What we’re about
For dog lovers who are ready to go "BEYOND THE SIDEWALK" with our best friends. Our main goal is to actually spend quality time with our pups doing fun things, instead of just hurrying through the daily grind of walking around the neighborhood.
You don't need to own a dog, but you'll have to tolerate ours. There are usually other "dogless" hikers/paddlers. We stop often to water the dogs, take pictures, and play in creeks/rivers/lakes.
Usually, we have 2-3 events/week, year round.
When it's cold, we hike. Usually, we hike 6-15 miles/week in cool weather.
When it's hot, we kayak. Some easy lake paddles, some 10 mile river trips.
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YOU MUST BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND EVENT. You'll need to answer our membership questions, RSVP like other members do, and abide by our rules if you want to hang out with us.
Leave the negative talk about family or politics at home, just bring a sense of humor and enjoy the day.
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IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A POWER HIKING/PADDLING GROUP, THIS IS NOT IT!
The pace of our hikes/paddles is more relaxed, and our groups are smaller. We take our "goof off" time seriously, especially if there's a puddle, creek, lake or river around. If you're in a hurry to burn up the trail, you won't like our group.
You do have to be reasonably fit for most of our hikes, which average 3-6 miles long.
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WE HAVE RULES & WE ENFORCE THEM! BE SURE TO READ THEM. It's no fun having to correct people on the trail. Please just read them.
Keeps our dogs and people safe and happy. By joining our group, you acknowledge that you have read these rules and agree to abide by them. You obviously hike at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety and your dog's safety.
If you don't like these rules...or think they don't apply to you...you should not join our group!
NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES, 6' max
NO INTACT MALE DOGS....THIS IS NOT OPEN FOR DISCUSSION.
KEEP YOUR SHOTS UP TO DATE. We do not check this.
Please use tick preventative on your dogs, for their safety. Trails are often wooded.
Bring water for your dog....this is important, even if you don't think so.
Stay to the right on the trail, just like driving a car. We don't own the trails.
Arrive a bit early and be ready to go, we hit the trail/launch at the scheduled time.
Please leave the political or negative talk at home, no one wants to hear it.
PACE OF HIKE is set by event hosts. New members, do not take over and lead the pack.
If your dog is mean or aggressive, you will be asked to leave.
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REQUIRED FOR MEMBERSHIP:
• A picture that clearly shows either you or your dog...prefer one of your dog!
• A real name for you and your dog
• Your dog's name, breed and age.
IF YOU DO NOT SUPPLY THESE THINGS, YOUR MEMBERSHIP WILL BE DENIED.
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Upcoming events (4+)
See all- QUEENY DOG WALK. Our best hike for first timers.Queeny Park, Ballwin, MO
If you're new to the group, this one's for you. Queeny is our "party hike", one that almost all people & dogs can enjoy. Easy to meet & greet on wide open trails. Usually our most well-attended hike.
NEW PEOPLE....PLEASE READ ENTIRE WRITEUP AND WRITTEN DRIVING DIRECTIONS. There are 2 entrances off 2 different roads, and there are 8 parking lots. We lose newbies here all the time because they go to the wrong parking lot.
Good in almost any weather. This is where we go when it's too nasty to go anywhere else. Trails are mostly gravel and some paved with no mud. Pretty much level. Two small hills.
PACE OF HIKES: Our pace is about 2 mph, which is reasonably moderate. If that's not what you want...don't sign up. If you're a fast walker, plan on slowing down and enjoying the company. Don't be in a hurry, slow down and talk to people.
NO GUEST DOGS, our hikes are for member dogs only. Human guests okay, but you're encouraged to come alone and socialize. It's a good park for conversation with your fellow pack members.
About 4 miles, allow 2.5 hours.
• ON LEASH AT ALL TIMES, they're very strict here
• NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES...dangerous in a group. 6' max length
• Comfortable walking shoes okay here, trail is gravel/paved
• Bathrooms after about 1 hour of hiking
• BRING WATER FOR YOUR DOG! THIS IS IMPORTANT!
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DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
If you don't read directions, you'll probably be hiking alone. There are 2 entrances and 8 parking lots. We hit the trail promptly at 10:00, with or without you. Arrive a little early and be ready to go at 10:00.
WORTH REPEATING: We lose newbies here all the time, because they go to the wrong parking lot. Please read driving directions below, come to the right parking lot!
USE MAPPING FEATURE TO GET TO PARK, WEIDMAN ROAD ENTRANCE.
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MEET AT THE UPPER PARKING LOT.
When you turn into the park, (Weidman Road entrance) go up the big hill and take the FIRST ROAD ON THE LEFT AT THE **TOP OF THE HILL ** to the parking lot. If you go back down the hill and see the Rec Plex building, you're in the wrong place.
We gather near entrance to parking lot, on the left. Hard to miss us with all the dogs.
Allow 15 minutes from 270/Manchester.
If you want to view/print a park map, click on link below
https://stlouiscountymo.gov/sites/default/assets/pdfs/department/Parks/Queeny/QueenyTrail_small.pdf
- THANKSGIVING CAMPOUT at BENNETT SPRINGS, hiking and maybe kayakingBENNETT SPRINGS STATE PARK, Lebanon, MO
Might be freezing cold, might be hot and sunny. Let's go camping! This park is supposed to be just beautiful. Famous for trout fishing. Good hiking trails and kayaking.
If it's warm enough, we can kayak the Niangua River. Hopefully the ticks will be gone and we can hike with our dogs. We will tweek plans when we get closer and know what the weather will be.
This is the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving, so it shouldn't interfere with your family plans.
It's about a 2.5 hour drive from our area. Near Lebanon, MO off Hwy 44.
CAMPING: The campground is open, electric is on but there is NO WATER OR SHOWERS. Plan accordingly. I'll double check, but don't think they take reservations in the off season. It's first come/first served. Those of us who get there on Thursday can park our cars in adjoining campsites and keep the group together, if possible. Good cell reception, so I can communicate, if anything changes.
Talked to the people at Bennett Springs. Campground 1 is open in winter. No reservations needed, just find a site and park yourself. Bring both cash and plastic, she wasn't sure how you had to pay. $21/night for electric. They do have full hookups with sewer, electric and water for $27/night. Most sites have only electric.
KAYAKING: If we can kayak (depends on temps and water levels) you will need cold weather clothes. River is spring fed and cold, even in summer. Dress to swim, not to paddle. Wetsuit, waterproof pants and waterproof boots. No big bulky sweat shirts or coats, they can absorb water and you will drown. If you don't know what to wear, ask in the comments. When you assume, you make an "ASS of U and ME". ASS-U-ME not!
Niangua is pretty easy, with some minor fun stuff.
HIKING: The trail I would love to do is the Natural Tunnel Trail. It's long, 7.4 miles, but supposed to be beautiful. There are shorter trails, quite a few options. Again, we will tweek details as time gets closer. But plan on at least one hike.
Check the link below for info.
Again, at this time, it looks like we don't need reservations, just go there and pick a spot. Bring cash and plastic, not sure what kind of payment they will want....but the rangers find you.
Bennett Spring State Park | Missouri State Parks (mostateparks.com)
