Dog walking in Durham

Timberlands

In about 15 minutes, you and your dog can drive south to the Timberlands in eastern Guilford, Connecticut. The Timberlands sit on more than 580 acres of land, and in that space, you'll find opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, horseback riding, and much more. Your dog must remain on a leash while you enjoy the Timberlands, but the two of you will find a variety of trails to explore that range from easy to difficult. Along your hike, you'll also come across bodies of water where dogs can take a dip and cool off on hot days. The Timberlands is a quiet and peaceful place to take your dog, but on busy days, you'll likely meet other dogs for yours to play with.

Griswoldville/ South Wethersfield

Mill Woods Park is a 122-acre park in southern Wethersfield, Connecticut, just over 20 minutes from Durham. This park has sports fields, a beach and swimming pond, walking trails, playgrounds, picnic spots, and an off-leash dog park. The Wethersfield Dog Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and it includes different enclosures for big and small dogs. There's fresh drinking water for dogs in the park, as well as waste disposal supplies, seating areas, and a mix of shaded and sunny spots. Visitors recommend bringing a towel if you visit after it rains because parts of the park can get quite muddy.

Wapping

It's about 30 miles from Durham, but the South Windsor Bark Park is sure to become a favorite of yours and your dog's. You'll find it in the eastern-central area of South Windsor, Connecticut. This off-leash dog park has different enclosures for big and small dogs, as well as a double-gated entry system. Throughout the dog park, you'll also find agility equipment if your dog is up for an extra challenge, and there are also trails to trek and open fields to explore. If you visit during the warmer months of the year, there will be fresh water for your dog to drink, but be sure to bring your own in the winter.

Short Beach

Branford is a town of nearly 30,000 on Long Island Sound, located ruffly 30 minutes from Durham. The southwestern corner of the city is home to a beachside neighborhood known as Short Beach, and this is where you'll find the town's off-leash dog park. The Branford Dog Park doesn't divide dogs by their weight, so be prepared for your pooch to meet friends of all sizes. The park is fully fenced, and visitors love that drinking water and doggy bags are supplied by the park. Locals note that this park is particularly pawpular on the weekends and that it can get very muddy after a rain.

East Shore

New Haven is another coastal city along the Long Island Sound, and the southern tip of the city is a half-hour drive from Durham. That's where you'll find an area known as East Shore, which got its name for -- you guessed it -- its location on the eastern side of New Haven Harbor. This area is also home to East Shore Park. Visitors come to this park to enjoy the beach, playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, and the off-leash dog park with separate enclosures for little and large dogs. If your dog isn't busy in the off-leash areas, they can join you in other areas of East Shore Park when they're wearing their leash.