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05-05-2018, 12:00 AM
(This post was last modified: 05-05-2018, 12:02 AM by Deborah Haney.)
As far as I've read, as long as you stick to National Forests, you should be fine. In developed areas (trailheads, campsites, recreation areas) dogs are required to be on leash, I would assume a ranger would say the rules are the same for goats. Outside of developed areas, there are no leash laws.
If you go to organized campsites, there won't be anything specifically prohibiting goats but you may or may not encounter resistance from hosts.
If you cross into any state parks, it becomes vague. There is a law on the books that says horses, sled dogs, llamas, and similar animals are not allowed in state parks unless specifically permitted. Whether goats count is a matter of perspective. Goats have a minimal impact on the trail, unlike horses, llamas, and sled dogs, which is what I assume they're getting after with the law. Some people might group goats in with horses and llamas. You should probably call or email ahead if you're visiting state parks and remember to get names to reference if you get stuck.
If you're bringing hay, it'll have to be certified weed free or pelleted. I believe you'll need health certificate if you're coming from out of state.
All in all, this is not a state with may goat packers; when I called a dozen rangers with questions, none of them had ever heard of pack goats and no one had answers to my questions because of the rarity. You'll most likely encounter only surprise and delight from fellow hikers and it's unlikely that you'll meet a ranger or any other authority figure if you stay in the back country. Look out for dogs, coyotes, and bears and have fun!
If you go to organized campsites, there won't be anything specifically prohibiting goats but you may or may not encounter resistance from hosts.
If you cross into any state parks, it becomes vague. There is a law on the books that says horses, sled dogs, llamas, and similar animals are not allowed in state parks unless specifically permitted. Whether goats count is a matter of perspective. Goats have a minimal impact on the trail, unlike horses, llamas, and sled dogs, which is what I assume they're getting after with the law. Some people might group goats in with horses and llamas. You should probably call or email ahead if you're visiting state parks and remember to get names to reference if you get stuck.
If you're bringing hay, it'll have to be certified weed free or pelleted. I believe you'll need health certificate if you're coming from out of state.
All in all, this is not a state with may goat packers; when I called a dozen rangers with questions, none of them had ever heard of pack goats and no one had answers to my questions because of the rarity. You'll most likely encounter only surprise and delight from fellow hikers and it's unlikely that you'll meet a ranger or any other authority figure if you stay in the back country. Look out for dogs, coyotes, and bears and have fun!