Dog walking in Waltham

Eastview Park

Eastview Park in Waltham is a sprawling neighborhood compared to many of the city’s micro-niches. Much of the space is taken up by Beaver Brook Reservation, one of the largest parks in the area. The area is multi-use and features miles of hiking trails winding through the reservation and along the namesake Beaver Brook. Strictly speaking, this is an on-leash park, but be aware that locals frequently bend the rules, and the park is notorious for off-leash play. On leash attractions for dogs include abundant birds and squirrels that they can believe they would totally catch if they were free.

Beaver Brook Station/Clementis Station

Waltham City Dog Ranch is the main dog park in the city that opened to much acclaim. Local humans give it two thumbs up, and local dogs ten out of ten sniffs. It has water bowls, benches, separate areas for large and small dogs, and agility obstacles. It’s a great way to give your dog a workout without hitting a hiking trail. Confusingly, Waltham’s Beaver Brook Station and surrounding neighborhood is next to Beaver Brook Reservation, but not within the same area. Beaver Brook Station/Clementis Station runs east and south of the reservation, in a less densely populated but highly commutable area.

Riverview

North Waltham

Lakeview

Though the Cambridge Reservoir that provides drinking water for the Cambridge area extends from Waltham’s Lakeview neighborhood into the Hastings neighborhood in Weston, the reservoir can still be claimed as one of the best recreational areas for dogs in Waltham. Park in one of several lots on the Waltham side of the reservoir and head out to the ferns, marshes, and walking trails that line the area. Dogs should be kept on leash for the best experience, as the area is full of wildlife and lacks fences. Plan your route, as the reservoir is too large to be walked in one loop.