Harper's Ferry, WV - A Day Trip (April 2015)

Pegasus

I enjoyed hanging out with the pack for a day hike in Harper's Ferry. My parents love Harper's Ferry and all the beautiful views. Sometimes, the trail got to be too long for my little legs, so we would stop and rest. Mom said she was glad to stop and rest me, because she was tired too!

Also, some parts of the trail were too rocky for me to be able to navigate safely, due to my age and size. Thankfully, my parents were happy to carry me over these parts! 

Meadow

Wow, what a fun day! I had so much fun exercising on all the trails! There were a few parts that made me nervous. Crossing the train bridge (see that bridge below me in the picture?) was tight with people and other dogs. I stayed close to my Khris, but I was a little nervous about the crowds. On the way back, I was so tired, I did not worry about the crowds anymore! At the end of the train path there were some really scary stairs. I did not want to go down them, but my Khris went ahead of me and showed me it was okay. I had to be brave to show Bandit it was okay!

On the trails, we saw a lot more people. I felt shy, however, Bandit was having so much fun meeting new people, that I met some new people too. It was not even bad at all, I liked it! I slept very good on the way home. I cannot wait to go back!

Bandit

I saw so many people! Oh boy! I love people! I met other dogs, I love other dogs. I followed Meadow everywhere, I love Meadow! I loved being with my pack! I love sitting up high and looking at the views! On the trails, we saw so many people passing us and I was so excited to meet each one! I wanted to catch up to the ones ahead of us, so I could make friends with them too! The stairs were scary, but once I saw Meadow go down them, I followed her. Meadow is my best friend! She and I were both nervous of the train going by the train path, but once we saw my parents were not worried, we did not worry either! I love trains, I think!

I loved wading in the water and getting tossed food from my parents' picnic! This was such a fun day, I cannot wait to go back. I slept so very good on the way home. My mom said I was "exhausted finally". I don't know what exhausted means, but if it means I had a really super fun day with my family, that is what I was! 

Tips

• At the end of the path by the railway (across the water) there are spiral, grated stairs that can be scary for most dogs. Bring treats and a lot of praise! If your dog does not want to go down the stairs, that trail can also be reached by road.
• Bring lots of water!
• Bring leashes that you can tie to benches, if you want to eat by the riverside. 
• The dogs may enjoy wading in the river, be cautious of any broken glass in or by water (though we did not see any on this trip). 
• The dogs (and you) may find the people in costume fascinating!
• Bathrooms are available in town, be sure to visit them before heading on the trail!
• Yummy ice cream and shakes are to be found, some with windows on the sidewalk to order, since you cannot enter most establishments with dogs.
• The hikes are steep, keep your dogs leashed so they do not run off the trail! 

Any tips you would suggest for a trip to Harper's Ferry with dogs? Comment below and let us know! We learn something new each time we visit! 

Mom and "the boys"

Dad and all three dogs