Boston Area's Best Dog Walking Trails
There are plenty of options to choose from for a canine-friendly walking experience around Boston. From salt marshes to paved-over railways and nature trails, Boston's dog parents won't be bored. Walking on any of these trails will give Fido a great workout. And everyone knows a tired dog is a good dog.
Belle Isle Marsh
1 Bennington St.
East Boston, MA 02128
(617) 846-7418
www.friendsofbelleislemarsh.org
Belle Isle Marsh's 350 acres opened to the public in 1985. It is one of the largest salt marshes in Boston, and located in East Boston near the famed Suffolk Downs race track. Dog walkers marvel that the marsh has the feeling of "getting away from it all." With free parking, wide open spaces and lots of numbered trails, this place is a dog-friendly dream. Pets are welcome on-leash.
Neponset River Reservation
Truman Parkway
Milton, MA 02186
(617) 727-5290
www.mass.gov
This unspoiled treasure is one of the few rivers in the Boston area that has kept its natural habitat more or less intact. Don't miss the Neponset River Greenway. This paved-over railway line stretches from Dorchester to Milton and includes trails for many uses, including dog walking. The 66-acre Pope John Paul II Park is also part of the reservation and includes plenty of walking paths as well. Wildlife, birds and shellfish abound in this salty oasis which was once a polluted, contaminated landfill. Bring your leashed dog.
Prospect Hill Park
314 Totten Pond Road
Waltham, MA 02154
(781) 314-3475
www.city.waltham.ma.us
A hop, skip and a jump from Boston, Prospect Hill Park is part of the city of Waltham's parks department. The 252 acres of trails in the park are maintained by the Waltham Land Trust, and afford great views of Boston with an occasional peek at Mount Monadnock on the clearest of days. The highlight of this location is the two summits, Big Prospect at a 485-foot elevation, and Little Prospect at 435 feet. Long hikes are easy on the wooded trails that pass by a number of vernal pools.
Stony Brook Reservation
Turtle Pond Parkway
Hyde Park, MA 02136
(617) 333-7404
www.mass.gov
Including Boston's highest elevation, Bellevue Hill, Stony Brook Reservation spans 475 acres from Boston to Dedham. The park features many hiking trails perfect for an afternoon canine romp. Located right in Hyde Park, its get-away-from-it-all atmosphere can make one forget the city. Dogs can even take a dip in Turtle Pond. Leashes are required.
Beaver Brook Reservation
66 Mill St.
Belmont, MA 02478
(617) 727-5380
www.mass.gov
Just outside of Boston, in lovely Belmont, this smaller 59-acre park is ideal for doggie fun. There are open fields, bike paths, trails and even a waterfall and wading pool. The reservation is part of the Charles River Basin, and the famous Waverly Oaks once thrived here. Plenty of streams, wetlands and wildlife abound. On-leash pets are welcome.
Related: Boston's Best Places To Exhaust Your Dog This Winter
Kathleen Mueller moved to Massachusetts as a toddler and has lived in many communities throughout the Bay State. Currently splitting her time between Worcester county and Cape Cod, she enjoys spending time at the beach with her dogs, reading, and taking scenic drives in New England. Kathleen is a frequent contributor to examiner.com check her out at Examiner.com.
