For dog owners, part of the fun of outdoor exploration is having your faithful companion by your side. Fortunately, there are lots of dog-friendly parks, trails, and beaches in the Buzzards Bay region where you and your four-legged friend can get some fresh air and exercise.
For any of the places below, make sure to follow all posted rules for dogs. Some spots allow dogs “under voice control,” whereas others require dogs to be on a leash at all times. Wherever you go, always pick up after your pet to keep our local waters clean.
Discover island adventures on the untamed shores of the Weepecket Islands, a small island chain north of Naushon.
Parking: None
Facilities: Kayak launch (shoreline)
Facilities: Kayak launch (shoreline)
Seek out a rich array of plants and wildflowers among woods and old agricultural remnants at Wernick Farm in Dartmouth.
Size: 62 acres
Parking: Two small unpaved parking lots (space for 2-3 cars each)
Facilities: None
Parking: Two small unpaved parking lots (space for 2-3 cars each)
Facilities: None
Walk peaceful trails beneath a bird-filled canopy in this coastal forest on the north shore of Martha’s Vineyard.
Size: 90 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area down the dirt road off Franklin Street
Facilities: Bicycle Rack, Benches
Parking: Small unpaved parking area down the dirt road off Franklin Street
Facilities: Bicycle Rack, Benches
Boaters and anglers can launch on a Buzzards Bay adventure from the public ramp and town dock on West Falmouth Harbor.
Parking: Limited vehicle parking at the town dock; Medium-sized gravel parking area on Old Dock Road by bike path (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Dock (wood/floating), Trash
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Dock (wood/floating), Trash
West Island State Reservation's pristine coastal habitats offer a natural retreat that outdoor enthusiasts will love.
Size: 338 acres
Parking: Small gravel roadside parking area by trailhead
Facilities: None
Parking: Small gravel roadside parking area by trailhead
Facilities: None
Set next to windswept salt marshes on West Island, this Fairhaven beach is a paradise for outdoors lovers.
Size: 13.8 acres
Parking: Large gravel parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal)
Parking: Large gravel parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal)
History comes to life at Westport Town Farm, where you can explore a Colonial-era farm along the Westport River.
Size: 40 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Hike or picnic, explore freshwater wetlands, bird-watch or just watch the clouds pass by in this family-friendly preserve.
Size: 81 acres
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Step back in time at the 200-year-old ruins of White's Factory, a former cotton and saw mill on the Acushnet River.
Size: 2 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area with space for 8-10 cars
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area with space for 8-10 cars
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Explore lush trails beside a woodland river, then grill up a picnic lunch in this beautiful Little Compton forest.
Size: 84 acres
Parking: Several unpaved pull-off spaces along the dirt road parallel to Dundery Brook
Parking: Several unpaved pull-off spaces along the dirt road parallel to Dundery Brook
Take an adventure through hilly pine and oak woods at William Minot Forest in Wareham.
Size: 205 acres
Parking: Large parking lot behind Minot Forest Elementary
Facilities: None
Parking: Large parking lot behind Minot Forest Elementary
Facilities: None
Peace and tranquility define Wing Pond Woods, a well-hidden gem directly off the Shining Sea Bikeway in North Falmouth.
Size: 19 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
With a scenic trail through the woods to Winsegansett Pond and a beach, this Fairhaven destination is a gem to discover.
Size: 160 acres
Parking: Roadside parking at trailheads on Sconticut Neck Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Roadside parking at trailheads on Sconticut Neck Road
Facilities: None
With amazing water views and a lush natural setting, Wood Neck Beach is a summer destination for Falmouth families.
Parking: One medium-sized unpaved parking area; resident beach sticker required to park in summer
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Shower (seasonal)
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Shower (seasonal)
Follow the path at Wylde Reserve in Dartmouth to the salt marshes of Demarest Lloyd State Park.
Size: 5 acres
Parking: Small roadside parking area on Barneys Joy Road; additional parking at Demarest
Facilities: None
Parking: Small roadside parking area on Barneys Joy Road; additional parking at Demarest
Facilities: None