Customer Reviews

Best Hikes With Dogs: New York City & Beyond

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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.

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

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.

The book has given me some great ideas and information about new places to hike with my dog, but nearly every adventure turns into a misadventure. Trail descriptions are rather vague, and unless you are familiar with areas before you head in, you may easily get lost. In fact, one particular trail description for a hike in Harriman State Park provides grossly inaccurate information about the location of the parking lot!