Dog Hikes
Blue Hills Reservation
Located just south of Boston, this large reservation offers over 125 miles of trails, including the popular Skyline Trail which provides great views of the city. It's perfect for both moderate and challenging hikes, and it's dog-friendly. There are massive trials.
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Situated north of the city, Middlesex Fells has over 2,200 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and rocky outcrops. The Rock Circuit Trail and the Skyline Trail are favorites among hikers. Dogs are welcome on leash.
Walden Pond State Reservation
This historic site in Concord offers a serene 1.7-mile trail around the pond, perfect for a leisurely hike with spots to relax and enjoy the view. It’s also great for swimming and picnicking in the summer.
Hopkinton State Park
Known for its trails and scenic views, this park also offers water activities like kayaking and swimming. It's a great spot for a family outing and allows dogs on leash.
Breakheart Reservation
Located in Saugus, this park has a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels. It features a dog park and Pearce Lake, where you can cool off after a hike.
Harold Parker State Forest
With over 3,000 acres of forest, this location offers 35 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Dogs are welcome, and it's a great place for a peaceful hike.
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
In Lincoln, this spot combines hiking with opportunities to see farm animals and wildlife. It offers easy trails and educational programs, making it ideal for families.
Cat Rock Park - Weston - Off Leash
This spot is a really pretty but also a really popular park. It hasn't been as full as the weekends usually are but there are still a good amount of people hiking here. It is legal off leash, has clean swimming, and is a nice place to go. The main lot is resident only on the weekends but you can park in the back at the end of Indian Hill Rd
Doublet Hill - Weston - Off Leash
Doublet Hill is a hidden spot in Weston that is mostly only frequented by dog walkers. It is a very hilly spot with many small trails. In the center of the park is an aqueduct that leads to a golf course on one side and a field on the other. The lower section has a small pond. The south side of the pond is clean but the north side is very muddy.
Whipple Hill - Lexington - Off Leash
Whipple Hill is my favorite hidden gem and happens to be just down the street from where I live. There are some good hills if you want a little challenge but flat options as well. A small shallow pond allows for swimming but some sections are cleaner than others.
Menotomy Rocks Park - Arlington - On Leash
Menotomy Rocks Park is a small but nice little spot close to Cambridge. The field area has off leash hours 6-9am but the trails are always leash only. There is a landscaped pond and some pretty wooded trails.
Rose Kennedy Greenway
Rose Kennedy Greenway is a pet-friendly, linear green space with five parks nestled in a mile-long ribbon in Boston, MA. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their humans as they explore the parks, enjoy the sculptures and public art, picnic, relax on the grass, grab a meal from a food truck or vendor and spend the day or evening in the great outdoors.
Chestnut Hill Reservation
Leashed dogs can join their humans at Chestnut Hill Reservation, a pet-friendly park in Boston, MA. You and Fido can enjoy the paved 1.5-mile walking trail that meanders around the Chestnut Hill Reservoir.
These spots offer diverse hiking experiences, from challenging trails with city views to serene, nature-filled walks. Whether you're hiking solo, with family, or with your dog, you'll find a trail that suits your needs.
Halibut Point State Park
Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, Massachusetts, offers a range of activities and attractions that cater to nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and families. Here's an overview of what you can do at Halibut Point State Park:
Coastal Views
Enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rocky coastline. On clear days, you can see Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the New Hampshire coast.
Walking Trails
The park features several trails that wind through the coastal landscape, offering opportunities for hiking and nature walks. The main trail leads visitors through the woods and around the old quarry.
Quarry Tours
Explore the historic Babson Farm Quarry, which was operational from the 1840s to the 1920s. Interpretive signs along the trails provide information about the quarry's history and the granite industry.
The Little Blog of Magic
Bird Watching
The park is a great spot for bird watching, especially during migration seasons. Look for seabirds, shorebirds, and other species that inhabit the coastal and woodland areas.
Tide Pools
Explore the tide pools along the rocky shoreline to discover a variety of marine life, such as crabs, sea stars, and small fish.
Picnic Areas
There are designated picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal with scenic ocean views. Remember to carry out all trash to keep the park clean.
Ranger Programs
The park offers ranger-led programs and guided tours that provide insights into the natural and cultural history of the area. Check the park's schedule for upcoming events and activities.
Facilities
The park is equipped with restrooms and has accessible trails and viewing areas to accommodate visitors with disabilities.There is a parking lot available for visitors, though it can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.
Addison Choate
Seasonal Activities
The park is open year-round, but activities may vary by season. Summer is the busiest time, while fall offers beautiful foliage views and winter provides a serene, snowy landscape.
Halibut Point State Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational activities, making it a worthwhile destination for a day trip or a short visit.
And Dev likes to suggest you stop at the Lobster Pool (a nearby eatery) for lunch or dinner before or after your walk/hike. Dogs are welcome too. And the view is stunning...When they say oceanfront, they mean it!