Dog walking in Lake Mary

Greenwood at Lake Mary

Lake Mary has a little Bark Park in town, where you can let your pup run off-lead for a good stretch. The fenced-in park has some equipment, but bring your dog’s favourite ball to chase, water and a drinking bowl, and have some backup waste bags handy. If you are hungry after your visit to the park, there are a few pet-friendly places to eat around here that allow dogs at outside tables; Chipoltle Mexican Grill, Pappa Joe’s Pizza and The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co.  Your pup needs to stay on a leash at the restaurants, but can happily rest by your feet while you enjoy lunch.

Lake Mary

Central Park is a lovely spot to start an on-lead walk through the town of Lake Mary. This green space has shady paths to walk, picnic tables and a gazebo, all with beautiful views of the central pond. There are lots of shops and restaurants surrounding the park to check out, including several pup-friendly eateries. In Central Park itself is Royals English Tea Room, where you can enjoy a hot cuppa and a light lunch or afternoon tea. Nearby is also 4^th St Bar and Grill, Lonnies Fusion Cuisine and Flippers. All of these places allow dogs to sit by their owners at one of the outside tables.

Remington Oaks

Greenwood Lakes Park in Lake Mary is a lovely 14 acre park with walking trails, two playgrounds, bathrooms and picnic areas. There is plenty of lush grass to stretch out on or enjoy a game of chase or catch with your pup. Bring your water and a doggie drinking bowl, as well as snacks for when it’s time to refuel. Greenwood Lakes Park is a trailhead to the Cross Seminole Trail in a section designated in the Florida Scenic Trail, taking you through some of the most beautiful areas the state has to offer. Dogs are welcome on the trail, but you need to keep Fido on the lead, and always clean up after him.

Big Tree Park

Take your pup for a walk along the boardwalk at Big Tree Park in Longwood and admire the majestic trees and natural hydric hammock swamp. The boardwalk takes you to the former site of ‘The Senator’, a 3,500-year-old Bald Cypress tree that was unfortunately lost to fire in January 2012. On your walk, seek out ‘Lady Liberty’, a 2,000 year-old Bald Cyprus that still stands today. This park is a trailhead to the Cross Seminole Trail, where you can walk or jog with your on-lead pup. If you have kids in tow, they will love the fenced playground. You need to bring your own water here, as none is available on site.

Longwood

In Longwood, west of Lake Mary, is the Markham Woods Trail where you can enjoy a good hike with your dog, but he will need to stay on a lead. The trails are well kept and signposted, and vary from around 0.2 miles to 2.5 miles in length on mostly easy terrain. There is ample parking and restrooms available, but bring your own water, food and clean up bags for pooch. The Markham Woods is also a trailhead for the Seminole Wekiva Trail which runs a total of 17.5 miles (plus offshoots) for those wanting to explore a little further.