Dog walking in Southbury

Lakeside

Taken up by frees and the Eightmile Brook, the Lakeside neighborhood is a rural one. The South Falls State Park lies in the area, providing over 106 acres of protected land for exploration, sightseeing, and picnicking. This family and the dog-friendly park has over 3 miles of boardwalk and dirt trails. Additional features include an overlook at South Falls, picnic area, trash bins, benches, and water fountains. It can get pretty popular, so for a more secluded walk, head over to the Lake Zoar Wildlife Area, which is perfect for a short walk or afternoon hike thanks to the multi-length trail system. Don't forget to bring some cleanup bags before heading to this park with Fido!

Heritage Village

The Heritage Village neighborhood is quiet, with a couple rows of homes and encircled by thick forests. In the middle of the neighborhood is the Jaine Pierce Park, a 60-acre park that is surrounded by tall oak trees for privacy and shade. The park has a trail system made up of concrete and dirt walkways that wind through the open areas and forested parts of the park, with access points along the brook, fishing pond, and picnic area. Dogs are allowed on leash at the park, but cannot go into the playground or pond. Additional features include covered pavilion, boat launch, water fountains, clean-up bags, and benches.

Berkshire Estates

Berkshire Estates is a southwestern neighborhood of Southbury, with thick forests and upper-class residential homes. The George C Waldo State Park is in this neighborhood and is open to the public for free, providing over 150 acres on the shoreline of Lake Lillinonah. The park is a special place for pups because despite not being a dog-park, dogs are allowed to roam off-leash and allowed in the many areas to enjoy activities like fishing, and hiking. The park is open from 8 AM until sunset, with additional features including a covered pavilion, grilling station, water fountains, benches, and dog-friendly swimming hole.

Cedar Land

Cedar Land is a homely neighborhood in the northern part of the city, with busy streets and active areas. Away from the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood lies Settlers Park, a 68-acre park with open areas and recreational fields. There are four baseball diamonds, 3 soccer fields, and a community garden. Leashed pups are welcome inside the park and can enjoy the rural nature walk, the paved path, or open area to run around. Water and clean-up stations are provided here. A smaller and quieter park in the neighborhood is the Ballantine Park which hosts 25 acres of recreational fields and open areas. Your pup is even welcome to play in the enclosed tennis courts when no one is around and can enjoy water fountains and nighttime lights while there.

Southbury Center

Southbury Center is in the central part of the city with access to downtown and popular shopping districts. In downtown is the Community House Park, a 14-acre area that has different recreational fields, open areas, and paved paths. The small park is perfect for a quick walk or place to head to for outdoor playtime. There are water fountains, trash bins, and benches available. The neighborhood also provides access to the beginning of The Larkin State Park Trail, a 10.4-mile trail made from cinder, crushed stone, and natural walkways that lead through the thick forests of the city. Leashed pups are welcome, but don't forget to bring clean-up bags and water.