Hiking & Biking with Dogs on the Glacial Drumlin Trail
Fresh air, sunlight, exercise!
The Glacial Drumlin Trail is a great place to find all of these. And for many visitors, the only thing better than a day on the trail is a day with their trail buddy, especially if his name is Buddy!
Dogs love hiking and exploring new surroundings as much (or more) than humans, and the health benefits are the same for both. The Glacial Drumlin Trail is a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy quality time with your favorite mutt.
Welcome!
Generally, unless otherwise indicated, dogs and their owners are welcome in Wisconsin State Park System properties. This includes parks, state natural areas, and state recreation trails!
There are only a few exceptions. According to regulations from the Wisconsin DNR, pets are not allowed in certain designated areas, including:
- Buildings and picnic shelters
- Picnic areas (except designated pet picnic areas)
- Swimming beaches (except designated pet swim areas)
- Playgrounds (except those signed as open to pets)
- Trails marked as closed to pets
- Observation towers
- and a few others
The Basics
Of course, there are some basic rules to make your outings more enjoyable for yourself, for others, and for your dog!
All dogs and other pets must be on a leash at all times, no longer than eight feet. In addition, your dog should always be under your control, so as not to disturb other visitors. Be mindful of other dog-walkers, hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and other trail users. To prevent entanglements or conflict with others, or injury to your pooch, step off to one side of the trail while others pass by. A well-behaved dog makes everyone’s outing more enjoyable!
A leash will prevent many problems, but beware of interactions with wildlife. The Glacial Drumlin Trail is home to countless critters: deer, squirrels and chipmunks, woodchucks, raccoons and skunks, fox and coyotes, and more. Don’t allow your dog to chase or harass local wildlife, which can also a danger to your dog from injury or disease.
More info about Hiking with Dogs here.
Make the Most of Your Day
Any time of day can be good for a walk or hike with your doggo, but often the best times can be morning or later afternoon. In the summer especially, morning and evening avoids excessive heat and biting bugs, and offers more solitude if that’s what you’re looking for.
Dogs are welcome on state trails year-round, but are prohibited on cross-country ski trails when groomed for skiing or being prepared for grooming.
Pack It In, Pack It Out!
When you bring some water and a few on-the-trail snacks, don’t forget Fido!
Drinking water can often be found at most trailheads with restrooms, but these taps may be turned off during the winter season. So best to bring some extra water for you and your canine companion, and perhaps even a folding dog bowl.
Of course, what goes in must come out, so please be prepared to clean up after your pet, too. Simple common courtesy dictates you remove and dispose of pet waste in trash receptacles or dumpsters. This is not only to avert an unhappy accident for other trail users, but also to avoid a citation.
Consider a small roll of “doggy bags” in a handy clip-on dispenser!
Ticks
One hazard of which all hikers and dog-owners should be aware here in Wisconsin is ticks!
The most common (and hazardous) ticks in Wisconsin are Wood ticks (American dog ticks), Deer ticks (blacklegged ticks), and the less common but equally dangerous Lone star ticks. Here’s how to identify them.
Ticks can carry several illnesses which can infect a bitten human or dog. The most common is Lyme Disease, but the list also includes anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and others. Most are preventable and treatable, but it’s best to avoid them in the first place.
Hikers should use insect repellents on exposed skin and clothes; wear long sleeves, long pants, and tall socks; avoid heavily wooded and brushy areas with tall grass; and always check your clothing and body for ticks after an outing. Find more preventative tips here.
Many of these precautions are impractical for your dog (good luck getting him to tuck his socks into his pants), but you should always perform a tick check after enjoying the trail. Here’s how!
You should also consult with your vet regarding flea & tick preventatives or vaccines for long-term protection.
More info:
https://wisconsin-ticks.russell.wisc.edu/tick-identification-for-public-health-and-medical-professionals/
https://bestfriendsvet.com/library/tick-borne-disease/
Pedaling with Pooches
Some trail users enjoy taking their dogs on the trail while riding a bike, and many dogs seem to enjoy it too!
This can be an effective way to offer an energetic dog more exercise than you may be able to provide by merely walking or running. But, there are some very real considerations to make it safe and enjoyable for your dog.
Make sure your dog is healthy and in good physical condition. In fact, ask your vet about biking with your dog before hitting the trail, to ensure your dog is ready, and to prevent dangerous over-exertion or injury.
Go easy. A bicycle offers a major mechanical advantage to the rider; this is part of what makes it so much fun! But that same easy ride for you may be too much for your dog, especially one unaccustomed to strenuous exercise. So, always keep this in mind, and remember that your dog is exerting much more physical effort than you are. And bring extra water for your dog when riding, to keep him hydrated during his workout.
An excited dog leashed to a cyclist or tied to your handlebars can be a wild ride! So, your dog should be attentive and responsive to your voice commands to avoid injuries to you both. Spend some time first acclimating your dog to the bike, and to walking or trotting alongside it slowly, before attempting to ride a little faster.
Load-dispersing harnesses with padded chest/belly panels are available for dog-cycling, for better comfort and to avoid choking or other injuries.
More info on Canine Cycling here.
After your dog-walk, enjoy a lunch, coffee, or local brew at one of the many unique establishments along the Glacial Drumlin Trail. Some even accommodate customers of the canine persuasion, so check with staff before choosing one.
Use the interactive Visitors Guide to find one close to you!
