.jpg)
One of the spectacular views seen from Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Forest
As fall approaches, weekend hiking and camping trips are a fantastic way to get out of the city, and back to nature for a day or two. Cooler fall temperatures make for more comfortable tents and increase the coziness-factor of campfires, and the added bonus of seasonal foliage is a huge selling point. Fall in Shenandoah National Forest is absolutely spectacular. The rich warm tones of the fall season can be seen for miles from the various vantage points along Skyline Drive. The best part of Shenandoah though, is how pet-friendly of a destination it is.
Shenandoah National Park is home to over 500 miles of hiking trails, including a large portion of the Appalachian Trail. Hiking is a fantastically pet-friendly activity and an effective form of exercise for both dogs and their owners. There are many trails which are readily accessible for those who are casual hikers, and there are also more difficult trails for weekend-warriors looking for a bit of a challenge on their getaway. A handful of trails do not allow pets for safety reasons, and they include Fox Hollow Trail, Traces Trail, Stony Man Trail, Limberlost Trail, Dark Hollow Falls Trail, Story of the Forest Trail, Bearfence Mountain Trail, Frazier Discovery Trail, Old Rag Ridge Trail, and Old Rag Saddle Trail. Even with these exceptions, there are still hundreds of miles of trails for visitors to explore with their four-legged friends.
Pets are to be kept on leashes at all times. Leashes must be no longer than six-feet in length while in Shenandoah, so best to leave the retractable leads at home. When traveling with pets, travel bowls are very handy, and their collapsible nature makes them extremely portable for a quick drink or a meal on the go. It's best to keep pets on a consistent meal schedule while traveling, so try to keep feeding times as close as possible to the normal routine. Bring more water with you than you think you'll need. While hiking, periodically check on your dog's feet; dogs who are not used to walking on a variety of terrains can irritate their foot pads which can become quite painful for them. Some dogs are more prone to this than others, so keep an eye on them while enjoying the fantastic and beautiful natural scenery. Also, make sure pets have up-to-date tags and contact information on their collars, should they get separated from the group.
Shenandoah is a perfect weekend destination for those looking for a little adventure with their pets. It is economical, accessible, and well-worth the relatively short drive to Virginia. Leave No Trace, and be sure to take dozens of pictures to keep the memory of fall in Shenandoah with you year-round.
Comments