So between blizzards, injuries, and a deep freeze, Asa and I haven’t been hitting the trails as often as we wanted. However, it’s nice to see based on the visits to LivingwithaGolden.com our readers have been out hiking throughout February! You’ve even surprised us with which Dog Friendly Places were popular. Some we had never thought of visiting in the winter, and one we forgot we reviewed! So without further delay, the following are the top 5 Dog Friendly Places website hits for the month of February! Please click on the highlighted name for more information to plan your visit. And as always, thank you for reading our blog!
5. Highland Farm Preserve: York: Consisting of 151 acres, Highland Preserve’s trails are clearly marked and of varied terrain that take you past wetlands, through forest, and up to scenic outcroppings. The Barred Owl Trail (white) and Ridge Trail (red) are steep and can be difficult for a leisurely winter hike. We recommend following the New England Cottontail Trail (yellow) which is a 1 mile loop. The Junkins Loop Trail (light blue) and Kingsbury Trail (dark blue) are also good to extend your hike. Please note that the large parking lot is not plowed during the winter. Dogs must remain on-leash.
4. Parsons Way Shore Walk, Kennebunkport: This scenic walk is approximately 2 miles and winds it way along the rugged Maine coastline past impressive rock formations, grand summer “cottages,” and Walker Point the summer home of President George H. W. Bush. Dogs are allowed on-leash. Limited parking is available in the small lot adjacent to Arundel Beach across from the Colony Hotel, and along Ocean Avenue.
3. Fort Foster, Kittery: A great summer destination, this park becomes a must go to destination in the winter to cure cabin fever with open spaces to romp, trails to explore, and fellow dogs to meet and greet. A popular destination for cross country skiers and snowshoers, Fort Foster offers miles of packed snow paths making it easy for paws to traverse. Also Fort Foster is an unofficial dog park for Kittery, where dogs can socialize. Although in the winter months the leash law is not as strictly enforced, please be respectful of other visitors. Also we cannot stress this enough – always pick up the poop so that we all can continue to enjoy this great park! During the winter the park is officially closed. The main gate is locked, the parking lot is not accessible, and the restrooms are closed. On street parking is available on the road outside the gate, and unlike in the summer, there is no entrance fee.
2. Arundel Beach, Kennebunkport: Adjacent to Parsons Way, Arundel Beach, also known as Colony Beach, is a small and rocky dog friendly beach. However, Kennebunkport has very specific rules on when dogs are allowed and when they may be off-leash. During the off-season from October 1 through March 31, dogs are allowed off-leash under voice control, except between the hours of 12 Noon to 2:00 PM when dogs must be on-leash. Please click on the highlighted link for dog hours during the spring and summer. There is a small gravel parking lot across from the Colony Hotel.
1. Orris Falls Conservation Area, South Berwick: 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. 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 is Balancing Rock, which can be found if you follow the main trail past the falls. The trails are 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. 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.
Thank you to everyone who visited Living with a Golden’s Dog Friendly Places page during the month of February! We hope you enjoyed exploring our recommendations. As soon as Mother Nature cooperates, we’ll be back out there hitting the trails and adding new ones this spring and summer!
