Why the hell would you not keep your dog on a leash? Forget other dogs for a minute, there are so many things that could go wrong in an unfamiliar environment. Fido spots a deer and runs off after it for a few miles, and boom, lost. Bear will usually run away too, but if their cubs are around, your dog will likely not come out of that interaction alive and well. Moose can actually be aggressive. Not to mention, usually trails are fairly well maintained, but there is tons of barbed wire, broken glass, and even used needles depending on the part of the state for your for legged friend to get cut on off trail.

I have a dog, I love taking him for hikes and walks, I have no idea why other dog owners find holding a leash so troubling.