Lace up your hiking boots and dab a little Musher’s on your pup’s paws and let’s hit the trails! Nov. 17 is National Take a Hike Day. Hobo the Wonder Dog enjoys getting on a hiking trail and enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the wilderness — and so do I. November is a perfect time to enjoy a hike with your dog. The mountains are calling and Hobo and I hear their call.

Whether you head out on a tried and true hiking trail or search for a new path, your adventure is never the same. The thing about hiking in the mountains is you never really hike the same trail twice. Obviously, the destination may be the same but the adage “time is like a river — you cannot touch the same water twice.” I believe hiking is kind of the same way in that you cannot hike the same trail twice. Trust me, you will not see the same mountain, smell the same smells, or see nature in quite the same way. The trail you hiked in May is not the same trail you will experience in November.

Hobo and I hope you will celebrate National Take a Hike Day with your dog on Nov. 17. Please be mindful of good dog etiquette when hiking with your dog. Usually leashed dogs are welcome in the park; however, it is always a good idea to check rules and regulations for each park you plan to visit with your dog. Remember, when you are in public with your dog you represent all dog owners and the park is no different. Dogs must be under control at all times, on a leash no longer than six feet, excrement disposed of in a trash receptacle or removed into the wood line at least fifteen feet from any public use area. Be good stewards for all dog owners — its simple control your dog and leave nothing on the trail except paw prints. I advocate having good manners, social skills, and basic obedience for your dog. Mastering the basics ensures a pleasurable time is had by all as it opens a world to explore and enjoy with your dog.

With thousands of miles of hiking trails in Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia, there’s a trail calling your name. If you are new to hiking be realistic — Mount Le Conte might not be your first distention but, trust me, there are many rewarding trails to choose from. Make sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes and pad protection for your dog. Take a snack and water for yourself and Fido. Hiking is good exercise and with the estimate of 400 to 550 calories burned per hour of hiking it fits nicely with any health and fitness goal.

I love hearing Hobo’s nose working as he takes in the new smells of nature on the trails. Hobo and I hope you will share your hiking adventure on social media using #NationalTakeAHikeDay. National Take a Hike Day is Nov. 17.

Life is better with a dog — woof!

Hobo the Wonder Dog, Your guide to travel, health and fun. Please follow Hobo on Facebook at Hobo the Wonder Dog or contact us at: howard@howardsbaker.com.