Dog walking in Mentor-on-the-Lake

North Mentor (Mentor North)

Looping your way around the 1.8-mile walking track at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Mentor is a pawfect way to spend an afternoon with your pup. The easy trail takes you around the park’s grounds through native wetlands, across a boardwalk and down to a wildlife viewing area. In total, this green space is 100 acres and boasts the largest inland pond, so there is plenty more to explore! Restrooms are provided for your comfort, as is drinking water, but bring a travel bowl for your thirsty pup. The picnic area has grills for cooking up a well-earned lunch, and picnic tables and a shelter for relaxing at before you head off on your next adventure.

Sandy Acres

Your pooch will rejoice at the chance to escape the lead and run free at the Mentor City Dog Park in neighbouring Mentor! Two secure, fully fenced areas separate big pups from the littles, and the play area is double-gated so you can be assured your dog will be able to socialize safely. A doggie water fountain is provided here, but bring a bowl for your pup. Benches keep you comfortable as you supervise, and waste disposal bags are provided for clean-up jobs. It’s a good idea to pack a towel for your soggy pooch in wet weather, as the ground can get a little muddy here (but that’s half the fun!).

Arrowhead Beach

Osborne Park in Willoughby is 2.4 miles southwest of Mentor-on-the-Lake, and a great little spot to come for a walk and picnic with your pup. There is a pawriffic paved path around the park to wander with your pooch, who will also love soaking up the sun with you on the lush grassed area overlooking pristine Lake Erie. If you have kids with you, they will enjoy the basketball court, tennis court, playground and disc golf. It is a good idea to keep your pet leashed here, as it is a popular community park. Always bring your waste disposal bags to help keep the place clean.

Farmington Meadows

The Edward R. Walsh Park, also known as Bellflower Park, in Mentor is 2.7 miles from Mentor-on-the-Lake, and offers a beautiful green space for some time outdoors with your pup. The 1.5-mile path is perfect for an on-lead walk together, with exercise stations along the way for added effort. Take a stroll around the fishing lake and enjoy the views, or simply spend some time sitting under the trees with a snack. While you are here, the kids will enjoy the playground, ball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts and fishing pond. A spraypark also operates during summer. Restrooms are on site, and there is plenty of parking. Your pooch will need to stay leashed while you visit this Edward R. Walsh Park.

Mentor Headlands

The Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor is on the northernmost tip of State-wide Buckeye Trail, where the Burton and Bedford sections meet. There is 1.5 miles of easy, accessible trail through the area and more extending southeast and south west of the park. Keep track of how far you have walked, as you will need to return the same way. The Buckeye Trail extends a total of 1,444 miles in a massive loop through Ohio, identified by blue blazes on trees and signposts along the way. Pets are permitted on this trail, but must remain leashed and it is a ‘leave no trace’ area. There is a picnic area at the Headlands Beach State Park where you can cook up some lunch on the grills, or enjoy a packed lunch after your walk.