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)

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

Top 7 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Maine: Off- & On-Leash Places (2025 Guide)

Maine is a beautiful state with plenty of coastlines to enjoy. And what’s better than spending a day at the beach with your...

Chi-Chi (Chinese Crested & Chihuahua Mix): Info, Pictures & Care

While the Chi-Chi might not be the best-known puppy on the street, there’s a reason that they’ve entered the designer breed dog mix....

5 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Roseville, CA You Can Visit Today (2025 Update)

Roseville is a great area to visit just northeast of Sacramento, and there is plenty to do even if you’re just visiting. If...

6 Cool Off-Leash Dog Parks in Tallahassee, FL (2025 Update)

Tallahassee is the state capital of Florida, and it’s a city nestled among a lot of nature. There are miles of trails, heavy...

More related

Doberman vs Great Dane: Key Differences (With Pictures)

The Doberman Pinscher and Great Dane are loyal and large dogs that make excellent pets. When comparing the two to one another, they...

9 Best Grain-Free Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Most dog owners want to provide high-quality food for their pets. Providing your dog with optimum levels of nutrition on a daily basis...

Maltipoo Chihuahua Mixed Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care Guide & More

The Maltipoo Chihuahua is a new hybrid with a difficult-to-trace origin. Many people also call this mix a Malchipoo. Keep reading as we...

Can Dogs Eat Pickles? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

If your dog is begging for a taste of a pickle, it can be tempting to give in to your pup’s adorable charms....

Keep reading

Ollie vs. The Farmer’s Dog 2025 Comparison: Which Fresh Dog Food is Better?

Fresh, healthy dog food is becoming a popular choice for dog owners around the world, and there is a variety of dog food delivery services that promise to deliver this need. Dog owners have long been concerned about the fillers,...

Dogster_Dog Food Ollie VS The Farmer_s Dog

Can Dogs Eat Apples? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Dogs can eat some fruits and vegetables, and it’s always nice to share a healthy snack with your fluffy companion. One popular snack that dogs and humans can enjoy eating together is apples. Many dog foods and treats use apples...

Can Dogs Eat Apples

Can a Human Eat Dog Food? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

If you’re thinking about eating dog food because you’re out of options, we have some bad news for you. Dog food is not meant for human consumption. It’s made with different ingredients and in different proportions than what we need...

Can a Human Eat Dog Food

10 Best Dog Foods for English Bulldogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

English Bulldogs are wonderful pets, but they do have some predispositions toward certain conditions that make choosing the right food for them very important. Whether your English Bulldog struggles with obesity, dental disease, or just struggles to pick up small...

English Bulldog Eating

How to Calculate Pet Food Dry Matter Basis (With Calculator)

What is dry matter basis and why is it important for pet food? We’ve got the answers—and a calculator—to help you determine the ratio of nutrients to moisture content. When looking at the nutritional values of pet food, the guaranteed...

dry dog food in plastic bag and dog head

10 Best High-Protein Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Just like humans, different types of dogs benefit from different kinds of diets. Most dogs don’t require a high-protein diet, but dogs that can do well with protein-dense meals are puppies, athletic dogs, and pregnant or lactating dogs. For dogs...

boston terrier eating dog food

What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat? Vet-Reviewed Health & Nutrition Guide

Some dogs love to indulge in human foods, especially those that they shouldn’t eat for health reasons. For example, nachos, tacos, pizza, and burgers are all things that canines seem to love the taste of—though they don’t seem to spend...

dog eating out of a bowl

How to Get a Puppy to Eat Dry Food: 10 Tips & Tricks

Owning a puppy can be one of the most hilarious, adorable, heartwarming, and frustrating experiences that anyone can have. Taking care of a puppy has various challenges, and ensuring that they get the right nutrition is one of them. When...

Cocker Spaniel puppy eating