trails, hikes, and outdoor spots

There are so many beautiful outdoor places to bring your dogs! Here are some local favorites!

  • McLean Refuge is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of native wildlife and the conservation of the landscapes they call home. Today their wildlands have grown to over 4,400 acres, and they protect hundreds of animal species.

  • Nod Brook is a favorite dog spot along the Farmington River! Let your dog run loose (if they have good recall) to play with other friendly pups, run around, and swim.

  • Talcott Mountain is a great place to hike with your pet. The hike up to the top, where The Heublein Tower is, is 1.25 miles long and there are beautiful views!

  • Penwood is a great place to explore with your dog! Sections of CT’s Blue Blazed Trail system and the Metacomet Trail run through Penwood.

  • Great Pond is a beautiful area of the Massacoe State Forest to walk around with your pup!

  • Case Mountain provides several trails for hiking. At the summit, is a fantastic view of the Hartford skyline and the whole Connecticut River valley.

  • Alsop Meadow has trails along the Farmington River that are relaxing to walk. There are some areas for your pup to take a dip, too!

  • The Reservoirs have paved and gravel paths, as well as trails that you can hike in!

    The West Hartford Reservoirs are located at 1420 Farmington Ave., and Reservoir 6 is located at 1370 Albany Ave.

  • Countryside Park has a nice little trail with two ponds for you and your dog to enjoy!

  • Fisher Farm and Meadows is a 500+ acre farm, forest and open space!

    “The Friends of Fisher Farm is a community organization that is dedicated to educating the public about the natural beauty and rich history of the farm through environmental and agricultural education. The group works to preserve the integrity of the farm's natural resources and to serve as an advocate for this important community resource.”

  • Farmington River Park is a beautiful place!

    “The 78-acre park – over a quarter of which is in Windsor – was acquired by Bloomfield in November 1995 and has been developed for hiking, picnicking, and fishing. The official trails total about 2 miles with lots of other unmarked trails spoking off through neighboring forests owned by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.”

  • Blackledge Falls is 80 acres of wood area with trails and a little water fall that your pup can swim at!

  • Cotton Hollow consists of 80 acres of pristine woodlands traversed by the Roaring Brook. There are swimming holes and trails that are perfect for a day with your pup.

  • The Meshomasic State Forest is a beautiful place! The Portland Reservoir is in the forest and a great area to explore with many trails for hiking and biking! Enter in a residential area on the Portland side, or ride down scenic dirt roads in South Glastonbury to get there.

  • People's State Forest has many trails and areas with water to enjoy!

  • Glastonbury Audobon has trails that leads to the Connecticut River! it’s a great little area to walk around with you dog and there is a small, calm area they can enjoy the water.

  • Salmon Brook has trails and swimming spots for you pup to take dips!