I love hiking with my dog. There’s nothing like hitting the trail before the sun’s fully up, watching my pup sniff every root and breeze, tail wagging like she’s in on some secret joy of the forest.

But here’s the truth: I’m a hard no on off-leash dogs on trails.

I know your dog is friendly. Mine is too. She’s great with people, usually ignores other dogs, and listens to commands. But none of that changes the fact that keeping dogs on a leash isn’t just about our own pups, it’s about safety, respect, and stewardship of the land we all share.

Leashes Keep Our Dogs Safe

Even the best-trained dog can get distracted. A deer bolts, a strange scent drifts in, or another hiker rounds the corner, and suddenly your dog is off the trail, chasing who-knows-what through rocky terrain. I don’t know about you, but the thought of my dog getting lost or hurt out there? Not worth the risk.

Zina and I were hiking Turk Mountain recently, beautiful trail, ends at a summit with a drop-off, and I could see how easy it would’ve been for her to keep charging ahead if she wasn’t on leash. She wanted to keep going. That leash gave me a moment to pause her, guide her back, and keep us both safe.

Off-Leash Dogs Can Be a Problem for Others

Not every dog is social. Not every human wants to interact with dogs. Some are allergic. Some are afraid. Some have reactive dogs on leash who are working hard to stay calm and safe. Your off-leash dog bounding up to them, no matter how sweet, isn’t fair to them.

It’s not about whether your dog is “friendly.” It’s about shared space and mutual respect. Trails are for all of us, and part of being a responsible hiker is making sure your pup isn’t causing distress, drama, or danger.

Wildlife Encounters Are Real (and Risky)

We’re guests in the wild. That means respecting the creatures that live there, and protecting our dogs from them too.

From snakes to bears to coyotes, Virginia’s trails come with wild surprises. A curious dog off-leash can end up in a dangerous situation real fast. Leashing your dog isn’t just protection from wildlife; it’s protection for them, too. Chasing deer, harassing ground-nesting birds, or digging up dens? That’s how ecosystems get thrown out of balance.

Off-Leash Dogs Can Damage the Trail

I’ve seen it happen more than once: a pup darting off the trail, trampling wildflowers or digging up fragile root systems. Dogs can create “social trails” (those unofficial little side paths) that lead to erosion, damaged vegetation, and long-term harm to the land.

If we love these places, and I know we do, we have to treat them with care. Keeping dogs leashed helps preserve the trails we hike and the beauty we’re out there to experience.

Leashing Your Dog Is the Law on Most Trails

Let’s just be real: most public hiking areas require dogs to be leashed. National parks, many state parks, and even local trails have leash laws for good reason. And yes, people do get fined for ignoring them.

So before you hit the trail, check the rules. If you’re determined to hike off-leash, look for designated dog parks or off-leash areas that are designed for that kind of activity. But on shared trails? Keep the leash handy.

Respect the Trail, Respect Each Other

At the end of the day, keeping your dog on a leash is about more than following rules, it’s about being a good trail companion. It’s about showing up with awareness and respect for others, for the land, and for the wild creatures that call it home.

Zina and I will be out there, hiking our hearts out, on leash and loving it.

If you’re with me on this, I’d love to hear about your favorite dog-friendly trails in Central Virginia. Let’s share the love, for our dogs and our wild places.