by erin pannazzo hiking with your pup photos and text by featured outdoor instagrammer @erinandadventuredog
Summer is here! Appreciate the warm weather this season by exploring the world with your furry best friend. The Hudson Valley has many pet-friendly hikes for some good old human-canine bonding time. She will love it; you will love it. Adventuring with your pup is fun! Here are some hikes to try:
POET’S WALK, RED HOOK
DIFFICULTY: Easy
Dogs must be leashed.
This is a wonderful walk with beautiful views, rolling hills, and an amazing gazebo that cannot be beat. Be prepared to see a lot of dogs! There are plenty of well-marked trails to explore, and you will also get to see wonderful views of the Hudson River.
OVERLOOK MOUNTAIN, WOODSTOCK
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
Dogs must be leashed.
If you made a list of everything your ideal hike would include, Overlook has it. Fire tower? Check. Historical ruins? Check. Breathtaking lookouts? Double check. This is not one to miss. The actual hike to the top is a long, steep gravel path, but you are rewarded with some amazing views. It’s worth it every time. A bit of warning, though: Most dogs are not keen on climbing fire towers, so you may want to bring a buddy to keep an eye on your pup while you continue on that part of the adventure.
SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN, COLD SPRING
DIFFICULTY: Easy/moderate
Sugarloaf is part of Hudson Highlands State Park and is one of my favorite hikes in this area. Neighboring Breakneck Ridge, this mountain shares the same amazing views of the Hudson River but not the crowds. You can park down on Route 9D and begin your trek on the Wilkinson Memorial Trail, marked with yellow trail markers all the way up to the main lookout. You will know you are there when you see the gnarled tree that makes this hike so memorable. Enjoy and appreciate it, but please also respect it.
GIANT LEDGE, BIG INDIAN
DIFFICULTY: Moderate/difficult
Dogs must be leashed.
Giant Ledge is home to one of my favorite Catskill views. It’s not a long climb, but it is a fairly steep one. You have the option to make it more difficult if you continue on to Panther Mountain, but the ledges on Giant are very much worth the hike. Prepare to get started on this one early in the morning; it is popular!
WITTENBERG MOUNTAIN, PHOENICIA
DIFFICULTY: Difficult
PARKING FEE: $6 during
summer months
Are you thinking that you and your pooch are more experienced and are in need of a challenge? My pup loves a challenge, and we love this hike for that very reason. This hike has beautiful meandering trails through pine trees, but it also has steep rock scrambles that are a blast to climb. Oh, and did I mention that it also has one of the best views of the Catskills you may ever see? You better believe it. Just make sure you and your furry friend are fully prepared to climb.
REMEMBER
DIFFICULTY: Moderate/difficult
Dogs must be leashed.
WATER: Staying hydrated and cool is equally as important for your dog as it is for us two-legged folk.
CONDITION: A pup who is not used to physical activity could struggle to breathe in the heat of the summer. When your pup is heavily panting and continually wants to lay down, she is most likely overheated. Don’t push her, and take frequent breaks in the shade.
LEASHES: Be aware that while most hikes are dog-friendly, they may require that pets be leashed at all times. Please obey these regulations.
for more #hikespiration and everything #HudsonValley and #Catskills, follow @VISITvortex on Instagram.
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