Trail Dog and Company, LLC

10/02/2025

Greetings! I'm Liz, owner and lead guide of Trail Dog & Company.

I started Trail Dog & Company with the intention of creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment for women on the trail. After leaving a draining and toxic work environment, I knew I needed to do something different. I started spending more and more time outdoors and ultimately took a number of life-changing section hikes on the Appalachian Trail. I then earned my Wilderness First Responder certification and hit the trail running to create a business and mission I truly believe in.

One of the things that drew me to the outdoor recreation industry was not just the epic places you visit, instead it was the amazing people and trail communities you connect with along the way. I always want fantastic PEOPLE to be the number one thing you remember about a Trail Dog & Co destination hiking trip, not just stunning views.

I often get the question, "Why is your outfit called Trail Dog & Company when we don't actually hike with dogs on the trips?"

Dogs are a huge part of my life, so I wanted to incorporate them into the business name and logo. And, we all know a Trail Dog when we see one--they're strong, resilient, and loyal. Trail Dog & Company is a nod to all those trail dogs who aren't afraid to put in the hard work, who blaze through any obstacle in life, and enjoy life in the moment. My three trail dogs inspire me to get out there and live life in the moment every day.

I hope you'll join one of our available women's destination hiking retreats this Fall!

Direct message to learn more about the available spots

Happy trails and see you out there!

08/02/2025

Hey Wisconsin Ladies! You're invited!

Join Trail Dog & Company for a heart-warming Galentine's Day Hike on Saturday, February 15th at 9:30 AM. We'll provide complimentary hot chocolate and hot cider on this 7.5-mile hike (Milwaukee, WI area).

WOMEN OF ALL AGES WELCOME!
Activity Level: 3 (on a scale of 1 to 5)

Direct message Trail Dog and Company, LLC for the meeting location and hike details. Or send an email to: [email protected]

Hike limited to first 9 women to respond, so snag your spot while they're available!
🥰
Cost: FREE

To join our mailing list or to learn more about hiking with Trail Dog & Company, please visit:

www.traildogandcompany.com

Happy Trails and See you out there!

03/02/2025

Say hello to Anne! She's one of our amazing co-guides at Trail Dog & Company.

Anne (pronounced like "Annie") is a certified Wilderness First Responder and a passionate adventurer with a lifelong love for the outdoors. Throughout her life, Anne has been drawn to nature, and in college she studied business marketing with a focus on outdoor recreation. Whether it's rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, or snowboarding, Anne always finds a reason to get outside!

By day, Anne serves as the Director of Marketing and Community Engagement for an equine therapy nonprofit. In addition to her work and outdoor pursuits, Anne is a 500-HR certified Yoga Instructor and teaches regularly at local studios. Anne looks forward to leading pre-hike and post-hike yoga sessions on our destination hiking trips to help your body warm up and cool down after your day in the mountains.

We are thrilled to have Anne, and all her diverse experience on our team!

You can follow the Zen and calm with Anne's yoga teachings

27/01/2025

Happy New Year from your Guide Team at Trail Dog & Company! We look forward to sharing an epic (and safe) adventure with you in 2025.

Did you know that all guides with Trail Dog & Company are certified Wilderness First Responders? Yep, we've got you covered! Through our hands-on training, we've learned how to tackle medical emergencies, make critical evacuation decisions, and offer reassurance and guidance when it's needed most on the trail.

All Trail Dog & Company destination hiking trips have two certified hiking guides for groups of 6-8 hikers, so you'll have plenty of hands-on expertise on the trail. Your guide team will assess weather, trail conditions, wildlife, route planning, and educate you along the way so you're empowered to use the skills you've learned with Trail Dog for future hikes.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks to learn more about each unique guide with Trail Dog & Company. And...be sure to check out the available 2025 Women's Slackpacking Trips before they book up!

www.traildogandcompany.com

Happy Trails from your Guide Team at Trail Dog & Company!

20/01/2025

Ladies, 2025 is YOUR year! Unleash your inner Wander Woman!

Trail Dog & Company, a woman-owned business, is here to support you and all your adventure-driven goals in 2025. Jump start your year by securing your spot on our epic North Carolina Women's Hiking Retreat.

We’ll hike approximately 7-11 miles during the day, yet come home to a hot shower, a delicious dinner, and your own comfy bed. No camping required. Simply live in the moment on your vacation--we take care of all the meals, lodging, logistics, safety, and FUN!

While on your trip, you’ll experience impressive views on The Appalachian Trail, eat at local restaurants, shop in local stores, and be fully immersed in Appalachian Trail culture. Price includes lodging at the vacation rental, meals (and snacks), daily transportation to and from the trailhead, and endless adventure in a safe and supportive setting (with two Wilderness First Responder certified guides).

