In case you’re keeping score, Mother Nature won another round this past weekend with her April Fools’ snowstorm. However, I’m pretty sure even she is getting tired of snow. Time for spring adventures! Based on the hits to Living with a Golden, during the month of March many of you already enjoyed a day at the beach! The following are the top 5 hits on our Dog Friendly Places page for the month of March. This includes beaches in New Hampshire and Maine, a scenic walk, and a trail hike, as well as a favorite dog destination from last month still holding strong in second place. Apparently Chuck Billy and Asa aren’t the only ones ready for summer fun! As always, click on the highlighted name for directions, current weather, and more information to plan your visit. For additional recommendations, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page!
5. Seapoint Beach, Kittery, ME: This small and rocky beach is a favorite destination during the off-season, where dogs are allowed all day off-leash, under the voice control of their owners. During low tide this no frills beach offers plenty of space for fetch, and if you cross the grassy knoll you can extend your walk onto neighboring Crescent Beach. Please note though, starting on May 15 the dog rules only allow for Kittery residents and get more restrictive closer to summer, so visit sooner rather than later. Limited free parking is available, but that also changes to residents only in May.
4. Alewive Woods Preserve, Kennebunk, ME: Owned by the Kennebunk Land Trust, Alewive Woods Preserve consists of over 625 acres of land and a 45-acre pond. The 2.5 mile trail is well marked and winds its way through reforested red pines, wild blueberry bushes and wild flowers to Alewife Pond. It is also a popular pond for fishing. Dogs are allowed off-leash, under voice control. But owners are reminded that dogs must be respectful of the wildlife that call these woods home. There is a parking lot at the trailhead, and if Mother Nature decides on more snow, don’t worry – the parking lot is plowed.
3. Foss Beach, Rye, NH: Just like Seapoint Beach, Foss Beach is a no frills favorite destination for local residents. This is a town owned beach as opposed to the many state owned beaches in New Hampshire where dogs are not allowed. At Foss Beach dogs are allowed on the entire beach, off-leash, under voice control of their owners. However as with most beaches, starting Memorial Day weekend, dogs are limited to early morning and evening hours. Please note that the wooden ramps to access the beach usually aren’t in place until closer to Memorial Day, so you’ll have to climb the rocks from the on-street parking.
2. Arundel Beach, Kennebunkport, ME: Holding steady in the same position from last month as the second most popular hit on Living with a Golden’s Dog Friendly Places page is Arundel Beach. Also known as Colony Beach, this small and rocky beach has very specific rules on when dogs are allowed, and when they may be off-leash. Starting April 1 to June 14, dogs are allowed off-leash under voice control, but only from 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM. Dogs must be leashed at all other times. In June dogs are restricted to just early morning and evening. There is free parking in a gravel parking lot, and parking permits are not required.
1. Wiggly Bridge and Steedman Woods, York Harbor, ME: This short and scenic walk crosses a mini-suspension bridge to a wooded trail that winds its way along the Barrel Mill Pond and York River. Dogs must be on-leash. To extend this one mile hike, cross Route 103 and continue on the Fisherman’s Path, which leads to York Harbor Beach. During the off-season dogs are allowed at York Harbor Beach, but there are restrictions starting May 20. There is limited on-street parking opposite the causeway, with both public and permit parking spaces.
Thank you to everyone who visited Living with a Golden’s Dog Friendly Places page during the month of March! We hope you enjoyed exploring our recommendations. We look forward to sharing more dog friendly destinations in the upcoming weeks!
