Dog days perfect for a walk in the bark

RELEASE: Aug. 10, 2007 – Volume XXXVII, No. 32

The dog days of summer are upon us. Oppressive heat and stifling humidity are enough to tempt even the most avid fans of the great outdoors into conceding that indoors-with-the-air-conditioning-cranked isn’t so bad either…

But thousands of New Jerseyans have dogs that are incurable lovers of the outdoors. Armed with puppy dog eyes, earnestly wagging tails and trusting expressions, our pets beckon us to take them out and play. If you are game for more than a stroll down the sidewalk (and you KNOW your dog is!), New Jersey offers a wealth of great places where you and your pooch can spend quality time hiking and playing.

So what makes a good dog hike? And where are the best places to go?

“First of all, it has to be a hike that’s interesting for the human; it needs human appeal, otherwise the dog doesn’t get to go,” notes Mary Jasch, author of “Best Hikes with Dogs: New Jersey,” published earlier this year. Jasch’s book offers a comprehensive resource on hiking with dogs, covering everything from proper training and equipment, to canine etiquette and ways to minimize hikers’ impact on the environment. The centerpiece of the book is detailed descriptions of 52 dog-friendly trails in every region of this state we’re in.

“For dog appeal, a hike should have a variety of habitat and topography,” says Jasch, an owner of four dogs, adding that the state’s diverse environment fits the bill marvelously. For each of the 52 trails, Jasch provides information on distance, difficulty and approximate hiking time, as well as regulations, maps and park contact information. She also gives a detailed description of each trail, mixing in interesting facts about the environment and notes on sights that shouldn’t be missed. There are tips on special canine favorites like swimming opportunities, and warnings about potential danger spots to keep doggie noses out of. During the hottest ‘dog days’ of summer, notes Jasch, “hiking along streams or near a lake or pond is important. If your dog gets overheated from hiking, putting him or her in the water is the best thing; it quickly transfers the heat away from their bodies.”

Jacsh recommends hiking with furry friends under shade, in places like old rail corridors. “They are flat and often shaded, offer easy access and many have water nearby,” she explains. “And this time of year many are full of beautiful wildflowers.” The Columbia Trail and Sussex Branch Trail are two favorites cited in her book.

Another appealing option is New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s shady Wickecheoke Creek Greenway near the Delaware River in Hunterdon County. “It’s about as close to a pristine landscape as you can get in New Jersey,” Jasch marvels.

Of course, doggie etiquette is crucial. “Before you set foot on a trail, make sure your dog is trained and can be trusted to behave when faced with other hikers, dogs, wildlife, or strange scents and sights,” Jasch writes. Keep Fido on a leash, don’t allow him or her to harass the wildlife, and please scoop the poop and dispose of it properly. Pet owners who abuse the goodwill of parks and preserves that allow canine access run the risk of ruining things for everybody.

You can learn more about Mary Jasch and her book at njdoghikes.com; it’s a great starting point for finding a place to go roving with Rover. Best Trails even includes a comprehensive list of off-leash dog parks and state-owned wildlife management areas where your pooch can run free. You can also check out “Doggin' Jersey: The 100 Best Places to Hike with Your Dog in the Garden State” by Doug Gelbert, who has written a series of books about hiking with dogs in various regions.

Happy trails to you and your dogs during these last weeks of summer! I hope you’ll contact me at info@njconservation.org, or visit NJCF’s website at www.njconservation.org, for more information about conserving New Jersey’s precious land and natural resources.

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