Dog walking in Newtown

Pootatuck Park

Pootatuck Park is a small neighborhood in the north part of the city, with gorgeous views of the thick forests and the Pootatuck River. Right along the river is the large Rocky Glen State Park, a public park open to humans and leashed pups offering 1.9 miles of dirt trails. Not only is the park a popular place for hiking, but also swimming and fishing thanks to the clear water of the river. Dogs can come swimming or go fishing with owners, but humans will have to remember to bring water and clean-up bags since the only amenities are benches and trash bins.

Newtown Center

Newtown Center is a bustling neighborhood with access to downtown and an active shopping district. Despite this, the neighborhood still has a dog-friendly area to get out and exercise called the Ram Pasture. Despite the lack of Ram, the pasture has plenty of geese and surrounds a small pond with a fountain. There are benches and water fountains at the park, but to access them, pups will have to remain on a leash. The neighborhood also hosts a dog-friendly restaurant downtown called the Barnwood Bar & Grill. With outdoor seating for you and Fido, and delicious burgers and sandwiches, Fido will be begging to come!

Cedarhurst

Cedarhurst is the largest neighborhood in Newtown, and rests along the Housatonic River. Along the river is the Paugussett State Forest, a 150-acre state park that is separate from the Upper Paugussett State Forest. This park provides over 9 miles of trails, each offering different difficulties and terrains from easy to difficult. Dogs are welcome in the park, although they are not required to be on a leash as long as they can remain under voice command. The best place to go in the park is Pryden Falls, a scenic waterfall area that feeds into the main river. Don't forget to bring some water and clean-up bags before heading here!

Dodgingtown

Dodgingtown is the largest neighborhood in Newtown, taking up most of the southern forests. Some of those forests belong to Collis P. Huntington State Park, which takes over 800 square miles of land. The park provides everything from open spaces to forested trails with views of the lake and streams. Dogs are welcome in the park off-leash, and can enjoy swimming holes, fishing access, 5 miles of dirt, and concrete and grassy trails. Whether going in for a quick walk, or an afternoons worth of hiking, you and Fido won't find a better place, especially with amenities like water fountains, trash bins, benches, and clean-up stations.

Beaverbrook

Danbury is a small town that borders the southern edge of Newtown, with the neighborhood of Beaverbrook becoming a popular place for Newtown residents. The neighborhood is popular thanks to the Meckauer Park, a large park that is open to on-leash dogs, with a public open space and nature trails. Dogs can run, play or just take an enjoyable walk in the shaded paths that are made from concrete. Dog-waste stations are available, along with water fountains, benches, and trash bins. Right next to the park is the Kapteins Corner Deli, a sandwich and lunch shop that offers dog-friendly outdoor seating and complimentary water bowls.