Dog walking in Milton

Downtown Milton

Milton has nearly 200 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As you stroll along Federal Street and Union Street, you may see homes from the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. And if you get hungry, Irish Eyes serves both American and traditional Irish fare and has ample outdoor seating where you can enjoy a hearty pub meal with your pup by your side. It's right next to Memorial Park on the Broadkill River, which has several sheltered picnic areas, a gazebo, and a small marina. Mill Park is also nearby. This beautifully landscaped park features brick walkways and rolling lawns, as well as a boat dock and fishing pier. Benches under columned pergolas provide lovely spots to rest. You will need to keep your dog on a leash and bring your own waste bags and water.

N End / Outskirts

The north end of Milton is rife with natural delights. You can enjoy simpler pleasures at Waples Pond, a popular local fishing spot which has several boat launches. There's lots of woods to explore around the pond, though they are wild, unimproved, and without trails. You'll find it easier to explore one of the gems in the area's network of sprawling nature preserves and state parks: The Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. This incredible spot features over 10,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness. Leashed dogs are welcome on the six miles of trails that wind through its woods and wetlands. You can also canoe or kayak with your pup along the refuge's numerous streams and ponds. You will need to keep your dog on a leash here and bring your own waste bags and water.

Lewes Historical District

You'll howl in celebration of all the dog-friendly features in Lewes. This beach town is busting with restaurants with outdoor seating—there are no less than 20 dog-friendly spots to choose from! You might experience a little déjà vu from downtown Milton as you encounter Irish Eyes' second outpost and the Dogfish Inn, a hip hotel run by the brewery that has seven dog-friendly rooms. The hotel's unique features include a library where you can check out classic books and a free growler in each room. Before your dog gets worried, tell them that means a 32-ounce container to hold draught beer, not an unfriendly canine challenger! Parks in the immediate area include the canalside 1812 Memorial Park and the immaculately landscaped Zwaanendael Park. You will need to keep your dog on a leash at these parks, and bring your own waste bags and water.

Port Lewes

The Port Lewes neighborhood is nestled between Lewes Beach and the 5,000-acre Cape Henlopen State Park. Lewes Beach is lovely, but a little less canine-friendly: from May 1 to September 30, dogs are only allowed on the beach before 8:00 a.m. and after 6:30 p.m. Cape Henlopen, however, is a puppy paradise. It's frequently listed as one of the most dog-friendly spots in the area! It has everything from a disc golf course to six miles of beaches where dogs are welcome at any time of day regardless of the time of year. In the sprawling park beyond the beach, miles of dog-friendly trails wind through varied landscapes that include pine forests and marshes. You will need to keep your dog on a leash at Cape Henlopen and bring your own waste bags and water.

Redden / Redden Crossroads

Immediately to the west of Milton, Georgetown is full of pawsome features for furry adventurers. Redden State Forest will give you a completely different experience from the beach and wetland parks along the coast. This 10,000-acre sanctuary is a favorite spot for hiking, camping, and horseback riding and has over 44 miles of trails. Loblolly pine is the most common tree, but you'll also find hardwood trees like oak and maple. The five-mile Headquarters Loop trail is a relatively easy hike if you're up for the distance. You can also check out the Redden Forest Lodge, an impressive timber building that's on the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout the park, you will need to keep your dog on a leash and bring your own waste bags and water.