In the spirit of Halloween, today we are sharing a few of our favorite Dog Friendly spooky hikes. Are you a scaredy dog, or brave enough to visit our favorite tail wagging haunts? Ok, so really the only thing spooky about these trails are the names and the legends behind them, but they are all great places to visit. For more information, including directions, click on the highlighted name. For additional tail wagging dog hikes, please visit our Dog Friendly Places recommendations. Also please remember hunting season has begun, so always make sure your dog wears blaze orange this time of year and use precaution when out hiking!
The Ghost Trail in Salisbury, Massachusetts, is an easy dog friendly walk. Chances are you won’t see a ghost, but what you will see is a tree lined path with historic markers that winds its way through family neighborhoods and industrial parks. Following a nineteenth century rail line, the trail is named in memory of the Ghost Trains that traveled through this area. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries factories in the area used this rail line to transport their carriages and auto bodies on open freight cars to markets in Boston, New York and Detroit. This cargo was covered in white shrouds for protection, and the white sheets flapping in the wind gave the trains a ghost like appearance, thus earning them the nickname of Ghost Trains. Dogs must be on-leash. Parking is available in three areas along the route.
The Devil’s Back Trail in Harpswell, Maine is a scenic dog friendly hike on Orr’s Island. Composed of two parcels of land on either side of the road, the Devil’s Back is approximately 36 acres with two loop trails. As for the name, although it was fun discussing during our hike whether it’s name meant the Devil came back on this trail, we later learned it is named for the spine of land where the road is located. Dogs are allowed under owner’s control. There is a parking lot at the East Trailhead.
Madame Sherri Forest – Chesterfield, NH
Nestled in Madame Sherri Forest in Chesterfield, New Hampshire is a beautiful stone stairway to nowhere, making for a unique dog friendly hike. Named for the eccentric Madame Antoinette Sherri, the stairway and a few ruins are all that remain of her “castle” that once graced these woods. Today Madame Sherri Forest is 513 acres with an extensive trail network. Trails range from easy to difficult. Dogs are allowed on-leash. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, with overflow parking available across the street.
Satan’s Kingdom – Northfield, MA
Yes, there really is a place named Satan’s Kingdom in Massachusetts! But don’t let the name of this unincorporated community scare you. Satan’s Kingdom is a tranquil dog hike along an old logging road that is popular for ATVs and snowmobiles, and the occasional geocacher. However, please use caution if you do visit. Consisting of over 1,3015 acres, there is an extensive network of unmarked trails here, making it easy to get lost, and cell service is poor at best, if available at all. Dogs are allowed, and we advise wearing blaze orange all year due to it’s popularity for people to do target practice in these woods as well as hunt. Parking is available in a small dirt lot.
Ravenswood Park – Gloucester, MA
Named for the castle in Sir Walter Scott’s tragic love story, “The Bride of Lammermoor,” at this 600 acres property you can search for the remnants of Colonial cellar holes, pay your respects at the memorial for a hermit that once called these woods home, or ponder what could be hiding behind the enormous boulders that are strewn about this park. With an extensive network of trails totaling over 10 miles, Ravenswood Park in Gloucester, Massachusetts, offers a variety of of dog friendly hiking options. Dogs are allowed off-leash at Ravenswood Park with some restrictions. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, and on-street parking is allowed.
