Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Connecticut (2025 Guide)

A brown labradoodle with a soft, fluffy coat and a pink hiking harness

Connecticut has a surprisingly large number of public spaces that are dog-friendly. From a bevy of incredible state parks to old nature preserves, there are numerous public spaces to explore with your dog. There are parks in every corner of the state that can be reached from almost anywhere in the area.

Here are 10 of the best dog-friendly hiking trails to explore in Connecticut. These trails include everything from soaring cliffs to sandy beaches, and ancient ruins to industrial infrastructure.

The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Connecticut

1. Babcock Preserve

️ Address: North Street, Greenwich, CT 06831
Open Times: Sunrise–Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Located 15 minutes north of Greenwich, CT
  • The preserve loop trail is 4 miles long
  • Trail features plenty of birds and flowering plants to enjoy
  • Dogs can be let off leash if they are under voice command
  • Babcock Preserve is popular during peak seasons, so you are likely to run into other people

2. Bear Mountain Reservation

️ Address: 17 Bear Mountain Rd, Danbury, CT 06811
Open Times: 6 AM–6 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Located on 140 acres of dog-friendly land
  • An overlook gives views of nearby Candlewood Lake
  • There are numerous trails to explore, from short quarter-mile jaunts to trails that stretch over a mile (Trail map)
  • The best times to visit are spring and autumn to avoid the most extreme Connecticut weather
  • Check out some of the local eateries located on the banks of the nearby lake

3. Bluff Point State Park

️ Address: 55 Depot Rd, Groton, CT 06340
Open Times: 7 AM–7 PM
Cost: Free for residents
Off-Leash: No
  • Trails offer a glimpse of multiple types of terrain, including beaches, woods, rocks, and grassy fields
  • Various multi-mile trails to explore are perfect for repeat visits
  • Take in the views of the Atlantic Ocean, Poquonnock River, and Mumford Cove
  • Dogs are allowed on all trails, but they are not allowed on the beach
  • Located near the cute tourist town of Mystic

4. McCook Point Park & Beach

️ Address: 8 Atlantic St, Niantic, CT 06357
Open Times: 8 AM–8 PM Labor Day–Memorial Day
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Dogs are not allowed in the park during the summer season
  • The park offers free Wi-Fi
  • Connects to Hole In The Wall Beach, a dog-friendly beach that your dog can enjoy
  • Walk along sandy bluffs, on the beach, or across old lawns for summer homes
  • Visit nearby Niantic, a cute waterfront town with plenty to see and do

5. Bigelow Hollow State Park

️ Address: 298 Bigelow Hollow Rd, Union, CT 06076
Open Times: 8 AM–7 PM
Cost: Free (Seasonal parking fee for non-residents)
Off-Leash: No
  • Massive park includes 9,000 acres of state forest and miles of trails
  • Multiple beautiful lakes and ponds to explore with your dog
  • Plenty of amenities on-site and year-round activities (hunting, snowboarding, etc.)
  • Park is fairly remote, so bring everything you need for a full day of activities
  • Dogs must remain on leash while in the park

6. Nod Brook Wildlife Management Area

️ Address: Weatogue, CT 06089, USA
Open Times: Sunrise–Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Area specifically designed for off-leash dogs
  • Many dogs come here to learn how to swim, hunt, and behave off-leash
  • Located along the banks of the Farmington River
  • Plenty of food and amenities in nearby Avon, so stock up
  • Please follow the rules for off-leash dogs while you are in the park

7. Lovers Leap State Park

️ Address: 178 Short Woods Rd, New Milford, CT 06776
Open Times: 7 AM–8 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • 160 acres of beautiful wooded land to enjoy with your pup
  • Check out the amazing restored 1895 lenticular truss iron bridge
  • Take time to soak in the beauty of the Housatonic River and Lover’s Leap Gorge
  • Plenty of restaurants and stores in nearby New Milford
  • There are tons of ruins and old infrastructure to explore on the property

8. Sleeping Giant State Park

️ Address: 200 Mt Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT 06518
Open Times: 8 AM–6 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • A classic 1 ½ mile trail leads to the peak of Mt. Carmel
  • The peak has an old stone observation tower at the summit that is awesome to explore
  • The rugged mountain looks like a Sleeping Giant on the Connecticut skyline
  • Go during the fall for some amazing views of the New England leaves
  • Bring your camera for some incredible photo opportunities

