Dog-Friendly Hikes In Montgomery County, Maryland
Guest Blog by Paula Cotter
Most dogs love to go outside and hike with their owners—even small dogs enjoy the opportunity to sniff new scents and see new sights, though they might not want to go as far or fast as their bigger cousins.
Fortunately, Montgomery County, MD, offers a variety of dog-friendly trail systems! The DogOn Fitness staff have taken dogs on several trails as part of our DogOn Adventures, and we’ve checked out some of the best areas.
Let us know if you want to enroll your dog in a DogOn Adventure! Also, here are a few suggestions if you want to make your own hiking adventure.
Things to Know Before You Go
It’s important to note that the parks in Montgomery County require all dogs to be on a leash. In hot and humid weather, watch for signs of overheating: panting, tiredness, and inattention. In addition to poop bags and any snacks you want for the dog, be sure to bring water and a portable dog bowl. Some DogOn Fitness handlers bring ice cubes in a baggie and let them melt in their fanny-pack to give to their pups for a nice cool drink. If possible, walk on natural, unpaved trails; they’re less likely to heat up and be uncomfortable for your dog’s paws.
Park at 7801 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817
The Cabin John Regional Park has a network of trails that dogs love and remain shady in the summer. One nice hiking area is the Locust Grove Nature Trail Network.
Follow the small Pine Ridge Trail on the west end of the parking lot to pick up another trail that takes you to the north (right) along the creek. Or take the hiker-only path from the east side of the parking lot, and pick up the more extensive trail following the creek from that side. You and your dog can weave your way for as much as eight miles or simply follow the creek for a short distance. There are small bridges, fallen trees, mini-meadows, and plenty of up-and-down to keep your canine friend interested. A good bit of the trail is in the shade or partially shaded, so it’s ideal for summer hikes!
Park at 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville, MD 20855
Lake Needwood provides another excellent hiking area for dogs in the Derwood neighborhood. The trails around the lake are part of the extensive Rock Creek trail system and include the northern end of the Rock Creek hiker-biker trail. Most of the trails in the area are natural surfaces; some are hilly, and some can be muddy. One fun route is to park near the boathouse and concessions at the southern parking area. Then follow the trail around the south end of the lake and up to Needwood Road on the Westside Trail. Cut left and pick up the Huron Trail. Take it until it doubles back onto the Westside Trail and returns to your starting point. For a more manageable, less challenging walk, take the paved hiker-biker trail south from the parking—cut into the woods along the creek if you feel like it on the small natural surface trails.
One thing to remember at Lake Needwood is that in the past, a toxic algae, microcystin, has been detected in the lake. As of June 30, 2020, there were no reports of elevated toxin levels, but it’s worth checking before you go. If high levels of microcystins are found, don’t let your dog drink from the lake. Your dog could incur liver damage.
Park at 11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Located in the Seneca Creek State Park, Clopper Lake provides a lovely wooded setting for a relaxing hike with your four-footed friends. The lake was impounded to provide flood control and recreation: canoeing, kayaking, and hiking are available. Enter the park from Clopper Road, on Seneca Lake Road. Turn right when you come to an intersection, then left into a loop with several parking areas near the lake.
There is a trail that goes completely around the lake; it’s a little over three miles. You can find that trail by heading toward the lake from any parking area. Once you’re on it, look for blazes on the trees. Your dog will get a thrill from seeing the usual squirrels and chipmunks, and you can watch for herons and turtles along the lake.