Dog walking in Bridgewater

Foothill

In downtown Bridgewater, you will find several great pup-friendly places to stop for a meal. McCormick and Schmick's has 11 pet-friendly outdoor tables and is the best in town for fresh seafood. With a daily-changing menu, there is always something new to try here. You can also get a variety of other meals, including meat and chicken dishes, pasta and salads. For something spicy, dine at Chipotle Mexican Grill at one of their six outdoor tables. Tacos, burritos, nachos or sofritas – your Mexican favourite is sure to be on the menu. While you are in town, walk off your lunch with a stroll around Bridgewater Commons for a little window shopping.

Martinsville

Just a few miles east of Bridgewater is the picturesque Washington Valley Park in Martinsville. Covering a huge 719-acre space, this is the place to go for some serious hiking with your dog. The Red Trail is the main trail in the area, but there are many shorter connecting trails to make up over seven miles of walking paths around the large reservoir. The area is quite rocky, so wear appropriate footwear, and bring plenty of water for you and your pup. You will need to keep your dog on the lead here, but you will both love being out here enjoying some of nature’s finest scenery.

Raritan

On the southwest side of Bridgewater is the Raritan Dog Park in the town of Raritan, a great place to let your pup off the lead for a good run. The park is free to use, but you will need to first register your dog at the Raritan Municipal Building. There are a few benches for you to sit at and some shady trees to enjoy while pup plays safely in the fenced area. For something to eat after your visit to the park, head to Randazzo's Pastry Shop and Deli where you can sit with your dog at one of the outside tables. Sandwiches, salads, wraps and paninis are available for a perfect light lunch. Looking for something sweet to end the trip? Grab one of the Randazzo’s cookies, cakes or pastries for the road.

Bradley Gardens

Duke Island Park in Hillsborough is a pup-friendly place to take a walk along Raritan River and the adjacent canal. The main trail is part of the Raritan River Greenway that connects Bridgewater, Raritan centre and Hillsborough, but there are several shorter trails through here that are paved and an easy walk. The park covers a total of 339 acres and also includes amenities such as pavilions, toilets, a playground and a visitor’s centre. There are often wildflower displays during the spring, and many special events are held here throughout the year. You need to keep your dog on a lead in the Duke Island Park and make sure you clean up after him.

Somerset Hills Bedminster

Just a short drive north up the highway is Bedminster, where there are two great dog parks to check out. The Burnt Mills Dog Park is just over a quarter acre of dedicated doggie playground. There are waste bags available, but bring water for you both. The dog park is in the Burnt Mills Park, where there are also picnic areas and a playground. For more off-lead fun, head north to the River Road Dog Park in River Road Park. Set on just over half an acre, a play at this lovely grassed dog park will ensure Fido is thoroughly exhausted before the day is out! There are some hiking trails around River Road Park, where you and your pup can go for a quiet walk back on the lead.