Activity Level: 3-4 (rated on a scale of 1-5) Women of all ages welcome!

Max number of hikers per trip: 8 hikers, plus 2 experienced guides

AVAILABLE 😊2025 North Carolina Women’s Hiking Retreat Dates:

Hot Springs, NC Women’s Retreat: October 25th to October 30th (6 spots remain)
Hot Springs, NC Women’s Retreat: November 1st to November 6th (4 spots remain)

Cost: $2,400 for a single occupancy room, $2,300 for a double occupancy room. $200 down payment due at sign up to secure your spot.

Contact: [email protected] or direct message ASAP to secure your spot before they're gone.

www.traildogandcompany.com

Happy trails!

13/01/2025

Greetings and Happy New Year Trail Dogs! 2024 was a challenging year for my guide outfit and small business, Trail Dog and Company, LLC In fact, I am downright happy to press the "reset" button and roll into 2025 with a fresh, new start.

As I reflect back to January of 2024 when I was strategizing with my mentor, she said something that really resonated, and I carried it with me throughout the year. She said, "Liz, either you're winning, or you're learning."

Needless to say, 2024 was a year of learning.

I learned to be more agile, more nimble, and more open to letting go. In 2024, I met new hiking friends & clients, I scouted new locations, and I tightened up my focus with Trail Dog and Company, LLC for 2025. I learned more than I ever thought possible.

So in the spirit of learning, growing, and new beginnings, I am proud to share this spotlight on Trail Dog and Company, LLC with you from the January edition of Natural Awakenings.

https://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/1178914/MilwaukeeJan2025.pdf

Happy New Year and here's to year filled with health, happiness, and adventure! -Liz

To learn more about hiking with Trail Dog & Company, please visit:

www.traildogandcompany.com

[email protected]

10/01/2025

Today was the first hike of 2025! I got to spend the afternoon with my favorite IAT 1,000 miler, Katrina Serwe.

We parked in the Monches/HWY K parking lot (large lot with plenty of space) and got in 10 miles on an out-and-back hike. This was my first time on the Loew Lake Segment and it was gorgeous—I can’t wait to explore it again in a different season! Winter blessed us with views we wouldn’t have been able to enjoy in other seasons…and the trail was so quiet. One of the many joys of hiking in a different season!

We had stunning views of the Oconomowoc River, hiked through some winter sun-kissed fields, and enjoyed the contrasting green of a natural spring. The views of Holy Hill didn’t disappoint and it was fun to see the shrine from a different vantage point.

No matter what your hiking goals are for 2025, remember even a couple free hours on the trail are always worth it. You never know what you’ll see, what you’ll learn, or who you’ll meet.

Unplug, relax, and breathe in 2025, you GOT this!

www.traildogandcompany.com

30/11/2024

It's Small Business Saturday...Be sure to book your epic 2025 adventure with Trail Dog & Company before space runs out!

Ladies, have you always wanted to slay the Appalachian Trail during the day…and go back to a relaxing vacation rental at night?! If so, we’ve got you covered! We’ll hike approximately 7-11 miles during the day, yet come home to a hot shower, a delicious dinner, and your own comfy bed. No camping required.

Trail Dog & Company is especially excited to share these two scenic portions of the Appalachian Trail with you after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. Let’s make the comeback greater than the set back and support these beautiful mountain communities!!

While on your trip, you’ll experience impressive views on The Appalachian Trail, eat at local restaurants, shop in charming local stores, and be fully immersed in Appalachian Trail culture. Price includes lodging at the vacation rental, most meals (and snacks), daily transportation to and from the trailhead, and endless adventure in a safe and supportive setting (with two Wilderness First Responder certified guides).

Activity Level: 3-4 (rated on a scale of 1-5) Women of all ages welcome!

Max number of hikers per trip: 8 hikers, plus 2 experienced guides

2025 Women’s Hiking Retreat Dates:
Damascus, VA Women’s Retreat: September 27th to October 2nd (3 spots remain)
Hot Springs, NC Women’s Retreat: October 25th to October 30th (7 spots remain)
Hot Springs, NC Women’s Retreat: November 1st to November 6th (4 spots remain)

Cost: $2,400 for a single occupancy room, $2,300 for a double occupancy room. $200 down payment due at sign up to secure your spot. All rooms have shared bathrooms.

Contact: [email protected] or direct message ASAP to secure your spot before they're gone.

www.traildogandcompany.com

Happy Trails!

29/11/2024

Today’s hike was a cold-y but a good-y!

Thank you Ozaukee-Washington Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for hosting an enjoyable hike today. We crushed 5.7 miles on a loop hike and took in some crisp, clear views from the Powder Hill Observation Tower. It was fun volunteering with y'all and meeting some new trail friends!

