Dog walking in Brightwaters

West Bay Shore

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Gardiner County Park in Bay Shore is pet-lovers paradise, well-known for being exceptionally dog-friendly and offering a diverse mix of beach and woodland activities. Your pup will love the dog beach, splashing around or enjoying a cool dip while you take in the scenic views out into the bay. From the beach to the marshland and woodland areas, here you will find numerous trails to wander together, although your dog needs to stay on a leash here. Exercise stations are also dotted around the place if you really want to break a sweat. Gardiner County Park also has doggie waste disposal stations, water fountains, a playground, picnic area, restrooms, ample parking and an area to hose off muddy pups after their adventures.

Babylon

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Over in Babylon, four miles southwest of Brightwaters, are three pawriffic places to bring your pet. The Babylon Village Dog Park (Hawleys Lake Park) is a fenced run where you can let your pooch loose for a while. He will love playing with like-minded pups in this secure area, while you relax and supervise from one of the benches. Nearby, there is another off-leash area known as Babylon Village Dog Park (Argyle Lake). While this area is not fenced, it is designated as a dog area and a great opportunity for your pup to have a really good run. The Southards Pond Park is definitely worth a visit too while you are over this way, with a large fishing pond to take a walk around, paved, easy trails and plenty of open space for picnics. You will need to have your pet back on a lead at Southards Pond Park.

West Babylon

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The Belmont Lake State Park in West Babylon is five miles northwest of Brightwaters, and another fantastic green space to come for an on-lead walk with your pup. There is plenty of parking at this463-acre property, and use of the facilities is free. The lovely lake provides vistas of swans and ducks, with beautiful trees and large expanses of green lawn the perfect place to stretch out for a picnic. There are plenty of benches and tables dotted throughout the park as well. Your pup will love a walk with you around the grounds on the easy paths and trails, but he will need to remain leashed at all times. If you are travelling as a pack, Belmont Lake State Park is a great place to bring the whole family, with playgrounds, picnic areas and restrooms to ensure you all have a great day out.

East Islip

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Jump in the car and head nine miles east of Brightwaters to the Heckscher State Park in East Islip, a massive 1,657-acre state park perched on the banks of the Great South Bay. This 19th-century estate has numerous recreational activities suitable for adventurous pups. If you are a boating family, take a little trip from the park’s boat launch for a few hours out on the water. Alternatively, land-lovers may prefer to take a packed lunch while they enjoy the scenic views, or  take a walk along one of the well-maintained trails. This park has all the usual facilities, including restrooms, water fountains, a playground and picnic areas. Make sure you bring your clean up bags and keep your pup leashed during your visit.