To fuel a proper adventure, eager dogs need nourishment, and their humans need some inspiration as well. On the food front, The Farmer’s Dog makes on-the-go activity easier than ever with its new Instant Fresh line. The compact and shelf-stable bags travel easy, while the nutrients remain (thanks to minimal processing, whole ingredients cooked at low temps, and rapid freezing). And though Instant Fresh stays dry in the bag, the high-quality, human-grade food transforms into a freshly made meal up to three times its weight when mixed in a bowl with water.
Plan your next outdoor dog adventure knowing you’ve got a healthy food option that packs away perfectly. To help on the inspiration side, we’ve curated a collection of the most outstanding dog-friendly trails across the U.S. Start with a few of our favorites below that range in difficulty and vary across landscapes. Then explore the full collection, find a fitting trail adventure, and earn a real meal.
1. Lands End Trail
San Francisco, CA
Long before it was a dog-walker’s favorite, the Lands End Trail carried a canine name of its own: The Spanish called it Point Lobos, or “wolves,” after the sea lions (“lobos marinos”) that patrol the coast.
The 3.4-mile roundtrip hike ascends 547 feet, traversing the historic Sutro Baths and opening views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean, where hopefully you and your pooch can glimpse his seagoing pals.
+ Pack Instant Fresh: This hike pays off hikers and runners with relatively quick 30-mile views up and down the California coast in the wildest, rockiest corner of San Francisco. It’s the perfect spot to reward your pooch with another treat mixed with water: a healthy, all-natural, and minimally processed meal. He’ll lap it up like the waves on the shore below.
2. Cascade Mountain
High Peaks Wilderness (Keene, NY)
This 4.4-mile, out-and-back trail climbs a whopping 1,886 vertical feet to a rocky summit with rockstar views. But be sure-footed; its rocks can become slippery when wet. Make sure you have treads with paw-like traction. This hike is better for bigger dogs due to its difficulty.
+ Pack Instant Fresh: The hearty vertical gain means that you can’t be chicken on this trail, but you can refuel your best friend with the Instant Fresh Chicken & Grain recipe. Packed with real chicken and vegetables, consider it your pup’s literal carrot (with green beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and spinach) for reaching the top.
3. Bushkill Falls Red Trail
Bushkill, PA
The longest trail at the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” the Red Trail passes a whopping eight waterfalls as the creek flows toward the Delaware River. The trails are a mix of natural surface, boardwalks, and steps. There are no amenities along the way, so take advantage of the facilities at the trailhead. It’s 1.7 miles for the easy one-hour roundtrip.
+ Pack Instant Fresh: Since all you need is water to give your dog a natural, wholesome meal, this water-side hike is perfect for Instant Fresh, letting you choose from the pools below the various waterfalls to cool down after a freshly made meal.
4. Foster Falls
South Cumberland State Park (Sequatchie, TN)
Starting at the Foster Falls trailhead, this short 1.8-mile loop is perfect for dogs of all walks and wags. It follows the Fiery Gizzard Trail along the rim before dropping on a rocky path to a creek crossing and plunge pool at the base of Foster Falls.
Bonus: The trail wends beneath tall bluff walls that are popular for climbers, giving you some entertainment to watch along the way.
+ Pack Instant Fresh: The gizzard-named trail will keep your pup excited for the chicken ahead in Instant Fresh (the recipe is packed with real chicken and vegetables, all cooked at low temperatures to retain nutrients), while creek crossings and plunge pools offer plentiful stops to mix your freshly made meal as soon as your pup is finished swimming.
5. Forbidden Drive
Philadelphia, PA
This 10.7-mile trail with 327 feet of elevation gain gets its unique name because cars were banned here. Keep your eyes open for local wildlife like wood ducks swimming in the creek or a bright red-crested pileated woodpecker drumming on a tree. The Thomas Mill Covered Bridge is a notable point of interest along the way.
+ Pack Instant Fresh: A longstanding ban on automobiles in the Wissahickon Valley Park has created a peaceful natural refuge — not unlike The Farmer’s Dog keeping ultra-processing out of Instant Fresh to maintain nutrients and the natural balance of gently cooked whole meats, fresh veggies, grains and starches.
This article is sponsored by The Farmer’s Dog.
