Dog walking in Norwood

Noanet Woodlands

Make no bones about it, if your pooch likes hiking, they’ll love the Noanet Woodlands! This furrific spot allows dogs off-leash as long as they’re in sight of their owners, so your pooch is free to sniff and explore acres of natural, fairytale woodland. You’ll find a trail here for every ability, from the fittest furry friend to the most committed couch pup-tato! Make it to the peak and you’ll be rewarded with a view of the Boston skyline. The trails are well-marked, but watch out for cyclists! And of course, you’ll need to bring your own water and some bags to keep this beautiful preserve clean.

South Sharon

The Sharon Dog Park in Deborah Sampson Park might not be the largest dog run going, but it’d still be a huge faux paws not to visit! There’s a separate space for smaller pooches, and everything you need in terms of water, bags and toys is provided, so all you need to do is BYOB (Bring Your Own Beast)!  There’s plenty of seating for tired owners, and there’s a picturesque pondside walking trail leading up to the park, so you and your pup can have a warm-up before your workout.

Blue Hills

The Blue Hills Reservation in Milton is a fun hike year-round, but it’s extra special in fall, when the natural deciduous trees are ablaze in red, orange and yellow. If you and your pup are looking for a more challenging hike, try the Skyline Trail, a winding, narrow path with several steep inclines. Your pooch will need to be leashed, and remember to bring your own bags and water! Once you two have worked up an appetite, check out the Blue Hills Grille, a furrific little spot that welcomes wagging tails at outdoor tables.

Forest Hills

The Larz Anderson Park in Forest Hills has a members-only dog park, but don’t let that deter you -- you can pick up a day pass from the town clerk’s office in Brookline for only five dollars. There’s plenty of space in the off-leash area for your pooch to leap about and tire themselves out in, but be careful -- the dog park isn’t fenced, so you might want to keep an eye on you little tearaway! The park is part of Brookline’s Green Dog Program, a pawesome local initiative that opens areas of the city to off-leash dogs at certain hours.

South End

If you and your pooch are looking for a little variety in your activities, why not take a day trip to Boston’s South End and walk the Freedom Trail? Leashed pooches are welcome along the trail, which includes sixteen of Boston’s most important historic landmarks. Guided walking tours are also available. If your furry friend needs to run free after so long on the leash, check out the Carleton Court Dog Park. The park may be small, but there’s still plenty of space to play! And if you have time, be sure to stop in at the Polka Dog Bakery for some delicious, freshly made treats.