Adventure Dog Training 101: Preparing Your Furry Friend for Dog Friendly Trails in NC
Fact: North Carolina’s natural wonders are better when shared with friends. OK, that’s not a fact, that’s opinion, but we think it’s a good one. Especially when those friends have four legs and plenty of fur.
Adventuring with your dog is one of the best ways to explore North Carolina’s diverse landscapes, from coastal trails along the Atlantic Ocean to scenic mountain paths with sweeping views. If you’re searching for dog friendly trails in North Carolina, our state offers countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with your favorite companion.
From easy walks to more challenging adventures, dog friendly trails in NC welcome responsible hikers and their pets. By following a few simple stewardship practices, like keeping pets leashed, respecting wildlife, and packing out waste, you can ensure you and your pet have a positive impact on the places we all cherish.
4 Insider Tips for Exploring Dog Friendly Trails With Your Adventure Pup
#1 Know the Regulations
Does the park or trail you’re looking to explore have specific regulations about pets? Not every parcel of public land manages for pets in the same way. For instance, dogs are allowed in campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but not on most of the park’s trails, but furry friends are welcome on most trails within NC’s national forests. And how about a beach trip? There are plenty of dog friendly beaches in NC where pups can enjoy the sand and surf, from the Northern Outer Banks down to the New Brunswick Islands, but the pet regulations vary depending on your destination. Some beaches allow dogs to roam free before certain hours, while others require a leash at all times.
Or maybe you’re in the bustling city of Charlotte and looking for a quick escape with your pup. The Daniel Stowe Conservancy is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors close to the city, and the Conservancy welcomes pets on the shady walking paths, but not inside the gardens. There’s also a dedicated dog park for off-leash fun.
Regardless of your destination, knowing the regulations ahead of time allows you to Plan Ahead and Prepare, tailoring your experience to maximize fun for you and your dog.
#2 The Leash is Key
#3 Manage Your Pup’s Food
Hiking through one of NC’s state parks, like the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, where several miles of trail surround a languid river, is rewarding, but tiring work for your little buddy. Remembering to bring plenty of water and snacks will help keep her energy levels up. Storing that pet food safely is an important way you can help Keep Wildlife Wild while you’re in a park like Cliffs of the Neuse.
If you’re car camping, pack the pet food it away in your car, or use one of the metal food containers that are available at campsites throughout NC’s national forests and state parks. If you’re backpacking, seal your pet’s food in a leak-proof bag or container and then make sure that food goes into a bear-proof canister. NC’s public lands are havens for wildlife like otter and coyotes, which could mistake your pup’s food for their own. Keeping that food out of their wild paws helps maintain their natural behaviors.
#4 Don't forget the poop
The easiest and one of the most impactful ways you can be a good steward of NC’s wild spaces when you’re adventuring with your pup is to Trash Your Trash. Follow this Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principle and pack everything out of the landscape that you brought into the landscape, which includes your dog’s poop. Make sure your day pack is stocked with plenty of compostable plastic bags so you can safely remove your dog’s deposits, which could inadvertently introduce non-native species to the forest if left unattended. Consider bringing a larger trash bag as well, so you can remove any other trash you find along the trail, which will give you a chance to leave the forest, city park or beach in better shape than you found it.
By planning ahead and taking a few easy, extra measures, you can explore NC’s wild terrain with your pup while being a good steward of the landscape. That’s a win/win/win for you, NC and your dog. Now that you’re prepared with Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principles in mind, check out these dog-friendly destinations throughout the state.
Outdoor NC - Leave No Trace: Learning from the Experts
Family Fishing Tips from ONC Guide Danielle Ennis
Taking guidance from NC’s seasoned outdoor experts can help us learn how to savor our wild, natural world while safeguarding it for the future. That’s exactly why we wanted to hear from Outdoor NC Guide Danielle Ennis.
As Head Paddling Guide and Instructor at Headwaters Outfitters: a family-owned paddle sport and fly fishing outfitter that’s operated in Rosman, NC, for 32 years, we knew Danielle would have the inside scoop on paddling out with care. Below, she shared her top tips for keeping NC’s waterways wild while making the most of your paddling adventure.
1. Know before you go:
Following the Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principle “Plan Ahead and Prepare” means getting familiar with where we plan to paddle and gathering as much pre-trip information as possible. Before heading out on the water, we can set ourselves up for a safer and more rewarding experience by ensuring we have a map of the area, checking water conditions and anticipated weather forecasts, seeking local knowledge of any hazards or obstacles, and acknowledging our own skill levels.
2. Dress for the conditions:
Considering water and air temperatures when deciding what to wear is key. A rule of thumb for adventures out on the water is that the combined water and air temperature should add up to 120 degrees or greater; anything under that can significantly increase hypothermia risk in the event of capsizing and taking an unexpected swim. Another good rule of thumb is that it’s best to avoid cotton. Wearing moisture-wicking, quick-dry clothing and carrying extra layers in a waterproof dry bag helps us ensure a comfortable body temperature when dry or wet.
3. Pack your paddling essentials:
Like any good adventure, having our basic essentials and safety gear readily on hand will help contribute to a safe, comfortable, and successful trip. We can pack according to our paddling environment and duration of the trip, but at a minimum, it’s always best to have water and food as well as a map, whistle, first aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp, rain jacket, and extra layers in a dry bag. It’s good practice to bring along a cell phone, throw rope and extra paddle, too, for any unexpected incidents.
4. Paddle Responsibly:
Not only can we as paddlers practice safety on the water, we can act responsibly while off the water, too. Paddling safely and responsibly means following Outdoor NC Leave No Trace-informed tips like knowing and obeying any local rules and regulations for our paddling destination, using designated access areas, being considerate of others, packing out all the trash we pack in, and keeping a restful distance from wildlife.
5. Always wear your life jacket:
Regardless of age or experience, we should always wear life jackets, or Personal Floatation Devices (PFD), while on the water. Wearing a life jacket doesn’t mean you’re a bad swimmer — it acts as a floatation aid to assist and save energy in case you take an unexpected swim or need to self-rescue. It’s nearly impossible to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water! When paddling as a group, make sure everyone has a United States Coast Guard-approved Level 70 or Type III life jacket designed for paddling that’s well-fitted, comfortable, and in good working order.
Want to learn more ways to explore North Carolina’s natural world, from the High Country to the coast, while being a good steward of it?
Inside our Evergreen E-Newsletter you’ll find useful tips on how to responsibly enjoy all kinds of outdoor adventures, highlights from local guides, and recommendations on destinations to explore throughout North Carolina for adventurers of all abilities.
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