Looking for something to do beyond the time dogs are allowed on Maine beaches?  Beaches too crowded for a proper walk?  We suggest going on a Maine Dog Friendly Hike!  The following are just a few of our favorite places off the beaten path to spend the day with our dogs.  Click on the highlighted name for more information including directions, current weather, photos and more to help you plan your visit.  Additional reviews on Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, as well as Dog Beaches, can be found on our Dog Friendly Places page.

Vaughan Woods, South Berwick: Away from the usual tourist destinations, Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park in South Berwick consists of 250 acres of of forest and fields along the Salmon Falls River.  The 3+ miles of trails offer a variety of options for easy hiking, and also has picnic facilities, a playground, and public restrooms, making it a perfect place to spend the day with your dog.

Leash Required.

Entrance Fee: $2.00 Maine Residents, $3.00 Nonresidents, $1.00 Children. Cash only.

Parking: Limited parking along Oldfield Road, with additional parking inside the park grounds.

Alewive Woods, Kennebunk: Alewive Woods Preserve in Kennebunk is a great place for dog friendly hiking with a refreshing pond at its heart.  Consisting of over 625 acres of land and a 45 acre pond, this trail winds its way through reforested red pines, wild blueberry bushes and wild flowers to Alewife Pond.  The pond is also popular for fishing.

Off-Leash, Under Voice Control permitted.  Please be respectful of wildlife.

No Entrance Fee.

Parking: There is a small parking lot at the trailhead.

Kennebunk Plains, Kennebunk: Also located in Kennebunk are the Kennebunk Plains.  Consisting of approximately 2,000 acres with miles of sandy trails over gently rolling hills, through grasslands, blueberry barrens, pine heaths, and wetlands, these trails offer a tranquil location to walk your dog.  The Kennebunk Plains is home to many unique and rare species of birds, reptiles and plants.

Leash Required May 1 through September 30, during nesting season.

No Entrance Fee.

Parking: Limited parking is available on both sides of Route 99.

Highland Farm Preserve, York: Consisting of 151 acres in the York River watershed, Highland Farm Preserve’s seven trails are of varied terrain that take you through dense forests, past vernal pools, and up to scenic outcroppings.  The trails are clearly marked, and wind their way past forgotten stone walls, family cemeteries, and  even a cellar hole.  There are also picnic tables available, including one at a scenic outlook on the Barred Owl Trail, making it a great place to spend the day hiking with your dog.

Leash Required. Highland Farms is home to many rare and endangered species including the New England Cottontail Rabbit.

No Entrance Fee.

Parking: There is a large and convenient parking lot.

Kittery Town Forest, Kittery: Located just minutes from the Kittery Outlet Malls, the Kittery Town Forest offers 72 acres of tranquil hiking despite running parallel to busy Route 1.  Explore traces of foundations from the Kittery Alms House, stonewalls and unmarked graves amongst the vegetation.  This property is also the final resting place of Capt. John Haley, whose family were prominent residents in the early history of Kittery and the Isles of Shoals.

Leash Required.

No Entrance Fee.

Parking: Limited parking at trailhead in small lot on Haley Road.

For more Dog Friendly Trails in these towns and surrounding communities, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page.  A new review is added weekly!