Dog walking in Swansea

Highlands

Just across the Taunton River from Swansea, Fall River is best known as the home of the infamous alleged axe murderess Lizzie Borden. Never mind, though -- once you two get inside the double gates of Jose Silva Memorial Dog Park, you’ll find it impossible to dwell on morbid topics! Located in the city’s eclectic university-adjacent Highlands neighbourhood, the park has enough space in both the large and small dog areas for your furball to leap about to their heart’s content, and bags and water are provided. You’d have to be barking mad not to bring your doggo here!

Main Street

Tucked away behind Joseph Case Jr. High School, Swansea’s Village Park is one of the town’s best-kept secrets. Don’t let the name fool you, either -- the park is not a manicured village green, but a pawfect place for you and your buddy to get back to nature! You’ll find plenty of tree-lined trails to sniff and explore, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. For a relatively easy and scenic walk, check out the Lakeside Loop Trail, which features wonderful views of the water and some interesting rock formations. Your pooch will need to be leashed, of course, and remember to bring bags and water!

Hope St

Bristol, RI has an interesting history -- it’s home to the oldest working port in the United States. The true draw for pooches and their people, though, lies just across the harbor -- the furrific Colt State Park! Known as the gem of the Rhode Island State Park System, the park features wide paved paths lined with stately mature trees, wide-open green spaces, well-maintained and colorful gardens, and breathtaking views over the water. If you can, come in the evening -- the sight of the sun setting over the sea has to be seen to be believed! Leashed pups are welcome, but remember to bring bags and water!

Assonet

If you and your pooch are looking to wander the wilderness, then Freetown-Fall River State Forest is a real mutts-visit. Located right on the edge of Assonet, this vast, 5,000-acre preserve has miles upon miles of trails for you two to sniff and explore, and there’s one for every ability, from the fittest furry friend to the most committed couch pup-tato. Often old converted wagon routes, the trails meander through wooded wonderland and along creeks -- be sure to look up a map before you go! Non-furry family members might also appreciate the splash pad and children’s wading pool. Be careful though -- tick spray is a must in the summer!

Westport Harbor

No bones about it, a trip to Horseneck Beach State Reservation is sure to get any seaside-loving pooch’s tail wagging! Right across the water from the charming neighborhood of Westport Harbor, the reservation comprises over 800 acres of sand dunes, saltmarsh, and of course, a two-mile-long beach. You and your four-legged pal are welcome to walk on the sands -- but only in the off-season. There’s not much in the way of trails in the reservation itself, but nearby Gooseberry Island has some leashed pup friendly tracks for you to wander. Careful though -- the terrain is quite rocky.