Maine has a lot of great dog friendly places to go hiking. However, some trails can get crowded this time of year. Therefore today we are sharing a few alternatives that may not be featured on all the “must-see” sites, but are fun dog friendly places to explore. Click on the highlighted name for more information, and as always please follow the dog rules so that we may continue to enjoy these hidden gems off the beaten paths of Maine.
Alewive Woods Preserve, Kennebunk: Maintained 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. Alewife Pond offers scenic views, swimming, and fishing. Dogs are allowed off-leash, under voice control.
Hilton-Winn Preserve, York: Owned by the York Land Trust, the 175 acres of Hilton-Winn Preserve offers an approximately 1.5 mile hike through fields, wetlands, dense forest, and along the Ogunquit River, with visible traces of the rock walls and building foundations of the families who once called this land home for over two centuries. Dogs must be on-leash.
Bauneg Beg Mountain, North Berwick: Although the trailhead can be difficult to find off the winding back roads of North Berwick, Bauneg Beg Mountain is definitely worth the effort. This conservation area consists of 89 wooded acres of peaceful trails crossed by forgotten stone walls, interesting rock formations, and on a clear day views on the summit of Mount Washington and the ocean. From the trailhead on Fox Farm Hill Road, Ginny’s Way is an easy to moderate climb for most hikers with a few steep areas near the top. Linny’s Way is a more difficult climb that may not be suitable for all dogs and hikers. Each trail is approximately a half mile long.
Smith Preserve, Kennebunkport: Consisting of over 1,000 acres, the Edwin L. Smith Preserve has over 10 miles of hiking trails of various difficulty, making this the perfect place for both a quick and easy walk, to a more rigorous half day hike. Maintained by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, the trails are well marked and include plenty of signage to help plan your adventure. Dogs are allowed off-leash, under voice control.
