Hike & Hound Eight Mile Hike

This is a step up from our easier Hike & Hound — literally! Join us for a moderately challenging, nine-mile hike to Pine Meadow Lake, more than a “walk in the woods.” This is perfect for large- or medium-sized, socialized dogs or small energetic dogs capable of hiking. If you don’t have a dog but wish you did, you can come, too! It will be a barking good time.

There will be plenty to sniff along rugged, rocky paths as we hike up craggy rises and past marshes. As you head upwards you will come to the Cascade of Slid with its many waterfalls nestled among giant boulders. Cross a bridge and then pass the Stone Giants, fantastic granite rock formations broken into blocks by weathering.

We will stop for lunch at beautiful Pine Meadow Lake, where dogs will enjoy healthy treats while humans eat their lunches. In partnership with Leashes and Lovers!

Please note: both you and your dog need to be in good shape for this hike–it is rigorous. The trails are rocky, there is 700 feet of elevation change several times and stamina will be required for all!

Event Intensity Level

This hike is Intensity Level 3. Read a full description of all levels.

About the Dogs

We trust that only socialized dogs will sign up for this trip. Please remember that as the owner, you are responsible for your dog.

Unneutered male dogs: Due to agression & territory issues that inevitably arise, we cannot allow unneutered male dogs on our trips. (Dogs too young to be neutered are ok).

Please click the FAQ’s tab above for more information.

Event Details

• Requirements Well-behaved dog, water and drinking receptacle for your pet, leash, brush or comb
• Bring Lunch and three liters of water for yourself; one liter for your dog
• Wear Season-appropriate athletic clothing; hiking boots or trail shoes. No sandals or inappropriate footwear. A REAL backpack (not a purse or shoulder bag).
• Departure Times and Location
• Downtown Departure 8:40 AM 14th Street and 6th Avenue (in front of Dunkin Donuts): Check in at 8:30 AM
• East Side Departure 9:00 AM at 3rd Avenue & 78th Street (on 3rd Ave) southeast corner. Please arrive for check-in at 8:45 AM.
• West Side Departure 9:15 AM at 73rd and Broadway, northeast corner (in front of Apple Bank). Arrive by 9:00 AM
• Return Time Approximately 5:00 PM

Want to share this event or trip?

How far is the drive?

The drive is one hour from Manhattan.

Are the dogs all together in the van?

Yes, all the humans & dogs get to road trip together! It’s great fun.

What happens if a dog gets aggressive with my dog?

Anyone with an aggressive dog should not sign up for this trip. That said, dogs will be dogs, and a growl or snap here or there is nothing to worry about. It’s normal dog behavior that says, “You’re too close to my food dish, give me some room on the seat, etc.” No unneutered males allowed.

My dog can be protective of me/crabby to other dogs in the city. Should I be worried about coming along?

If your dog is otherwise good-tempered, what you’re probably seeing in the city is leash aggression. We live in an unnatural environment (the city) and on leash, dogs can get territorial, because they feel a little trapped by being on leash. In the woods, they are free to run around and sniff in an unrestrained environment. And unlike the dog run, it’s not a confined space where there are toys to fight over.

What if I want to keep my dog on leash? She’s never been in the woods before.

You are welcome to keep your dog on leash if you wish. But you may be surprised at how naturally your dog forms a pack with the others, and enjoys running with them. They will run ahead of us on the trail to explore, but they circle back, because we are their pack, too!

What happens if my dog gets tired? We never walk this far in the City.

The people are the ones we worry about—never the dogs! You will be amazed at the energy your dog has on a hike with us. Self-proclaimed owners of “lazy” dogs cannot believe how much vigor and joy their dog suddenly has! There are a million more things to stimulate your dog in the woods versus the city. And remember: this is the environment ALL dogs evolved from, so it feels perfectly at home for them.
We will take plenty of rest stops so the dogs can play in the stream, and a good long rest at the lake for lunch.

What about ticks?

Ticks are everywhere, Central Park included. Even as a city-dweller, you should be putting Frontline, etc. on your dog monthly. That said, yes, there are ticks in the woods. In this part of the country, ticks are year-round. We stop for a thorough tick check at the end of the hike—for humans and dogs alike. It takes several hours for a tick to burrow into skin; so if you discover one after the hike, you can usually just easily pull it right off.

Experienced, Fun & Qualified Guides

From cycling across the United States to leading horse treks through New Zealand to scaling Nepalese peaks, Outdoor Bound guides have real-world outdoor experience. Collectively, they have hiked, biked, climbed and kayaked tens of thousands of miles around the globe.

Whether their professional backgrounds are as teachers, personal trainers, artists, environmentalists or business leaders, they all have an extensive knowledge of the natural world and local history. Each guide has also passed a rigorous guide certification program and is trained in wilderness first aid or as a Wilderness First Responder.

Diverse & Interesting Groups

There is no typical Outdoor Bound participant. While ages typically range from 20 to 50, those who come to experience outdoor adventure range from singles to couples, from lawyers to waiters. They are a mix of women and men. While the group is always diverse, you will certainly feel welcome. Our guides go the extra mile to make the atmosphere of each trip social and fun. Many people in the Outdoor Bound community have forged lasting friendships as a result of our trips.

New Experiences

Skydiving, ice-climbing, hot-air ballooning, skiing and hiking every weekend are just a few of Outdoor Bound’s year-round adventures. These trips are accessible to everyone, including the novice, who might feel a little uneasy, the young urban professional trying to get away and even the adrenaline junkie looking for a new rush.

Environmental Awareness

“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures,” is the Leave No Trace motto embraced by Outdoor Bound. From purchasing bamboo T-shirts to printing with soy-based inks on recycled paper, Outdoor Bound strives to create the least environmental impact possible while on trips and in the office.