A Day in the Life of 5 American Hiking Society Trail Heroes
Here at Ruffwear, we believe every dog deserves a life of adventure, and we’re deeply committed to honoring those who make that possible. By partnering with advocates who protect wild places, champion rescue efforts, and strengthen the dog-human bond, we can amplify our collective impact.
Through our Paw It Forward program, we channel our passion into purpose by supporting incredible organizations like the American Hiking Society (AHS). For this year’s initiative, we’re partnering with AHS to keep trails open and thriving for years to come. Their work helps protect more than 200,000 miles of trails crisscrossing America, mobilizing 657,000 volunteers to restore and maintain 46,000 miles of trails.
These volunteers are nothing short of modern day Trail Heroes — people who love the outdoors as much as we do, and who are dedicating their own time to restore and maintain hiking trails all over the country.
We sat down with five of these Trail Heroes to discover more about their favorite gear, trails, and tips for making the best memories with your dog.
Josh & Sebastian
Where did you hike today?
We hiked part of the Empire State Trail in Pendleton, NY. It’s a 750 mile multi-use trail that connects New York City to Canada, and then Buffalo to Albany.
What’s your best trail tip?
Always remember that the words "almost there" are never accurate.
Tell us your favorite memory from today’s hike with your dog.
We are very fortunate to live so close to a multi-use trail that we walk every evening. Sebastian came from an alleged neglect situation where he spent the first six years of his life living outside with 60 other dogs and very little human contact.
The trails are where he learned how to be a dog. They are where he discovered that it's okay to explore, play, and simply enjoy life. Watching his confidence grow over the years has been one of the greatest joys of sharing these hikes with him.
One of his favorite things to do is roll around on the trail like he has absolutely no worries in the world, and today's hike was no exception. He rolled like he owned it. Seeing him so happy never gets old.
What should we know about hiking with your dog, trail etiquette, or AHS?
To me, good trail (and tail) etiquette is remembering that you're a visitor. The wildlife lives there, volunteers maintain it, and other hikers are there to enjoy it too. Be respectful, be prepared, hold on tight to that leash (remember, your dog can indeed hear a squirrel from two miles away), clean up after your pup, and leave only memories.
What is your favorite piece of Ruffwear gear?
The harnesses! A good, secure harness is a must for dogs prone to slipping out of collars — aka the Houdinis of the world. I'm also a big fan of the secure, locking clip on Ruffwear leashes.
Clare & Kweli
Where did you hike today?
Cincinnati, Ohio. In Cincinnati ("the city of Seven Hills") there are about 320 of these historic stairways still connecting neighborhoods, making the city a prime destination for urban hiking.
What’s your best trail tip?
Hydration for me and my pup! Urban hiking can feel 15-20 degrees hotter than rural or natural hiking trails. With this tiny pup, hydration for both of us makes the world of difference. Tell us your favorite memory from today’s hike with your dog.
Kweli is all hair, no pounds. While he is a spry Yorkshire Terrier, I oftentimes have to help him up a good portion of those 200+ hillside urban steps before we reach the top, where he can run in the woods. Today was no different!
What should we know about hiking with your dog, trail etiquette, or AHS?
Good dogs hike on-leash and never leave "surprises" behind! One of the best parts of hiking with Kweli is that his nose ALWAYS finds the trash. He finds it, we pick it up, and practice “negative trace” by picking up trash left by others.
What is your favorite piece of Ruffwear gear?
His Ruffwear Front Range® Flex harness is perfect. When he is shaggy (like he is now), it adjusts perfectly and can always be tightened up after his next grooming visit.
Brianna & Summit
Where did you hike today?
Two Trees Trail in Riverside, California. What’s your best trail tip? Always plan and prepare before you head out. Make sure you pack enough water for both you and your pup, along with snacks for the hike. Before leaving, check the weather forecast and look up current trail conditions, especially if you're visiting a new trail or one with limited cell service.
Tell us your favorite memory from today’s hike with your dog.
My favorite memory from today's hike was seeing all of the wild donkeys. There were a couple dozen of them scattered along the trail and up in the hills. We always make sure to keep our distance whenever we see them, whether we're out hiking or even around the city. One of my favorite parts is watching Summit watch them. I'm always curious about what he's thinking whenever he spots them.
What should we know about hiking with your dog, trail etiquette, or AHS?
Keep your dog on a leash, especially on popular trails. It's not only for your dog's safety but also for the safety and comfort of other hikers, wildlife, and other dogs. Always bring more water than you think you'll need, even on cooler days.
Know your dog and hike at their pace. If they need one break—or several—take them, and move off to the side of the trail or into a designated pullout so others can continue past. And if your dog wants to stop and sniff the flowers, let them. It's their hike too.
What is your favorite piece of Ruffwear gear?
If I had to pick a favorite, it would be the Front Range® Flex Collar. I loved all of the thoughtful features, especially the easy-to-use side-release buckle, the separate tag attachment point for the leash, and the tag silencer. I had actually never seen a tag silencer before (and honestly wasn't sure what it was at first!), but it's such a simple feature that makes a big difference by keeping tags from constantly jingling.
Maggie and Finley
Where did you hike today?
A local backcountry trail. It doesn't have a name but it is in Moab, Utah.
What’s your best trail tip?
It’s hard to pick just one! But when it comes to adventures with Finley, especially in the summer, my top tip is to be prepared. Always pack water, bring plenty of treats, and plan your hikes to avoid the peak heat. And, of course, the golden rule of every trail adventure with a pup — always pick up poop!
Tell us your favorite memory from today’s hike with your dog.
We got on the trail after a little drizzle, which meant the temperature had a little extra coolness in the air — always a treat during desert summertime. We were rewarded with a rainbow over the sandstone rim, and Finley was absolutely delighted to have some clouds for extra shade and a break from the summer heat.
Finley is 12, so we try not to push him too hard during the warmer months, which usually means a little less trail time for at least a few weeks each summer. It was really special to be able to get out there with him. There’s truly nothing he loves more than a good hike!
What should we know about hiking with your dog, trail etiquette, or AHS?
The best trail adventures are the ones where everyone has a good experience — you, your pup, and everyone else sharing the trail. That means respecting leash laws, always picking up after your dog (not leaving the bagged poop on the side of the trail for later!), and being prepared for the weather and conditions.
What is your favorite piece of Ruffwear gear?
We love the Ridgeline™ Harness — the handle on the back really comes in handy for helping Finley maneuver around challenging obstacles and terrain on the trail.
Ellie & Wimlah
Where did you hike today?
Deception Pass State Park, Anacortes, Washington. What’s your best trail tip? Go at your own pace, sniff everything, and stop for breaks (and trail naps!) as needed.
Tell us your favorite memory from today’s hike with your dog.
Wimlah is 12 years old, so she doesn't go as far or as fast as she used to, but she still loves getting out on the trails. We enjoy the slower pace together!
What should we know about hiking with your dog, trail etiquette, or AHS?
Sharing trails with Wimlah is one of my favorite ways to get outside. It's important to follow local rules (keeping dogs on leash and picking up poop!) so that these trails can remain accessible to dogs and other trail users.
What is your favorite piece of Ruffwear gear?
I love Wimlah’s pink and orange harness! It looks great with her dark coat.
