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 Massachusetts (With Pictures)

Share

cropped woman running on a trail in the woods with her energetic dog on harness and leash

Massachusetts is a great place for hiking because there are plenty of trails that offer spectacular views of mountains and valleys, lush greenery, historical sites, and more. Also, many of these trails will let you take your pet with you!

Keep reading as we highlight 10 of the best dog friendly hiking trails that you can visit so you can enjoy the Bay State and have a great time with your pet.

Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-01-TEST

The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Massachusetts

1. Borderland State Park

️ Address: 259 Massapoag Ave, North Easton, MA 02356
Open Times: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Access to water
  • Beautiful scenery
  • Plenty of shade
  • Quiet trails
  • Large field for off-leash running

2. Boston Public Garden

️ Address: 4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116
Open Times: 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Plenty of benches to sit and relax
  • Beautiful views of the city and surrounding community
  • Multiple intertwining trails
  • Across the street from the Boston Commons Park, which has off-leash areas

3. Halibut Point State Park

️ Address: Gott Ave, Rockport, MA 01966
Open Times: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $5–$20 parking fee
Off-Leash: No
  • Access to water
  • A well-maintained, wide trail that is dog-friendly
  • Plenty of flora and fauna
  • Great for fishing and bird watchers

4. Ellisville Harbor State Park

️ Address: 1861 State Rd, Plymouth, MA 02360
Open Times: 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Great path through the woods
  • Beach with access to water
  • Plenty of rocks for dogs to climb on
  • Secluded area with attractive views

5. Moseley Woods

️ Address: Newburyport, MA 01950
Open Times: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Dog playground
  • Well-maintained, quiet walking trail
  • Eagles and other wildlife
  • Access to water
  • Plenty of room for your dog to run

6. Middlesex Fells Reservation

️ Address: 4 Woodland Rd, Stoneham, MA 02180
Open Times: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Multiple well-marked trails
  • Plenty of shade
  • Access to water
  • Contains Sheepfold Dog Park, where dogs can run free

7. Bourne Farm

️ Address: 6 N Falmouth Hwy, North Falmouth, MA 02556
Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Plenty of great trails to follow
  • Large field for running
  • Access to water

8. Blue Hills Reservation

️ Address: 695 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186
Open Times: 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Well-kept park with space for a barbeque
  • Plenty of different trails to follow
  • Beautiful views

9. Cat Rock Park

️ Address: 90 Drabbington Way, Weston, MA 02493
Open Times: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Access to the water, where dogs can swim
  • Parking area is close to the pond
  • Large area to walk and explore

10. Purgatory Chasm

️ Address: Sutton, MA 01590
Open Times: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Long walking trails
  • Great place for nature photographs
  • Rock climbing and access to water

Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-03

Final Thoughts

Massachusetts has several great parks where you can take your pet out for a hike. Most of the areas on this list have multiple trails, like Borderland State Park and Purgatory Chasm, and also many provide access to water, like Cat Rock Park.

If you want a nice walk without going deep into the woods, we recommend the Boston Public Garden, which is amazing at any time of the year.


Featured Image Credit: knelson20, 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

How Fast Can Dobermans Run? Top Speeds & Breed Comparison

Dobermans are powerful dogs with an impressive sense of hearing and smell. They are also capable of reaching speeds of 35 miles per...

11 Best Dog Foods for Chow Chows in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Who doesn’t love the adorable Chow Chow dog breed? Chow Chows are medium-sized and sturdy, with thick bearish fur and short pointed ears....

Sable Border Collie: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

The Sable Border Collie, a stunning variation of the Border Collie breed, is known for its unique coloration and exceptional intelligence. Originally bred...

Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month 2026: How to Prepare

Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month occurs every March as part of the broader Poison Prevention Month, which is a national effort to raise...

More related

Pomeranian Health Problems: 8 Common Concerns

Pomeranians are an adorable dog breed. They are tiny, energetic, loving, and great lap dogs. As one of the most popular breeds in...

Heart Disease in Dogs: Signs, Causes & Treatments (Vet Answer)

Heart disease is an umbrella term for any health condition that exists within the heart and/or associated blood vessels. While there are numerous...

What Is the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program? US National Park Service Facts

While many of us love sharing outdoor experiences with our dogs, it’s critical to appreciate our pets’ impact on the natural habitats they...

Castor & Pollux Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons, Recalls, and FAQ

Review Summary Please note that several Castor & Pollux products are currently unavailable. At this time, we are unsure whether these items have...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Jicama? Vet-Verified Facts

As a dog owner, you know that canines will eat just about anything that they can get ahold of, even if it is not healthy or safe for them. Food scraps, garbage, and even poop are typically considered delicacies by...

Can Dogs Eat_jicama

Why Does My Dog Leave One Piece of Food? 4 Reasons & What to Do

Animals exhibit a lot of perplexing behavior that we don’t understand. One of the most curious behaviors you might notice in your dog is leaving one kernel of food in their bowl when they are done eating. Since your dog...

beagle puppy near food bowl

Can Dogs Eat Pistachios? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Pistachios are a favorite food among humans that are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamin B6. They are popular in salads, desserts, and just on their own as a snack. Wondering whether dogs can eat pistachio nuts may be a...

Can Dogs Eat Pistachios

What Is Animal Digest in Dog Food? Vet Reviewed Benefits & Drawbacks

Animal digest is an ingredient used in dog and cat foods to improve palatability. Dairy products, amino acids, and fats or fatty acids are other traditional palatants (also called flavor enhancers) added to dog and cat foods to make them...

man checking dog food label

Can Dogs Eat Ground Beef? Vet-Verified Benefits, Tips & FAQ

Ground beef is an inexpensive, staple protein in comfort food recipes from meatloaf to hamburgers. If you’re wondering if sharing some of this popular meat with your dog is okay, you’ve come to the right place. So can dogs eat...

Can Dogs Eat_ground beef

Can Dogs Eat Ritz Crackers? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Safety Guide

As dog owners, we often find ourselves asking, “Can my dog eat this?” Today’s question is about a popular snack, Ritz crackers. The answer as to whether or not dogs can eat Ritz crackers isn’t as straightforward as you might...

Can Dogs Eat Ritz Crackers

Can Dogs Eat Cranberries? Vet-Reviewed Nutritional Guide

Cranberries are sweet yet slightly bitter-tasting fruits used in a range of dishes. They mostly consist of water, but they are naturally rich in antioxidants and several vitamins and minerals too. We often enjoy cranberries for breakfast, dessert, or as...

Can Dogs Eat Cranberries

Kirkland Nature’s Domain Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary The Kirkland Nature’s Domain brand offers a limited number of dog food formulas in wet and dry varieties. At the moment, they seem to have about eight products available for dogs. However, they’re unsuitable for dogs who are...

Dogster_Kirkland Nature’s Domain Dog Food Review

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter