Hiking with Dogs in Western Iowa

Hiking is an excellent way to stay fit and active, not only for humans but also for our furry friends. FitPaws named April as National Canine Fitness Month to bring awareness to canine obesity and remind everyone to keep their dog active and fit. Western Iowa has great hiking opportunities, and many of them are dog-friendly. However, there are several things a responsible dog owner should know and do before hitting the trail with their pooch.

The most important thing a dog owner should know is their dog's ability. Hiking with puppies is discouraged, as their bones have not fully developed. While you can go on short walks and easy hikes with a younger dog, you should be overly cautious with them and older dogs. Consult your vet about hiking with your dog, as they will have valuable advice.

Once your dog has matured physically, start small. No human would ever run a marathon without proper training; the same applies to your dog.  According to Pawsitively Intrepid, an average-sized dog in good shape should be able to hike 5-10 miles hike in stride. After proper conditioning, a dog can probably up that total to 20 or more miles in a day. Really avid 4-legged hikers in great condition can make 25 to 30 miles look easy. 20 or more miles is asking a lot of a dog, let alone a human, so unless you plan on hiking the PCT with your pooch, stick to the 5-10 mile range.

Boning up on training is another useful preparation before hitting the trails. Having a well behaved and well trained doggo will make the hike better for everyone: you, your dog, other hikers, other dogs on the trail, and wildlife. Your dog should be under voice control and know basic commands like sit, down, leave it, and others. If you hike with your dog off-leash--if it is allowed where you are hiking--reliable recall is absolutely imperative to protect your dog, other dogs, other hikers, and wildlife. Your dog should immediately return to you when instructed; if not, don't hike off-leash!

​When you begin to plan where you are going hiking, get to know trail regulations and trail etiquette. First and foremost, make sure dogs are allowed where you plan to visit. If it isn't clear on the park's website, call to confirm. If would be awful to arrive at the trailhead only to learn that dogs are not allowed. Don't assume every hiker will like your dog. Don't approach other dogs before asking the owner first. In a nutshell, be a B.A.R.K Ranger: 

• ​Bag your pet’s waste
• Always leash your pet
• Respect wildlife
• Know where you can go

​The importance of keeping your dog on a leash cannot be understated. Hiking off-leash is a wonderful pleasure if your dog is under voice control, has reliable recall, and off-leash hiking is allowed. Watching your dog frolic freely in nature is any dog owner's dream. However, consider the following as reasons to leash your dog:

• Not every hiker (or dog) you meet on the trail will like your dog
• Leashing prevents your dog from chasing wildlife
• Leashing reduces habitat damage that occurs when dogs run off-trail
• Dogs can leave behind a predator scent that disrupts wildlife
• Off-leash dogs hinder nesting and feeding activities.

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One final topic before we recommend dog-friendly hikes: plan your dog's needs while on the trail. A six-foot leash is the first thing you'll need; consider a hands-free option if you like to take pictures while hiking. Updated vaccinations, identification (name tag with contact information, and possibly an imbedded microchip), and flea and tick repellent are also integral to your dog's hiking safety. It also helpful to know how to remove a tick from your dog, as early removal helps reduce the chance of a secondary illness. A bath or grooming session post-hike will allow you to check for invaders as well as burrs, foxtails, and other debris caught in your dog’s fur.

While a first aid kit should be part of everyone's ten essentials, consider a specific kit for your pet. Keeping your dog hydrated is vital, so bring a collapsible bowl and a water bottle specifically for your dog. A supply of waste bags will help you leave no trace, while food and treats will keep your dog's energy up. Finally, consider a coat for wet or cold weather; if it's hunting season, ensure your dog's safety with an article of blaze orange clothing.

Now, let's finally get to the good stuff. What are the best dog-friendly hikes in western Iowa? Well, if you've read this far, you'll know the answer: it depends on your dog! Some dogs are active and can hike for miles, while other dogs will tire out after a short jaunt. There are numerous parks, trails, and areas in western Iowa that welcome hikers with dogs--check out our Hiking the Byways series for a detailed list that includes which parks, refuges, etc., are dog-friendly. Below is a selection of great places to hike with your dog in western Iowa.

Stone State Park: The trails in the southern part of the park are multi-use, including equestrian riders, so it might be best to stick to the northern trails to avoid any uncomfortable interactions with horses and dogs. The drawback, however, is that you must walk on park roads in order to connect most of the northern trails, so be cautious when walking on park roads.

Bacon Creek Park: Bacon Creek Park not only has three miles of trails, it also has a large off-leash dog area for your furry friends to run and play with other doggos.

Loess Hills State Forest

Loess Hills State Forest: There are no amentities at the state forest and very little reliable drinking water, so it is imperative that you pack sufficient water for yourself and your dog. Ticks are inevitable, as they are everywhere in Iowa, so ensure that you do a thorough tick check on your dog (and yourself!) after you hike. The extensive network of trails in the four units of the state forest are perfect for dogs with high activity levels and matching fitness levels. Brent's Trail is a great trail to train your dog for long and rugged hikes.

Willow Lake Recreation Area: This park offers 6 miles of hiking trails through prairie and woodlands. While there is a swimming beach, check with Harrison County Conservation to see if dogs are allowed to take a dip in Willow Lake.

Old Town Conservation Area: Hunting is allowed at Old Town, so if you go hiking in the fall or winter, make sure that you and your dog are wearing bright orange. It's also crucial to keep your dog leashed during hunting season for its protection and out of respect for hunters. There eight miles of trails at Old Town allow hikers to create hikes of varying lengths.

Hitchcock Nature Center: Probably the most popular place to hike near the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro, as Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods in Nebraska do not allow dogs on their trails. The extensive trail system at Hitchcock allows hikers to do short or long hikes, depending on their dog's fitness and their own. There is also a water fountain in the Loess Hills Lodge (no dogs allowed inside) in order to refill your pup's bowl.

West Oak Forest: No amenities, so pack sufficiently. West Oak Forest is quiet and tranquil, so you and your pup will have a great time hiking the mowed grass trails. Check for ticks after you've hiked.

Waubonsie State Park: The equestrian trails are great to hike, however, stick to Sunset Ridge and the other trails south of the highway in the state park, as dogs can spook horses. There are plenty of trails around the park office to get your dog proper exercise and enjoy wonderful views of the Missouri River Valley from Sunset Ridge.