To learn more about hiking the Ice Age Trail, donating, or volunteering, check out: www.iceagetrail.org

What is ? It's a movement started by REI in 2015 that encourages people to create new holiday traditions with family and friends in outdoor spaces instead of chasing black Friday deals.

Start your own tradition. Gather your favorite people, go to your most beloved places, share your best days outside! 🍁🎒🥾

26/11/2024

Relax and recharge after Thanksgiving this Friday at Sacred Spaces with BODYignite! All proceeds will be donated to The Wisconsin Humane Society to help repair the damage to the Ozaukee Campus after it was struck by a car this weekend. Thanks BODYignite for offering a relaxing workshop with a rewarding outcome for the community!

🌟 𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝑺𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒔, 𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒚 🌟

In light of the recent vehicle crash into the Wisconsin Humane Society Ozaukee Campus, we are directing all proceeds from our Sacred Spaces event on November 29th to this vital organization.

Join us for a transformative event while giving back to the community and supporting the animals in need. Together, we can make a difference! 🐾💖

Registration Fee: $25
Click here to register:
https://form.jotform.com/DawnColeman/sacred-spaces-registration-form

23/11/2024

THE 2025 TRIP LAUNCHES ARE HERE!

Ladies, have you always wanted to slay the Appalachian Trail during the day…and go back to a relaxing vacation rental at night?! If so, we’ve got you covered! We’ll hike approximately 7-11 miles during the day, yet come home to a hot shower, a delicious dinner, and your own comfy bed. No camping required.

Trail Dog & Company is especially excited to share these two scenic portions of the Appalachian Trail with you after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. Let’s make the comeback greater than the set back and support these beautiful mountain communities!!

While on your trip, you’ll experience impressive views on The Appalachian Trail, eat at local restaurants, shop in charming local stores, and be fully immersed in Appalachian Trail culture. Price includes lodging at the vacation rental, most meals (and snacks), daily transportation to and from the trailhead, and endless adventure in a safe and supportive setting (with two Wilderness First Responder certified guides). Not included: flight or transportation to/from destination, any adult beverages, and guide gratuities.

Activity Level: 3-4 (rated on a scale of 1-5) Women of all ages welcome!

Max number of hikers per trip: 8 hikers, plus 2 experienced guides

2025 Women’s Hiking Retreat Dates:
Damascus, VA Women’s Retreat: September 27th to October 2nd
Hot Springs, NC Women’s Retreat: October 25th to October 30th
Hot Springs, NC Women’s Retreat: November 1st to November 6th

Cost: $2,400 for a single occupancy room, $2,300 for a double occupancy room. $200 down payment due at sign up to secure your spot. All rooms have shared bathrooms.

Contact: [email protected] or direct message ASAP to secure your spot before they're gone.

www.traildogandcompany.com

Happy Trails!

19/11/2024

Oh hey guys! Roman the house hippo here. I wanted to provide an update on all the fun I’ve been having with my foster family. I adore my foster brothers…as you can see, we are experts at Netflix and chill! 🦛🐾 I also like to sit by my foster mom’s feet and help her cook dinner. You could say I like to be where all the action is! I’ve made friends with the kids in the neighborhood and I’m super chill with other dogs.

My adoption fee is only $199 (plus tax). I am neutered, vaccinated, and micro chipped. I know how to sit, walk on the leash, go into my crate for nappies, and stay off the furniture. I’m freshy-fresh after my bath this weekend. I was such a good boy for my bath. 🐾

Want to meet me and talk about all the fun I could have with your family?!

To fill out an adoption application or see my biography, visit: www.wihumane.org (search for Roman)

Or, direct message my foster mom. I’d love to become a part of your forever pack!

17/11/2024

November 17th is National Take A Hike Day. It’s a day to celebrate the outdoors and connect with nature and other hikers. These tenacious ladies did that (and then some) on the Pike Lake Unit of the Ice Age Trail today!

We tried to celebrate after we slayed miles with what many call “the second best cheese curd in the state of Wisconsin” but they were all sold out. Talk about a midwestern dilemma!!!🧀😂🧀😆

Thanks to this awesome crew for a fun day chasing yellow blazes on the IAT. Happy trails! 🥾

16/10/2024

EXCITING NEWS! THE 2025 YELLOWSTONE TRIP LAUNCH IS HERE!!!!!

