Looking for a scenic dog friendly hike to enjoy the fall foliage? We recommend these New England rail trails! These trails follow the former routes taken by trains, so are a flat, easy walk, with many scenic views along the way. For more information to plan your visit, please click on the highlighted name. Also be sure to visit our Dog Friendly Places page for more recommendations for Scenic Walks, Hikes, and Beaches perfect for tail wagging fall adventures.
Sanford Rail Trail, Sanford, ME: The Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail is an easy dog friendly walk that runs from the Lebanon town line to Springvale, and passes through Sanford, Maine. Following the former corridor of the old Portland to Worcester rail line, this 6 miles one way trail is a straight, flat walk through forest and neighborhoods, with scenic views of Deering Pond. Along the trail there are also smaller paths including the Glenn K. Wildes Wildflower Trail and the Deering Pond Hall Environmental Reserve Trail that follows the pond’s shoreline. Please note there are road crossings if you walk the entire route, and it is also very popular with ATVs. Dogs are allowed under owner’s control.
Eastern Trail – Scarborough, ME: Stretching from Scarborough through Old Orchard Beach to Saco, Maine, this off-road section of the Eastern Trail offers 8 miles of easy walking. Although our dogs would love to hike the entire 16 miles round trip, on the day we visited we limited them to just the Scarborough Marsh portion of the trail. This 2.5 miles stretch of gravel and compact dirt trail is popular with runners and bicyclists, and offers beautiful views of wildflowers and excellent opportunities for bird watching along the salt marsh, as well as other animals including the occasional harbor seal. Dogs must remain on-leash.
Eastern Trail – Kennebunk, ME: The Kennebunk to Biddeford section of the Eastern Trail offers 6 miles one way of scenic easy walking. Winding along former sections of the Eastern Railroad, this trail takes you past wooded vistas, over rivers, and interestingly enough over the Maine Turnpike on a footbridge! Our dogs were a bit skittish at first by the sound of the Interstate 95 traffic rushing below them, but quickly became intrigued by the unique perspective of being able to look down at the passing vehicles. On this trip we only walked as far as Arundel, stopping along the way to relax on a bench provided at the town border. This is a very popular area for walking, jogging and biking. Dogs must be on-leash.
Eastern Trail – Biddeford, ME: The Biddeford to Kennebunk section offers 6 miles (one way) of scenic easy walking. But if you don’t want to walk it all, the three miles stretch from Biddeford to Arundel is a manageable stretch. Following former sections of the Eastern Railroad, the Biddeford to Arundel stretch takes you past scenic wetlands and woodlands. Be aware one stretch does parallel active railroad tracks, so if your dog is skittish around loud noises this may not be the tranquil walk you envisioned. Dogs must be leashed.
Ghost Trail, Salisbury, MA: Chances are you won’t see a ghost, but what you will see is a tree lined path with raised flower beds, benches and historic markers that meanders its way through family neighborhoods and industrial parks. This well maintained rail trail is 1.8 miles one way. Although there are more interesting trails in the seacoast area, for those vacationing at Hampton Beach or Salisbury State Beach Reservation, the Salisbury Point Ghost Trail is a great dog friendly place to walk your dog away from the crowds. Dogs must remain on-leash.
Belfast Rail Trail, Belfast, ME: Take a leisurely stroll along the river at the Belfast Rail Trail on the Passagassawaukeag, also known as the much easier to pronounce Passy Rail Trail in Belfast, Maine. This easy walk is 2.3 miles one way, and follows the former route of the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad. Along the way you will see historic landmarks including remnants of both the shipbuilding and train industries, cross over a picturesque trestle bridge, with scenic river views throughout the entire route. Dogs are allowed on-leash.
