Best Hikes With Dogs: New York City & Beyond [Paperback]

Tammy L. McCarley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2007

Tammy McCarley has hiked with her dog, Sienna (a Golden Retriever-Chow mix), for four years throughout the Empire State. Now they present the best trails for both you and your dog in New York City, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island. You'll find outings for every type of pet and pet owner, from easy day hikes to overnight trips. Discover rolling hills, rocky escarpments, clear lakes, beautiful beaches, and more.

All outings are rated 1 to 4 paws to show difficulty for both humans and dogs. Trails are on terrain that's easy on the paws, and there are advance alerts for any canine concerns. A handy Trail Finder Chart helps you choose the outing that's best for you and your pet by comparing hikes by length, terrain, difficulty for dogs, and features such as backpacking options. Also included are loads of helpful tips: how to prepare your dog for a hike, what to bring, how to be responsible trail users, dealing with wildlife encounters, and hiking with your pet in the Northeas

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

TAMMY MCCARLEY is the owner and founder of New York City-based Blue Sky Dogs, a canine adventure and dog-friendly travel company. She is a certified instructor of pet first aid with the American Red Cross.

Product Details

• Paperback: 237 pages
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books (April 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594850445
• ISBN-13: 978-1594850448
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #509,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every Dog has its Trail, May 31, 2007

By 

Paul Moskowitz (Yorktown, NY) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Best Hikes With Dogs: New York City & Beyond (Paperback)

This delightful work is the latest in a series of books titled "Best Hikes with Dogs." Other areas previously covered include: Oregon, Colorado, New Jersey, Arizona, North Carolina, Las Vegas, and many more. The author has chosen 55 trails in the New York City, Long Island and Hudson Valley region suitable for canine expeditions. I was pleased to find that two of the hikes were in my town of Yorktown. I was really surprised to see the John Hand Park as one of them. Most Yorktowners have never heard of it or Blinn Road where the trail begins.

The author is careful to select trails that are not too strenuous. For instance, her Hudson Highlands hike keeps to the valley between Mt. Taurus (Bull Hill) and Breakneck Ridge. Undoubtedly, the thousand-foot peaks along the Hudson River would be no problem for Lady, the dog who led me to the summit of Colorado's Mt. Princeton at 14,197 feet. For more difficult routes in this area, I agree with the author's recommendation of the "New York Walk Book."

Each trail is well described along with the history of the area. Directions to the trailheads and parking areas are clear. Maps and altitude cross sections are provided for each hike. The book is filled with photos of the scenery, people, and, of course, happy dogs.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Woofing along New York trails, February 5, 2008

By 

Robert C. Ross (New Jersey) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Best Hikes With Dogs: New York City & Beyond (Paperback)

Tammy McCarley owns Blue Sky Dogs, a dog travel and adventure company based in New York City. She, her dog Sienna and her husband have hiked the 55 trails described in this excellent guide book. The trails are in the five boroughs, on Long Island, and in the lower Hudson Valley. All of the trail heads are within three hours driving distance from Manhattan, and many are reachable by public transportation.

McCarley's book contains a quick reference guide to the 55 hikes, checklists for humans and dogs, a very comprehensive Appendix on removing ticks and tick borne diseases. Undoubtedly reflecting her experiences with her travel company, McCarley places heavy emphasis on dog health and safety. The first aid kit contains over twenty items, including a muzzle or a towel that can be used as a muzzle. Particularly impressive: she lists the emergency 24 hour veterinary hospital closest to the trailhead.

She has taken great care to choose routes that offer water and shade over the entire route. She lists no hikes in Nassau County because none of its parks permit dogs on trails. Most of the parks in the book have specific rules for dogs, which she spells out at the start of each trail.

The text is filled with black and white drawings and photographs that enhance the excellent trail descriptions. Head notes for each hike give distance, estimated time, difficulty, high point, elevation gain, facilities, maps, regulations, websites, emergency vet services, and how to get there. There is a neat profile schematic showing the rise and fall of elevation, and quite good thumbnail maps of each hike.

As a long time hiker in the region, I know that many of the organized hiking leaders do not welcome dogs. McCarley, of course, is in the business of providing such leadership. Whether you go with McCarley, or go alone with your dog, McCarley's book is a splendid guide.

Robert C. Ross 2008

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of ideas and information, July 9, 2007

By 

DanniGirl6475 (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Best Hikes With Dogs: New York City & Beyond (Paperback)

I bought this book because a) I love hiking and being outdoors and b) I have two lively dogs that I want to take on day trips with me. This book is part of a series which I had heard great things about from fellow dog owners.

The author gives alot of detail about each trail. They are carefully mapped out and she lists hiking must-have's for humans and dogs alike. The trails are rated by difficulty levels and most of the hikes seem easy to moderate. The photos included are beautiful and really inspire you to get out into nature with your dog! We have already walked a trail that was listed for one of our local parks. I plan on doing many more, in different places, throughout the summer. I think this book is great for all those interested in hiking and bringing your canine companion along for exercise and an enjoyable day away from the city.