Pooches, like kids, need their exercise and time outside in the open air. When it comes to dog-friendly spaces on the Seacoast, there are many choices! Plus, my kids always have more fun outdoors when the family dog comes along.
The most important thing to remember about these dog-friendly spaces is that they depend on us, the dog owners, to take responsibility for cleaning up after our pets. So let’s do our part to keep these areas clean so they’ll remain dog-friendly in the future!
Raynes Farm Conservation Area
61 Newfields Road, Exeter
A picturesque farmland maintained by the Exeter Conservation Commission, the site is open to the public for activities including hiking, bird watching, and flying kites. Dogs are permitted on leash.
Stratham Hill Park
270 Portsmouth Avenue, Stratham
Within the main park, dogs are allowed on leash. Within the town forest and trails, dogs may be off leash while under the owner’s command and within sight at all times. Dogs must stay off the playing fields at any time. Waste disposal bags are provided.
Live Free and Run Dog Park
1 Green Road, Kingston
This dog park is located within the old Kingston Fairgrounds on Green Road. The membership is fee is $25 for non-residents per year and $20 for town residents. Each additional dog is $5 and up to three may enter under the supervision of one adult.
Friend Lee Pets Dog Park
40 Concord Road, Lee
Open daily and located directly behind the Friendly Pets Store at the Lee Traffic Circle, the dog park is a 30,000 sq./ft facility where pet owners can let their dogs play, exercise, and socialize under owner’s supervision. For smaller dogs, you’ll find a separate gated area for a little more security.
Phillips Exeter Trail
Phillips Exeter Academy created and maintains a trail in the woods behind the athletic fields. The trails are clearly marked and dogs are free to explore the grounds leashed. Clean up stations for pet waste disposal are available. You can find parking at Gilman Park off Bell Avenue in Exeter.
Mount Agamenticus Conservation Area
The Big A Road, Cape Neddick
The Mount Agamenticus park covers 30,000 acres spread across the southern Maine towns of Eliot, Ogunquit, South Berwick, Wells, and York. It’s a perfect venue for hiking and dogs are welcome on leash. Park visitors must carry out all waste.
Rockingham Recreational Trail
Depot Road, Newfields
This 23.5 mile trail runs from Newfields to Manchester. A former railway maintained year round, dogs on leash are welcome.
Wagon Hill Farm
8 Newmarket Road, Durham
139-acre property owned by the Town of Durham, located three miles east of downtown along Route 4. Dogs need to stay on leash at all times except between 8-10am daily, when they must be under voice control by owners.
Pet Friendly NH State Parks
New Hampshire State Parks vary in restrictions regarding pets, but many are dog-friendly! Check out the link above for the inside poop-scoop on where to find them!
And, if you’re thirsty on the way home from having so much fun, you AND your pooch are welcome at these Seacoast brewries.
