Dog walking in East Haddam

Moodus

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For a great place to enjoy some quiet meditation in nature, head over to the Brainard Homestead State Park. This 25 acres state park is located in the Moodus neighborhood of East Haddam. In this park, you’ll find large grassy meadows and wildflowers surrounded by forests. There are pathways winding through this beautiful area that you and your dog can enjoy. The park also offers great bird watching, and views of the Connecticut River flowing past. Dogs are welcome, as long as they stay leashed and are picked up after. There are no amenities here, so be sure to bring drinking water for you and your dog.

Hadlyme

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The town of East Haddam has another unique place to take you dog for a hike! This is the Gillette Castle State Park in the neighborhood of Hadlyme. What makes this state park unique is that it was once the property of the actor William Gillette. Here you can take in views of his stone mansion with it’s unique decor and medieval style-facade. On the property, you can find 3 miles of hiking trails with river views, trestles and tunnels. Amenities include a visitor center, picnic shelters and food concessions. Your pup is allowed on the trails and in the picnic areas as long as he or she stays leashed, but is not allowed in the buildings or on the decks.

Colchester Town Center

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Just across the border into the Town Center of Colchester, you can find a puppy paradise! This neighborhood is just 20 minutes away from East Haddam, and is home to the Colchester Dog Park. The Colchester Dog Park is a place where doggos can romp around in glorious off-leash freedom, and enjoy some pawsitive socialization. There are separate fenced off areas for large and small breeds, water bowls and picnic tables. Waste bags are available at the dog park as well, so please pick up after your pup! If you’d like to go a little further, the Airline State Park Trail runs alongside the dog park. This trail is part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a non-profit organization that converts former railways into pathways you and your dog can enjoy! Dogs need to stay leashed when they’re not in the fenced in area of the dog park.

Haddam

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If you head west and cross the Connecticut River, you’ll find the neighboring town of Haddam, and another place to get out into the great outdoors with your pooch! This town is home to the Cockaponset State Forest. This is Connecticut’s second largest state forest, and has tons of trails for hiking, skiing, and biking. The trails range from easy to difficult, so people and pups of all fitness levels can enjoy. After working up a sweat, your dog will love to romp through the water in the creeks or the reservoir. Leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy with their two-legged friends! When you stomach is growling, head over to Cooking Co, also in Haddam. Here you can dig into a sandwich beside Fido at one of the dog friendly outdoor tables.