The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Novohradské hory

Novohradské hory offers over 30 dog-friendly hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging treks. This guide features 35 routes specifically curated for you and your canine companion.

Yes, the region caters to various fitness levels. You'll find 10 easy dog-friendly routes perfect for a relaxed walk, 21 moderate trails for a good workout, and 4 more difficult options for experienced hikers and their energetic dogs.

The Novohradské hory region is rich in natural beauty. You and your dog can explore vast, deep forests, sunlit meadows, and meandering streams. Highlights include the ancient Žofínský prales (Žofín Forest) and Hojnovodský prales (Hojná Voda Forest), unique 'klauzurové rybníky' (clausure ponds), and the headwaters of the Malše and Lužnice rivers. Many trails offer access to these diverse landscapes.

While Novohradské hory is generally dog-friendly, it's crucial to keep your dog on a leash, especially in nature reserves like Žofínský prales and Hojnovodský prales, and during nesting seasons. Always clean up after your dog to preserve the pristine environment.

For panoramic views, consider routes that ascend to peaks like Vysoká (1034 m) or Myslivna (1040 m). The View from Myslivna Rock is a particularly rewarding spot. Kraví hora (953 m) also features a publicly accessible lookout tower with expansive views of the region.

Yes, many of the dog-friendly trails in Novohradské hory are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the moderate Moorkugel – Nebelstein Hut loop from Moorbad Harbach is a great option for a varied circular hike with your dog.

You can incorporate several historical points of interest into your dog-friendly hikes. Explore the romantic Terčino údolí (Theresa's Valley) with its picturesque waterfall, or discover the ruins of the Blaues Haus (Blue House) and the Hamr Hammer Mill. The vanished village of Pohoří na Šumavě, with its church ruins, offers a remote historical experience.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the remarkably preserved natural environment, the tranquility of the deep forests, and the well-maintained trails that make for an enjoyable experience with their dogs.

Yes, the region is crisscrossed by numerous crystal-clear streams and rivers, including the Lužnice and Černá. Many trails follow these waterways, offering opportunities for your dog to safely access the water and cool down, especially during warmer months. Look for routes near the headwaters of the Malše and Lužnice rivers or around the 'klauzurové rybníky'.

Parking is generally available at common trailheads and near popular villages like Hojná Voda and Dobrá Voda. Specific parking information is often provided on individual route pages within this guide, such as for the Nebelstein Hut – Moorkugel loop from Moorbad Harbach.

For those seeking a more demanding adventure, Novohradské hory offers several challenging dog-friendly trails. The Mandelstein summit cross – Nebelstein Hut loop from Moorbad Harbach is a difficult 22 km route with significant elevation gain, perfect for well-conditioned dogs and their owners.