Hiking in the mountains with your dog: the best trails

Does the call of the mountains resonate with you and do you want to gain some altitude? This summer, you’ve decided to go hiking in the mountains with your dog! On the menu: magnificent landscapes, mountain lakes, green pastures—the good life, really!

Discover our best dog-friendly trails and our tips for hiking with your dog. Hiking boots for you, competition paws for him—let's go!

The best mountain hiking trails with your dog

Our best trails for hiking with your dog are waiting for you! However, we cannot be held responsible for untimely rolls in cow dung… But we will sincerely sympathize, we promise!

Hiking with your dog in the Alps

The sublime Queyras Regional Natural Park allows dogs on a leash. Your dog will not only be able to stretch their legs but also enjoy the breathtaking views of these high mountain landscapes and typical small villages. Woof then!

The Rouget waterfall, located in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval in Haute-Savoie, is a great refreshing walk to do in summer with your dog! The route is easy and suitable for all levels, even for the least athletic dogs. Not everyone is a fitness addict, OK!!!

Hiking with your dog in the Pyrenees

Come breathe the fresh air of the Aulon Regional Nature Reserve. This majestic place located in the Hautes-Pyrénées has everything to please: shepherd's huts, rare animals and plants—in short, the ideal place to discover mountain biodiversity with your beloved pet!

Lake Soum, on the edge of the Pyrenees National Park, is a very beautiful spot for hiking with your dog. With a bit of luck, your dog might meet the semi-wild horses that come to drink there. Don't forget a picnic—a sandwich with a view is guaranteed!

Hiking with your dog in the Massif Central

The Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park offers magnificent landscapes. Explore the Chaîne des Puys with your pet (on a leash, of course) and discover this vast volcanic region made up of lakes, mountains, and meadows.

Bandit’s word, you're going to love the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park! Come and enjoy nature with your dog and frolic in good company in this majestic place.

Hiking with your dog in the Jura

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and offer your dog some beautiful walks, come and hike in the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park!

Come and take a 100% nature break at the Hérisson waterfalls. This superb walk, with its fresh and green accents, is dog-friendly, so why deprive yourself!

Hiking with your dog in the Vosges

The tour of Lac de Gérardmer is great to do in summer with your beloved Bandit. This glacial Vosges lake offers a refreshing break during hot summer days. You'll love it, and so will your dog!

Lac Vert, nestled in a green setting, is perfect for walking along the water and among the fir trees with your favorite quadruped. Don't forget to take some selfies with your dog to capture these good times!

4 tips before you go hiking with your dog

Discover the 4 things you need to know before embarking on an adventure on the hiking trails with your beloved pet!

1) Check the weather before you go
To avoid finding yourself and your dog in the middle of a thunderstorm and smelling like wet dog all day, or hiking in scorching temperatures: double-check the weather before heading out with your dog!

2) Avoid national parks
In most French national parks, dogs are prohibited, even on a leash, to protect wild flora and fauna. It would be a shame to travel there and have to turn back because Fido isn't allowed on the trail!

3) Bring enough water
Between physical exertion and heat, plan to bring enough water for your beloved dog. For optimal hydration, bring double their daily ration, especially if there's no water point on your route.

4) Watch out for herds
...and for Patous! While these sheepdogs may look like big cuddly bears, they hate it when you get too close to their sheep or cows and will let you know!

Tell us all about it! What are your favorite dog-friendly hiking trails?

The article Hiking in the mountains with your dog: the best trails first appeared on The Daily Bandit.