Video: Trail Dog Shred in the Alpine at Sunset in 'Golden Girl'

 Are you actually a dog owner; do you have experience with any of this?
I hike and ride with my dogs, and on trails that aren't popular with humans, horses or motor vehicles, I think its perfectly acceptable assuming your dogs are well trained and behaved.
Dogs and man have roamed this planet together for thousands of years, and one thing I've learned is there are few things that can make most dogs happier than a good romp on a trail. With that, good dog owners understand the risks and responsibilities that come with this, and its on them to ensure that their animals are sufficiently trained and behaviorally appropriate to be on trails and off leash.

 @uncanny: Had dogs all my life but have had several run ins with badly trained dogs. Everyone always thinks their dog is the best trained friendly little buddy, but that's rarely the case. Even in the past month I've barely avoided hitting a few uncontrolled dogs, seen two almost fall off cliffs, and seen a third try and fail to attack a mountain goat..... all those were in areas way off the beaten path. Just last week I got chased and nipped at by an elderly couples dog who they had off leash even though they even said as much that he hates bikes and always will chase and snap at them.

Moreover I don't think you understand the legal ramifications for off-leash dogs in the USA. You should look into it as you can be opening yourself up to a lot of liability.

Best practice is dogs are great hiking buddies but need to stay on the leash at all times for their own safety.

 @bonkedeveryclimb: Thank you, been saying this for years, but people get all offended like you're insulting their children.

 @bonkedeveryclimb: Gordon Bennett !