About us
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. 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.
When it's nice weather, we camp. Campouts will include kayaking/hiking.
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In 2025, after 12 yrs of free membership, we have found it necessary to establish a $15/year membership fee. There is a 60 day free trial, but after that you will need to pay the dues to attend/participate in our events.
YOU MUST BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND EVENT. You'll need to answer our membership questions, pay the dues (after 60 day trial), 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
13
Lights and Leashes at Quailridge Park with St Charles County Park
Quail Ridge Park, 5275 Quail Ridge Parkway, Wentzville, MO, USEnjoy the night sky with your dog as you emBARK on an interpretive hike under the stars. Bring your furry friend to one of our parks as we walk approximately 1.5 miles. These walks are on paved trails and are wheelchair accessible. Dogs must be on a leash. Participants are encouraged to use glow sticks and other fun light sources to light up our way. You do not have to have a dog to participate. Pre-registration is highly suggested (but welcome if didnt')
This walk will take place at Quail Ridge Park. Please meet at Lodge parking lot..It's free.
Sign up at St Charles County Parks
2 attendees
CAMPING & KAYAKING, Robertsville State Park
Robertsville State Park, 902 State Park Drive, Robertsville, MO, USThis might be our group's favorite little campground close to STL. Only about 25 miles from Valley Park area, down Hwy 44.
Only 27 sites, spaced away from each other for privacy. Not all have electricity, so be sure to check that before you book.
KAYAKING is great here. We will do the 9 mile run from Choteau Claim, back to Robertsville State Park. I promise ... we won't do the "ONE MORE MILE" run this time.
DINNER: No pot luck dinner, bring your own stuff. Not enough people for a pot luck.
CELL SERVICE is good here.
Here is link for park. You can see map of campground and trails.
HERE IS A LINK FOR RESERVATIONS
Missouri State Parks - Missouri State Parks Reservation System5 attendees
PADDLE AFTER DARK fundraiser for Open Space STL
Location not specified yetTHIS IS NOT A TOTTS EVENT. Just posting it if you want to go.
Cost is $40 for B.Y.O.BOAT. Rentals available, but cost is more.
Details and registration below. You must register.Paddle After Dark - 2026 Tickets, Friday, July 17 • 5 PM - 10:30 PM | Eventbrite
This is not the same thing as our Full Moon Paddles. Cost is higher, but it's for a very good cause.
We support this group and really enjoy the August "Operation Clean Stream". We have adopted Simpson Lake as our spot, but they run clean up all up and down the rivers, including all along the Meramec.
I don't have any more details, you can to the link shown to get full info and register.
Past events
2247
Group links
Members
100
