Dog walking in Chardon

Bass Lake

Chardon’s Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve is a 101-acre park where you can take your pooch for a walk through the beautiful grounds and along the 30-acre lake. There are three asphalt trails to explore; the Goldenrod Trail at 0.5 miles, the Cattail Trail at 1 mile, and the 0.1-mile Waterfowl Trail. All three are easy to walk and fully accessible. Animals such as woodchucks, chipmunks, deer, raccoon and foxes are often seen here, along with over 100 different species of birds, so keep your pet on a leash to protect both him and the local fauna. There are shelters available at the Preserve and plenty of space to spread out a blanket for a picnic lunch.

North Chardon

In the northern section of Chardon is a beautiful Geauga Park District green space where pups are welcome to visit with their owners, but must remain leashed. Big Creek Park and Whitlam Woods is a 642-acre oasis and is the place to go for a big walk, as there are so many options through here. There are nine park trails varying in difficulty and distances of 0.1 to 1 mile long. In addition, the Tupelo Pond and Bridle Trails run through here and add an additional two trails and 2.9 miles. You can also traverse a section of the statewide Buckeye Trail with your dog from Big Creek Park. The recreation area is a beautiful spot to hang out with the whole family, with a playground and play area, sports fields and restroom facilities, it is a perfect place to spend a sunny day out.

Kirtland

The Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, seven miles west of Chardon, has over 20 miles of trails to wander with your pup over a massive 3,600 acres! The trails take you through both native forest and well-manicured gardens, which have doggie waste bag stations throughout so you are never caught short. Trails range in length and difficulty, from the easy Strong Acres Loop at 0.75 miles through flat meadows, up to the 2.8-mile Old Valley Trail which includes steep stairs and rougher terrain. For the brave visitor, take a wander along the Murch Canopy Walk perched 65 feet above the forest floor – the view from up there is well worth the trek! Dogs are permitted on-lead throughout the grounds, except in the Myrtle S. Holden Wildflower Garden.

South Kirtland

If your pup is craving some off-lead time, the Canine Meadow Dog Park in Kirtland is the place to go. Located within the Lake Metroparks Farmpark, the dog park has fenced areas for both large and small pups, as well as a 1.84-acre swim area for the waterbabies (accessible from the large dog area only). There is fresh water available for your thirsty pup, but bring a bowl for him to drink from. For some added family fun, take a walk around the Lake Metroparks Farmpark once your pooch is ready to go back on the lead. At the park, you will find amenities such as drinking water, restrooms, picnic shelters and a visitor centre, as well as animal displays and demonstrations, educational gardens much more at the working farm.