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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.

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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

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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

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