6 Best Spring Hikes for You and Your Dog
As the weather gets warmer and we’re venturing outside for a Spring hike, let’s not forget about our furry friends. They’ve been locked up for months, too, waiting for the sun to stay up past 5 o’clock, longing to roll around in the grass. Spring is the perfect time of year to visit your favorite spot or discover a new one before the masses embark for the Summer months.
One of this writer’s favorite local spots is Mount Misery, located on the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and Rural Land Foundation in Lincoln, Mass, along the Sudbury River. Beyond a moderate level Spring hike, this location offers marked trails, ample parking, canoeing and bird and wildlife viewing.
Located just a few miles from Boston, lies the Blue Hills Reservation. A large and versatile property that offers something for everyone, including swimming, mountain biking, camping, fishing and walking. Blue Hills also provides, easy, moderate and challenging levels of trails for your Spring hike, just be sure to keep your dog on leash.
The Beaver Brook Association in Hollis, New Hampshire provides thirty five miles of trails, open daily from dusk until Dawn. Want to kick your Spring hike up a notch? Follow the self-guided Natural History trail, Nesting Box trail, Farm trail or Wildflower Trail, each of which will provide you and your pup with some much needed peace and quiet. Also check out Maple Hill Gardens, where volunteers maintain thirteen themed gardens.
If you’re looking for more than just a Spring hike, look no further than Dog Mountain in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont. Start your day with a walk along one of four hiking trails. Leashes are optional here, so let your pup run , play, swim and meet other dogs or try out the obstacle course. Before heading out for the day, stop by the Dog Chapel. While you’re there, be sure to visit the gift shop, the home of the Stephen Huneck gallery.
Part of the Minute Man National Historic Park in Concord, Massachusetts, the Battle Road Trail is a partially paved four plus mile trek, doable for all skill levels. Dogs must be leashed at all times, but a Spring hike is the perfect visit at this locale as it’s one of the heaviest visited sites in the state once the weather gets warm. An added bonus? You’ll pass by many nationally historic landmarks.
Standing at over three thousand feet, Mount Greylock State Reservation in Adams, is the highest point in Massachusetts. Before you and your co-pilot jump in the car, check out the map of thirteen self-guided trails throughout the property or their Summer use trail map.
This is just an abbreviated list of the many places for you and your dog to enjoy a Spring hike. Check out Kurgo’s list of dog friendly hiking trails in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, all listed by difficulty level. Be sure to inquire ahead for Covid-19 restricted scheduling.