Hiking

SOME OF THE BEST WALKING/HIKING LOCATIONS IN OUR AREA TO TAKE YOUR DOG(S)

Wilson Mountain, Dedham, MA

Rte 135 parking on the left heading from Dedham toward Needham.

Nice little climb to the top of Wilson Mountain. Very popular with dogs from the local area. Trail does a loop around the property and provides a little climbing, some footbridges and a couple watering holes. There’s also a pond on property for your pet to take a fresh drink or a quick swim.

Caryl Park, Dover, MA

Dedham Street eastward. Entrance to parking is on the right, just before tennis courts. From Caryl Park you will enter into Noanet Woodlands a Trustees of the Reservations property.  Here you will find tons of trails and tons of dogs! This park offers everything! Swimming areas, beautiful summit, lovely trails, and lots of options! Unless you go there quite frequently, you will probably always find a new trail to explore!

F. Gilbert Hills State Forest, Foxboro, MA

Route 1S, Thurston Street to Mill St.

Lots of great hiking and biking trails! Stick to the walking trails if you want to avoid running into bicyclists. There are some spots that have more rocks and some elevation so depending on what you prefer, this state forest offers lots of options. Be sure to take a map with you as people have gotten turned around in there due to the numerous connecting trails.

Cranberry Bog, Foxboro, MA –  Behind the Bass Pro Shop at Patriot Place

A short walk around the cranberry bog. Lovely stroll where you will see lots of wildlife including frogs, snakes, and lots of turtles. You’ll traverse a wooden bridge and enjoy pretty scenery of a pond and continue around to see the cranberry bogs. Great place for smaller children. Dogs must be leashed, but plenty for them to enjoy!

Ashland State Park, Holliston, MA section

Hollis St, to South St, to Spring St.

Year-round swimming for people and dogs! The trail runs alongside the pond and makes an easy, picturesque walk around the water. Bring a picnic lunch and find a flat rock and enjoy the scenery! Don’t forget your camera!

Wheelock School, Medfield, MA: 17 Elm Street, Medfield, MA South St, to Elm St.

The Wheelock School is about 1/4 mile on the right.

If you love large open fields, this is the place for you! It is simply a beautiful, grassy, picturesque area with lovely walking trails that run throughout the property. You will find lots of dogs romping freely throughout the pasture. Very flat so if you are not looking for a strenuous walk, this offers great strolls.

Noon Hill Reservation, Medfield, MA

Noon Hill Road in Medfield, MA

Great view of Foxboro and Gillette Stadium from the peak. Lots of trails to choose from. Try them all! Noon Hill offers shady trails, a lovely pond for dogs to swim right at the main entrance, and great view from the peak without a stressful climb. There can be muddy areas so if you don’t mind your dog getting dirty, you will love this place. Remember if you park at the main entrance, you can always rinse him off in the cleaner water. Don’t forget the bug spray in the summer months!

Campbell Forest, Norfolk, MA – also known as Norfolk Town Forest, Norfolk, MA: Marked entrance off Route 115 about a half-mile south of downtown Norfolk.

Very short loop through wooded forest. There’s a campsite area about 1/3 of the way in. If you just want a quick off-leash romp through the woods, this is a great place.

Norfolk Town Pond, Norfolk, MA –  Off of Main St in Norfolk, behind the old Town Hall.

Very short walk to the pond. Head back down a dirt path toward the railroad tracks. The pond is just ahead to the right. Enjoy the short loop around the pond and head back for lunch. There are a few picnic benches near the start if you choose to bring your lunch.

Norfolk Airport, Norfolk, MA – Off of River Road

This used to be a working airport but has been closed for many years. Now it is privately owned and it used by local residents for recreational purposes. Great snow shoeing in the winter. Very popular with dogs year-round!! Follow the paved runway back and forth as your dog enjoys the sights, sounds and smells. There are trails that run through the woods surrounding the runway if you want a walk with more shade. Otherwise, bring your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses!

Lind Farm in Norfolk/Wrentham, MA – Marked access and parking lot off North Street (near the Wrentham line).

Town-owned conservation land that is shared with the Lazy Loopers model airplane club. Great hiking/walking for people, dogs and as well as horses.

Oak Grove Farm, Millis, MA

Off of Rte. 115 on the right (not far from split to Holliston where you bear right to stay on 115)

Beautiful, scenic trails with wildflowers, tall grass, and lovely views. Great for dogs who love to romp through open fields. There are sections that are wooded as well. Splendid place to spend an afternoon although there are no seating areas unless you head back to the parking lot. There you will find a couple of picnic benches near the children’s playground area.

Adam’s Farm, Walpole, MA – From Rte. 109 from Medfield towards Walpole take a right onto North Street. It’s about a mile and a half on the right hand side.

Wonderful trails, a couple of nice benches to sit, rest and enjoy the scenery. Dogs are welcome and there’s a vernal pool near the entrance that dogs can enjoy. One of the best-kept secrets in Walpole.

Walpole State Forest, Walpole, MA – Off of South St.

Smaller venue but still offers plenty in terms of scenery, resting spots, trails and water. A trail runs along the Neponset River so if your dog likes water, this is a great place for him to take a dip. There are a few different trails that meander the property. Eventually you will stumble near to the Walpole High School football and track field. There are some benches and an old gravesite to visit during your stroll.

Hale Reservation, Westwood, MA

Carby Street

Offers water options for dogs that love to swim! Numerous, great hiking trails throughout the area. There are miles of trails here! In reality it connects to Noanet Park in Dover so it is quite large. You might want to grab a map for this one, as there are lots of options to choose from. If you want to keep it simple, stick to the red trail which loops around Noanet Pond for 1.7 miles. Open to dogs from Labor Day to Memorial Day, so unfortunately no dogs allowed in the summer.

Joe’s Rock and Birchwold Farm, Wrentham, MA – Take King Street in Franklin, continue 100 feet past 495 and go left onto Upper Union Street for 2.9 miles until it ends at West Street. Turn right onto West Street and proceed 0.8 miles until the parking lot on the right.

Two conservation areas owned and maintained by the town; on opposite sides of Route 121 (West Street) in Wrentham. Each offer interesting nature walks and birding; scenic views, a stream with footbridge, small ponds, meadows, and plenty of wooded areas. Dogs will love it!!