Maudslay State Park – Newburyport, MA

The extensive grounds of Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, MA with its 480 acres of historic landscapes including an extensive network of carriage roads, open meadows and scenic overlooks of the Merrimack River, offers something for everyone to enjoy a dog friendly day out. There are miles of hiking trails that crisscross the park through dense forest and open fields. Or for a more leisurely dog walk, we recommend the formal English gardens and sculpture park. Throughout the park there are glimpses of the former Moseley family estate with its rhododendron and azalea lined paths, historic stone bridges, and foundations of the mansions and outbuildings.

Dogs are allowed on-leash. Parking is available across the street in a large lot. Parking per car for MA residents is $5.00 and $6.00 for out of state visitors. We spent three hours exploring the park, and wish we brought a picnic to extend our stay, so definitely worth the price of admission. Please note that although the park is open year round, parts of the trail are closed from November 1 through March 31 to accommodate roosting bald eagles. Directly across from the parking lot is the network of wooded trails. If you cross the road and head to the left, past the private home, you will find the sculpture park with its rotating exhibits and the formal gardens. Restrooms are available at the parking lot.

The one drawback to Maudslay State Park that we did not enjoy is that many of the trails are open to horses, and there was a lot of horse manure. Unlike dogs owners who must remove the waste, horse owners are not required to do so. Thus making the trails difficult to maneuver with two curious Golden Retrievers! On our way out we met a Beagle who had a grand old time rolling in the horse waste, making it a smelly ride home for her owners. However, there are signs indicating which trails horses are not allowed to help you avoid the mess.

Maudslay State Park is located just minutes away from dog friendly downtown Newburyport. To learn more about our additional recommendations for a dog day out including scenic dog walks, hiking trails, and dog beaches, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page.