Smith Preserve – Kennebunkport, ME

The Smith Preserve in Kennebunkport, Maine offers an extensive network of dog friendly hiking trails. 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. On the day we visited, we hiked Steele Trail to the Brook Loop, explored the Trolley Trail, and then followed Bobcat Ridge back to the Steele Trail Loop. The dense forest made for cooler temperatures on this warm day, and we often found ourselves stopping to enjoy the wild blueberries that line the trail.

Dogs are allowed off-leash and under voice control. Although we did see many dogs off-leash, the trail is narrow in places and out of respect for the numerous mountain bikers we kept Chuck Billy and Asa leashed. Also there were a few steep rocky outcroppings that could be dangerous for curious pups. There is a small parking lot, and additional parking along the road.

For additional places dogs are allowed in Kennebunkport and Kennebunk, including more dog hiking trails, beaches and scenic walks, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page.