9. Farmington River Trail

️ Address: 256-292 Canton Rd, Burlington, CT 06013
Open Times: 24/7
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • An 18-mile loop along the Farmington River and the Canal Line Railroad
  • Spend a day, or multiple days, exploring this multi-use trail
  • There are multiple parking areas and entrances to the trail
  • Be sure to respect the trails mandate of Leave No Trace
  • The trail is extremely popular, especially during good weather, so you will be surrounded by other recreational people

10. White Memorial Conservation Center

️ Address: 80 Whitehall Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759
Open Times: Sunrise–Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Over 40 miles of public dog-friendly trails (Trail map)
  • Over 50 entrances to the trail system with various types of terrain to explore
  • Plenty of amenities on-site, including a museum, a gift shop, and campgrounds
  • Activities to do year-round include fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, and even cross-country skiing
  • Located in a rural portion of northwestern Connecticut with quaint towns and roads leading to the conservation center

Conclusion

Connecticut might not be a large state, but it is chock full of trails to explore with your dog. From long trails that meander through multiple towns to short trails to bluffs and beaches, there are amazing options to check out.

There are trails all over the state, from the rural northern parts of Connecticut to the Atlantic coastline in the southern parts. There are trails of every shape, size, and stripe for dog owners of all kinds.


Featured Image Credit: Ann Lillie, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

What Causes Intermittent Limping in Dogs? Our Vet Explains

Intermittent lameness can be difficult to understand in your four-legged companion. What exactly causes dogs to experience on-again-off-again lameness? Often, lameness stems from...

Are Dog Parks Good for All Dogs? 12 Considerations & Helpful Tips

As a pet parent, I love consistency and convenience. So, if it were up to me, off-leash dog parks would be like McDonald’s...

Can Dogs Eat Custard? Vet Approved Advice

Pastries and sweets are delicacies that us humans enjoy regularly. As curious creatures, dogs will often show interest in our food. It is...

Shar-Pei German Shepherd Mix: Info, Pictures, Care & Traits

The Chinese Shar-Pei and the German Shepherd easily make it onto the list of the best breeds. These four-legged champs are loyal, intelligent,...

More related

Why Does My Dog Breathe Fast While Sleeping: Our Vet Explains

Most dog owners will agree that there are few sights more peaceful than a sleeping dog. So, it’s natural to feel unnerved when...

Do Dogs Like Blankets? Facts & FAQ

Most dogs do like blankets. In fact, they seem to love them! They appreciate being wrapped in a warm blanket or being cuddled...

Top Dog Academy Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

Review Summary What Is Top Dog Academy? How Does It Work? Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or are simply dealing with a...

Male vs Female Havanese: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)

If you have already gained an understanding of the Havanese and have concluded that this is the breed for you, congratulations! This is...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Salami? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

When it comes to food, canines are not typically picky. They don’t even mind sorting through the garbage! So, it should be no surprise if your pup shows interest in eating any food that you prepare for yourself in the...

Can Dogs Eat Salami

Can Dogs Eat Swordfish? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Many owners choose to feed their canine companions a kibble-based diet, which has been proven to be a reliable source of all the necessary nutrients that dogs need. While high-quality commercial kibble is the number-one choice, a great way to...

Can Dogs Eat_Swordfish

11 Best Dog Foods for Cane Corso Puppies in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cane Corsos are huge dogs that take a lot of time to grow. Therefore, you’ll be feeding your Cane Corso puppy food for much longer than most other breeds who eat puppy food. They’re simply puppies for longer. Therefore, what...

cane corso puppy

Do Puppies Need Puppy Food? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

When you stop to really think about it, it may seem like a no-brainer that puppies would need different food from our adult dogs. After all, we feed infants baby food. However, it really isn’t that clear to a lot...

dry dog food in a bowl on wooden table

10 Best Wet Dog Foods for Weight Loss in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Sadly, many domestic dogs today are obese. In fact, nearly 50% of all domestic dogs in North America between 5 and 11 years of age weigh more than they should1. Obesity can be extremely dangerous for a number of reasons....

jack russell terrier dog wrapped with measuring tape sitting on the scale

Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acids for Dogs: Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and, therefore, necessary for the synthesis of muscle and tissue. They also play a pivotal role in other metabolic processes in the cells. In nature, we can find 22 different types of...

Products rich in amino acids

10 Best Purina Dog Foods in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Purina is one of the largest pet food companies in the United States. In 2020 1 alone, this massive company earned over $15.4 billion in revenue. With over 15 lines of dog food brands under its belt and multiple recipes...

Can a Puppy Eat Adult Dog Food? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting experience. Plenty of responsibilities are involved, like ensuring your new pup gets the proper nutrition for a long, happy, and healthy life. But what exactly should you be feeding your puppy? Is...

Can a Puppy Eat Adult Dog Food