Accessible from the Troy Road neighborhood in East Hanover, is the Troy Meadows Wetlands. Locals and their dogs love being so close to this chunk of wilderness. This 3,100 acre nature preserve is the largest freshwater marsh in New Jersey. Leashed dogs are welcome, but need to be picked up after. From a dirt road that parallels the eastern boundary of the wetlands, you can get access to a boardwalk. The boardwalk continues for two miles into the heart of the marshes. Another option is Patriots Trail, which starts from Troy Road. This wetland nature preserve provides your dog with great opportunities for walking and sniffing along the tall grasses and trees.

In the Southern end of East Hanover, you’ll find the neighborhood of River Road. Locals of River Road have the pleasure of living close to Sommers Park. This small park is friendly to leashed dogs, and features a baseball dugout that often holds little league games. This park provides great opportunities to watch a baseball game, or even just stretch your legs on the grass when there are no games in progress. Bring your dog when you both need to see some green, and you can even listen to the Passaic River rolling by in the distance. If you get hungry, The Flying Meatballs is a restaurant right nearby. They offer high-quality deli fare, and two outdoor dog friendly tables.

Just a short trot across the border into the Hunting Ridge neighborhood of Parsippany, you’ll find the Cameron Dog Park. This dog park is considered an undiscovered gem, and is rarely overcrowded. There are two fenced off areas, one designated for large breeds and one for small. This dog park will get your pups tail wagging, as he gets to enjoy some glorious off-leash freedom. Drinking water is available for dogs in both sections. All you need to bring is waste bags and your dog’s favourite toy! After all that playtime and fresh air, you and your dog can go check out CUPS Frozen Yogurt Parsippany in the same neighborhood for a frosty treat. They have 24 frozen yogurt flavours and two outdoor pet friendly tables.

If you and your dog need some fresh air, just North of East Hanover in this neighborhood of Fairfield, you can find a great piece of nature... in the Great Piece Meadows. This area is over 1000 acres of primarily untouched wetlands along the Passaic River. This serene and isolated area offers hiking paths and opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Most importantly, the area welcomes leashed dogs, as long as they are picked up after. If you’re visiting in the fall, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful autumn colours on your walk. Since this is a wetland, don’t forget to bring along some bug spray!