Level 4 trip (Based on a 1-5 trip rating)

18+ adult co-ed trip, 6 hikers max + 2 guides

Trip Cost: $2,900.00 per hiker

(Includes 4 nights of lodging, 2 nights of backcountry tenting, transportation, logistics, park entrance fee, permits, bear spray rental, guide fee, and some meals)

Dates: September 5th to September 11th 2025

Meeting location: West Yellowstone, Montana (traveling to and from meeting location is the hiker’s responsibility)

Watch bison graze, observe famous geysers like Old Faithful erupt, and picnic in the spectacular backcountry with the expertise and safety of two experienced guides. You’ll learn the park’s remarkable history and learn about all the different geothermal features in the area. Experience multiple park segments without having to plan a thing. Enjoy living in the moment on your vacation while your guides cover the logistics and share a truly unique Yellowstone experience! Average daily mileage: 8-10 miles. You don't have to be an advanced hiker for this trip, but we recommend this is not your first time hiking, tenting, or being comfortable in the outdoors. Please reach out directly with any specific questions.

$300 downpayment required at sign up. To reserve your spot today, direct message us, or email: [email protected] HURRY...These spots will go quickly!

Happy Trails and see you out there!

12/10/2024

Today was all about sharing some trail magic on the Ice Age Trail. I met some cool people, pet some cool dogs, and hung out with some super-cool clowns. That’s the beauty of the trail…you never know who you’ll meet. 🫶🏻🥾🍁

Good luck to everyone doing the Mammoth Hike Challenge this October! There’s still time to join the challenge for FREE at www.iceagetrail.org.

And don’t forget to keep the people of southern Appalachia in your thoughts as they continue to dig out after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

The American Red Cross is giving $10 amazon gift cards to people who donate blood before 10/31. Otherwise, please consider giving to your disaster relief organization of choice. And THANK YOU to everyone who has already donated, you guys rock!!

Happy trails and see you out there! 🍂

www.traildogandcompany.com

04/10/2024

It’s amazing how much things can change in a week. This was Damascus Virginia last Friday. One Friday later, the town is digging out, building back, and recovering from the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Helene.

Trail Dog & Company sends our love and support to all the first responders, search and rescue personal, firefighters, police officers, civilians, and hikers who stepped up to help Damascus, VA. Your countless efforts continue to inspire and amaze everyone.

Although the Trail Dog October 2024 Women’s Hiking Retreat in Damascus is cancelled, WE WILL BE BACK STONRG IN 2025 to support and celebrate this beautiful trail town.

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the disaster relief efforts, please keep the love and donations coming.

02/10/2024

Hurricane Helene devastated Southern Appalachia last week. In addition to catastrophic impacts in Asheville, many small mountain towns were decimated. Some are starting to dig out, and others are still completely isolated because their bridges and roads were washed out. Communication is very limited due to continued power outages and no cell service. In addition to a rising death toll, some people are still missing or unaccounted for. These communities need our help.

This footage is of downtown Hot Springs, NC where Trail Dog & Co was supposed to host its Fall women’s hiking retreat this past weekend. The retreat was cancelled due to the storm. I am okay, and all hikers connected with Trail Dog & Co are okay. Thank you for everyone’s care and concern 🫶🏻

All 2024 Appalachian Trail destination hiking trips with Trail Dog & Company have been cancelled due to the devastation.

A lot of you have reached out to see what you can do to help at this point. Here are a couple suggestions:

1. Donate to your disaster relief organization of choice.

2. Donate blood in your local community.

3. Check on your friends and family in impacted areas when communication opens up. Ask directly what they and their town needs? Open your home up to them or those in need.

4. Keep sharing this story. So many people aren’t aware of the hurricane’s impacts to western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and southern Virginia because communication is still so limited at this point. Continue to SHARE this story and be an ADVOCATE for our brothers and sisters in southern Appalachia.

5. Donate to The Appalachian Trail at: www.appalachiantrail.org. Consider volunteering on the AT or in impacted trail communities (once safe).

Please continue to pray for, support, and advocate for our trail communities. They need it more than ever.

Stay strong southern Appalachia, we love you. 🩷

25/09/2024

What was our FAVORITE THING we did in Theodore Roosevelt National Park last week on vacation?

Hiking the 4.1 mile Caprock Coulee loop in the North Unit.

We started our hike going clockwise, but you can choose your own adventure and go either way. The first mile of the loop boasts dramatic views of the Badlands and the Little Missouri River. You’ll see the River Bend Shelter, which was beautifully constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s. It was a great post-hike spot to stop and enjoy a snack (and the view of course)!

The 4.1 mile loop hike took us a little over 2 hours. The National Parks Service rates the trail as moderate and I would agree. We started out hiking slowly, taking in the views and taking way too many pictures. We then kicked it into high gear because there was rainy weather blowing in and we knew we didn’t want to be stuck ice skating on the infamous, slippery Bentonite Clay known to the park.

You’ll see plenty of wildlife, sweeping views, forest views, and coulee views. This trail offers SUCH a variety of landscapes. Highly recommend!! There’s a pit toilet about 2 miles in, and you’ll need to pack out any food and water for the day. There are no water sources on this trail and a decent amount of sun exposure, so plan accordingly to have the best and safest experience.

Happy trails and see you out there!