Dog-Friendly Activities in Washington, CT

Leashed dogs are welcome in picnic areas and on hiking trails at Kent Falls State Park, a pet-friendly recreation area in Kent, CT. You and Fido can explore the covered bridge and the quarter-mile hiking trail that leads to a stunning 250-foot waterfall. Please note that the parking lot may close for a few hours when the park reaches capacity. Arriving early is recommended.

An ancient "cathedral-shaped" cavern on a brook, Dover Stone Church is dog friendly. Dogs must be leashed during their trek to the historic attraction. The area features a Gothic formation of stones, a "pulpit" rock ledge, a brook flowing through the cavern and a small meadow with three spring-fed ponds.

Black Hog Brewery in Oxford, CT is a dog-friendly bar that focuses on local agriculture when creating their unique, craft beers. At any time, you can choose from more than 10 seasonally rotating beers on tap. Black Hog Brewery doesn't offer a food menu, but often hosts food trucks on the weekends.

Topsmead State Forest is a pet-friendly recreation area that can be found among the Litchfield Hills in Litchfield, CT. In a past life, the park was the summer estate of Miss Edith Morton Chase and a number of buildings from yesteryear are still standing as they did one-hundred years ago. You and Fido can enjoy the hiking trails and picnic areas at Topsmead, but are not permitted to go inside any of the buildings.

Southbury Dog Park is a 14-acre, off-leash dog park in Southbury, CT, that welcomes friendly dogs. The park offers a separate small-dog area, a huge open field, a beautiful and accessible river, two wooded trails, tables, benches and plenty of waste bags. Owners can bring their dogs to enjoy the company of other canines, play a game of fetch or go for a dip in the stream. Please note that while the dog park is an off-leash area for dogs, it is not completely fenced.

Enjoy some exercise and a picnic with your pup at dog-friendly Burr Pond State Park in Torrington, CT. Explore the hiking trails with Fido in search of the bronze tablet marking Connecticut's role in the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution. Please note that pets are not permitted on the beach and must be leashed at all times during your visit.

Candlewoof Dog Park is a lovely fenced-in park, nestled in the southwest corner of Pettibone Park in New Milford, CT. The park has two separate fenced-in areas, one for small dogs and the other for larger breeds. An agility course can be found in the large dog section as well. Both areas are equipped with free waste bags.

Naugatuck Dog Park is a recreational area in Naugatuck, CT. This 3-acre fenced-in park allows dogs to play off leash and features separate areas for large and small pups. There are several picnic tables and plenty of walking trails.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Collis P. Huntington State Park in Redding, CT. The park offers a tranquil setting in which you can enjoy dog-friendly hiking trails, canoeing, and pond fishing in five ponds with your pup.

Located at Meckauer Park by the building showcasing a colorful dog mural, Bethel Bark Park is a fenced area where Fido is welcome to play off leash in Bethel, CT. There are separate fenced areas for large and small dogs as well as bench seating and waste bags. The surrounding community park features a walking trail and a pond, but please note that dogs must be on a leash outside of the gated dog park.

Harwinton Conservation & Recreation Area offers pet-friendly trails that run through the woods and along Leadmine Brook in Harwinton, CT. Featuring both short and long hiking options, this recreation destination is a great place for you and your four-legged friend to explore. Bring your pup’s favorite water toy to enjoy at the fishing pond, or relax at the small covered picnic area. As a family recreation spot, a leash law is in effect.

Bring Fido out for an afternoon of fun and exploration on the trails at pet-friendly Tarrywile Park in Danbury, CT. Leashed pups are welcome at this scenic park featuring plenty of parking, hiking trails, benches, picnic tables and a pond.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Peterson Park in Wolcott, CT. This small family park offers a paved, pet-friendly walking trail around the park. It also serves as the entrance to the Mattatuck Trail, a beautiful wooded trail that spans many miles across numerous towns. The entrance to the trail is located behind the skate park.

Bring Fido to Wolcott Dog Park in Wolcott, CT, for some off-leash exercise and socialization. This dog park features separate areas for big and small dogs, a covered area, benches and picnic tables. It is open to the public and connected to Peterson Park by a path.

Part of Paugnut State Forest and connected to it by the 2.1-mile John Muir Trail, Sunnybrook State Park is set on 464 wooded acres. This pet-friendly park in Torrington, CT offers plenty of trails, including five nature trails, and a pond to play and cool off in. Pack a lunch, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy a memorable excursion with your leashed pup.

New Fairfield Dog Park is funded through donations and located on town property managed by the Parks & Recreation Department in New Fairfield, CT. Parking is available down the driveway of the middle/high school near the football field. The park features separate fenced play areas for small and large dogs.

Steep Rock Preserve is a pet-friendly recreational area in Washington Depot, CT. This 998-acre site offers hiking trails which follow the river banks and provide access into the hillsides above. Dogs are allowed on the trails at this nature preserve, as long as they are leashed and all mess is cleaned up after them.

Woodbridge Dog Park is a recreational area in Woodbridge, CT. This park is the first-ever off-leash community dog park in the area, featuring a small and large dog area. The park is 1.5 acres and completely fenced. Infants and children under the age of five are not allowed in the park.

American Legion & Peoples State Forests are pet-friendly natural areas in Barkhamsted, CT. You can bring Fido with you to enjoy the beautiful, wooded areas and numerous trails as long as they are on a leash. This recreational area features trails ranging from less than a half mile to two miles for you and Fido to enjoy.

Take Fido for a walk through history at Wooster Cemetery in Danbury, CT. Meander along the paved, dog-friendly paths of a cemetery that has been around since 1850. The land also features a small pond which is popular for local birds. Please leash and clean up after your pets.