering trees and wildlife. A note , this trail easily water logs, so be ready for a post hike bath.
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Hemlock Overlook
​Location: Clifton, VA

Your Dog will love: ​
Will dig the access to the Bull Run stream, also wag a tail at the passive trails for serenity and enjoy the towering tree canopy to keep the area cool during the summer. Be mindful that some points of the trail the terrain can be rocky, and slippery as you are near the stream.
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Prince William National Park
​Location: Woodbridge, VA

Your Dog will love: 
Will love the ala carte hiking trails to mix and match terrain from waterfalls to creek side to a ramble through pines. With over 35 miles of trails, your furry friend will have so many choices for fun and exercise.
Sky Meadows
​Location: Delapane, VA

Your Dog will love: 
​This trail system showcases big valley views, meadows and lush forest trails. With wide open expanse, your furry friend will love seeing endless clouds and perfectly timed shade trees along your route. If you are feeling up to it, venture on the Appalachian Trail for a little bit, yep it rides right through here.
Elanor C. Lawrence
​Location: Centreville, VA

Your Dog will love:   
A quiet walk just outside Centreville, VA in this park, lush easy to navigate trails, streams, and a pond with actual beavers! Your trail experience will be bettered with these soft trails of compacted dirt and roots. Remember to check your furry bestie for ticks at the end of your day.
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Scotts Run
​Location: Mclean, VA

Your Dog will love: 
this stone's throw from Washington D. C where your trail experiences ends at a beautiful waterfall along the Potomac. Your dog will love the wide paths and ability to jump a few downed trees.
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