Dog walking in Feeding Hills

Feeding Hills/Johnson Corner

The Agawam Dog Park in Agawam, north of the Feeding Hills area, is a fantastic outing for your pup where he can stretch his legs and run free of the lead in one of the two large fenced areas. There is agility equipment on site, as well as drinking fountains and clean up bags. If you need a little rest while your pup plays, there are benches for you to sit at and plenty of shady trees to enjoy. Your dog is sure to leave here happy - but exhausted! A walking path around the outside is perfect for an on leash walk afterwards.

Tatham

Mittineague Park in nearby West Springfield is approximately 325 acres of green space, with numerous dog-friendly walking trails to enjoy. Many trails are labelled and signposted, such as Woodlands Trail, Tatum Falls Trail, Lee Path and Loop Trail. Keep your pup on a lead throughout your walk, as Mittineague Park is home to many species of endangered flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled and you might spot some deer, fox, fisher cats or hawks, as well as some spectacular wildflowers during blooming season. At the park, there are also sporting facilities, a playground and picnic areas for when you are ready to take a spell from exploring.

Little River

In Westfield, a little north of Feeding Hills in the Robinson National Park, there is access to a section of the New England National Scenic Trail (NET). This half-century-old trail covers a total of 215 miles through 41 communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The 3.7-mile section in Westfield runs from the Westfield River, along Provin Mountain Ridge to the Springfield Underground Reservoir. You will need to keep your pup on a lead here as it is in a national park, and always bring your clean up bags. There is a small entry fee to Robinson National Park, so come prepared with some cash. You will also need to pack water for you both here, as there isn’t any available on the trail.

East Mountain Rd/North Rd

Northwest of Feeding Hills in Westfield is a great little dog-friendly deli called Richard’s Grinders. Your pup is welcome at one of the three outside tables while you enjoy a breakfast sandwich or lunch of antipasto, salad, pasta, club grinder or spaghetti. From here, take a walk along the Westfield River back towards the town of Westfield for some window shopping or sightseeing, or head north up Powdermill Brook and take in some of the beautiful natural surroundings this area has to offer. Dogs need to stay leashed in these areas and pack yourself some clean up bags just in case.

Metro Centre

Hop over Memorial Bridge in Springfield, just nine miles east of Feeding Hills, to the Connecticut Riverwalk and Bikeway. This park offers 3.7 miles of paved walkway along the Connecticut River with scenic vistas over the water and interesting sights to see through town. Keep your pup on a lead here and bring your water and clean up bags for the trip. If you are hungry after your walk, head to Milano where you can take a seat at one of the outside tables. This Italian-style deli serves an array of lunch fare, including grinders, sandwiches, salads and cold meat dishes.