One of our favorite places for a dog friendly winter hike is Orris Falls in South Berwick, Maine.  Following an abandoned colonial road, the Orris Falls network of trails offers a variety of hiking options.  During the winter we prefer to hike the Big Bump trail which leads away from the falls and wetlands area, so as not to tempt our Goldens with an icy dip in the water.  Along the Big Bump Trail you will pass the foundations for the Littlefield homestead and barn.  If you continue past Big Bump you will reach Lachance Point, which has limited views of Mount Agamenticus in the winter, when the trees are bare.  Another point of interest at Orris Falls is Balancing Rock, which can be found if you follow the main trail past the falls.  Maintained by the Great Works Regional Land Trust, the trails are well marked with signs, and are good for snowshoes and cross-country skiing.  But be aware, the trails do get very steep in some areas, especially around the falls.  Off the beaten path away from more visited hiking destinations, these tranquil trails are a fun place to look for wildlife tracks.

Dogs are required to be on-leash.  There is a small parking area for two or three cars by the trailhead, and it is not plowed.  For more information including directions and current weather conditions, click here.  To learn more about additional trails in the South Berwick area, please visit our Maine Winter Hikes for Dogs recommendations, or our Dog Friendly Places page.