Dog walking in Bethlehem

Thomas Rd/ Buckingham St

Hiking is a great activity to do with your pup to not only get a good day of exercise in, but also spend some quality time bonding. Seven miles out of Bethlehem is the Black Rock State Park in Watertown. Black Rock State Park features fishing, hiking, picnicking, and beautiful scenic views that the two of you can enjoy together. They also have sports fields to play on. Swimming is allowed here, just watch out for the fishermen. While visiting the park, your dog must stay on leash. If you and FIdo love camping, there are 78 sites that you and your furry friend can choose from to camp for the night, or weekend. 

Morris

Three miles out of Bethlehem is the Camp Columbia State Park in Morris. The park is 955-acres and offers hunting, hiking, and is known as a historical site, as it once served as a combat training facility for the military during World War I. While visiting, your pup must remain on leash, but he will love all the smells along the hiking paths. The park is open from 8 a.m. until a half-hour after sunset. Currently, the park is working on their hiking trails and attempting to make them longer so the public can explore the historical land more in depth. Make sure to bring plenty of water for you and Fido and clean-up bags.

Washington

If you and Fido love grabbing a bite to eat, then head over nearby Washington, which is only seven miles out of Bethlehem and home to two dog-friendly restaurants. G.W. Tavern offers a warm setting and comfort cuisine. Their menu includes buffalo style wings, grilled shrimp, and meatloaf. Hidden Valley Eatery serves a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu with favorites like a breakfast burrito, salads, and white pizza with figs. Both of these restaurants welcome your pup to dine with you at one of their outdoor tables. Fido will be full and happy on his car ride home after dining at these two great restaurants.

Wolcott Rd/ Woodtick Rd

Sixteen miles from Bethlehem is the Peterson Park and Mattatuck Trail in Wolcott, a perfect spot to take Fido for a great day of hiking and exploring. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on their walking trail that surrounds the park. If your pup wants to go deeper into the woods and explore, there is an entrance to the Mattatuck Trail which you both can hike together. The trail offers a wooded view, plus a river that your pup can splash in before continuing your hike. The park also offers picnic tables, a skate park, and a playground.

Woodbury Prime

Clatter Valley Park is a pawsome area to take Fido for an afternoon of exercising and exploring. Located only six miles out of Bethlehem in Woodbury, your dog will love this spacious park that offers tons of room to run around and a river to play in. After a fun day at the park, stop in Big Daddy's Pizzeria and Deli and grab a bite to eat. They offer all day breakfast plus traditional comfort food like chicken fingers, salads, and cheeseburgers. Their outdoor patio is dog friendly, and maybe Fido could even sneak a fry or two. You both will be feeling full and happy on your way home after this adventure.