Take a day trip to Bigelow Brewing Company in Skowhegan to see why it’s the best pet-friendly brewery in The Pine Tree State. Bigelow showcases live music, welcomes four-legged visitors to play in the awesome grassy dog park with agility equipment, and serves up a variety of beers brewed using local ingredients. With enough to keep the whole pack happy from noon until midnight, you’ll be planning a return trip before you head home for the night.

Toast a great day with a beer from Bigelow around the fire pit at this nearby pet-friendly cabin.

Planning a road trip up the coast of New England? Make sure to stop at Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park. This most dog-friendly state park in Maine is set along 200 acres with climax white pine and hemlock forests, a salt marsh estuary, and the rocky shorelines of Casco Bay and the Harraseeket River. Hike with your dog along the Casco Bay Trail to viewpoints of Eagle and Cousin Islands, and let him dip his paws in the water at points along the path. Interpretive signs along the trails point out important features, and picnic areas under a canopy of oak trees make the perfect spot for a lunch break. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, particularly ospreys who nest on nearby Googins Island and spend their summers in the park.

Book a night in The Carriage House at Harraseeket Inn. Visiting canines will receive a dog bed, bowls, and a can of dog food, while humans will appreciate all the townhouse amenities, including a wood-burning fireplace in some units. You might even meet Rodger Dodger, the official spokesdog for the Inn.

Located a short drive from Seal Harbor Village just outside Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Little Long Pond is a special sanctuary for dogs and humans to explore together. This protected natural area boasts 17 acres of meadows, 12 acres of marsh and nearly 1,000 acres of forest, making it Maine’s most dog-friendly attraction. Dogs under voice command are free to roam off leash along carriage roads and hiking trails, paddle through crystal clear streams along the way and dive into the pond from designated water access points. Take a moment with your furry best friend on a bench overlooking the water and enjoy a special view of the surrounding mountains together.

For an affordable stay nearby, book a cozy room for two at Kimball Terrace Inn Northeast Harbor. Guests with pets can stay on the ground floor with easy access to the outdoor space.

The owners of Sagadahoc Bay Campground consider dogs a part of the family, which is why it’s Maine’s most dog-friendly campground. Choose a spot in a forested area or on the beach with direct access to the ocean. Fido is welcome to join you on a leash on the beach as you dig for clams, go fishing, or take a dip in the water. Plan to have dinner at your campsite, as Maine “lobstahs” can be delivered directly to you, either already prepared or ready for the pot. Two pets of any size are welcome at campsites for no additional fee. Additional pets may be permitted with campground approval for an additional fee of $7 per pet, per night. Pets are also allowed in rental cottages for an additional fee of $7 per pet, per night plus a $100 refundable security deposit.

Quarry Run Dog Park in Portland provides the peace of mind of a fenced park with the beauty of a rural off-leash area. Big dogs and brave little dogs can play together in the large seven-acre park, and shy pups can enjoy their own space in the small dog area located at the center of Maine’s best dog park. Take to the pet-friendly trails outside the fence when you’re finished playing. If you have more time in the area, discover the gorgeous New England coastline on an island day trip to Mackworth Island.

After a full day, hunker down with your hound in this luxurious waterfront home in nearby Falmouth and soak in the hot tub. Then see if you can spot the canine artwork in the house.

With over 158 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails to choose from, there’s something for every type of hiking hound in Acadia National Park, including the top trail to hike with your dog in The Pine Tree State. Wander with your best friend along the Ocean Path Trail, arguably the most popular pathway in the park that leads through old-growth forests and showcases Acadia’s famous jagged pink granite formations. Then, visit Jordan Pond and experience one of the park’s most serene places. Ocean Path Trail is just under 4.5 miles long and Jordan Pond is just over three miles. Both hikes are easy enough for all dogs and humans to enjoy.

Located in The Village of Otter Creek, Blackwoods Cottage makes the ideal place for Fido to rest his paws between hikes and join you for a relaxing night around the fire pit.

Canterbury Cottage B&B in the heart of Bar Harbor is only two minutes from the entrance to Acadia National Park and is the best pet-friendly B&B in Maine. Adventurous Alsatians will love returning to this welcoming home away from home after a day on the trails at the park. The Cottage Room and The Garden Room both welcome pups to stay. If you need to upgrade Fido’s outdoor gear before heading out for the day, walk to nearby Bark Harbor to stock up on essentials.

Canterbury Cottage B&B welcomes dogs of any size for an additional fee of $20 per night.

Enjoy a day playing on the frozen pond with Fido and sign him up to participate in the Dog Keg Pull race at Winterpaloozah, Maine’s can’t miss dog event! Additional events at this winter festival in Rangeley, ME, include wagon rides, a cardboard sled race, a firewood toss competition, pond hockey, curling, snowkiting demos, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, snow castle building, and a campfire & marshmallow roast.

Before you saddle up with your pup, rest up at the Rangeley Saddleback Inn. Four-legged guests receive treats at check-in and are free to explore the grassy relief area outside.

If our Best of Maine preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use gift code BEST to get a copy for just $10. Happy Travels!