Nestled behind the Evergreen Cemetery in Kennebunk, Maine, is dog friendly hiking at The Secret Garden. Although the name conjures up images from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel about an English garden, there isn’t one at The Secret Garden Preserve in Kennebunk. What it does offer is a hidden oasis for hiking just minutes from the busy downtown. Owned by the Kennebunk Land Trust, the property consists of 40 acres of forest and wetlands. The 1.5 mile trail winds it way through forest, ferns, and marshes, with bridges for traversing the more boggy areas. If you are not a fan of muddy dogs, then this is not a place for you to hike, especially during the Spring thaw and after heavy rains. But if you don’t mind a little mud, The Secret Garden is a tranquil place to hike with your dog.

The Trailhead can be found at the rear of the Evergreen Cemetery, straight back from the main entrance on Port Road. Please be respectful if services are underway, and be mindful that dogs are not allowed in the cemetery. As for the trails, dogs are allowed off-leash and under voice control, as long as they are respectful of the nesting birds and other wildlife. However, in the more wetter areas, we chose to leash our dogs.

To learn more about other Dog Trails in the Kennebunk area, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page.

The Secret Garden Directions

From US Route 1 in Kennebunk follow ME Routes 35/9A south 2.0 miles to Evergreen Cemetery on the right. From Kennebunkport, follow ME Routes 35/9A north 1.5 miles to Evergreen Cemetery on the left. Parking is either near the rear of the cemetery during the summer or along the main road in the winter. Please be respectful of the cemetery, especially during services.