Dog walking in Kingston

Rondout/ Ponck Hockie

There is so much to see and do with your dog in this neighbourhood! First stop, head down to T.R. Gallo Waterfront Park for a scenic on-lead wander with your pooch along Rondout Creek. At the park, there are seasonal restrooms, picnic areas, a marina with spectacular views and the Urban Cultural Parks Visitor Centre where you can pick up lots of useful information on the area. Close by are two other pup-friendly parks, Block Park and Cornell Park. You need to keep your pet on a lead at these parks as well, but there is plenty of space to enjoy a walk and areas to sit for a bite to eat. Speaking of food, if you are looking for a pooch friendly restaurant, there are five here that welcome dogs at an outside table; Armadillo Bar and Grill, Ship to Shore, Savona’s Trattoria, Golden Ginza and Ole Savannah Southern Table & Bar.

Hurley Crossing

On the western boundary of Kingston is the Forsyth Nature Centre, a beautiful place to bring your pup for a walk. There are a dozen gardens to explore here, each thoughtfully planted with native flora from the Hudson area and well maintained. There is a great open green space to stretch out on or enjoy a game together, as well as a well-kept playground for the little ones. Fido will love visiting here, but will need to stay by your side and leashed when walking through the gardens. Pack yourself a picnic and plenty of water, as well as the clean up bags for your pup.

East Kingston/ Lincoln Park

Post Park in the north of Kingston is a pup-tastic park to come for a play with your pet. Set aside the scenic Hudson River, this park has all the amenities you could ask for – BBQ facilities, picnic tables, bathrooms, shade pavilions and a playground. You can also do a spot of fishing off the platform on the river. You will need to keep your pet on a lead here as it is a public park, and be sure to clean up after him. There are several places to eat nearby if you decide to buy your lunch. Check out the Italian restaurant Christina’s, where you can relax at one of the 10 outdoor tables or on the outdoor couch with your pup by your side. You can also sit outside Panera Bread with your dog and enjoy one of their freshly baked pastries, or for something sweet to round out your day, you can’t go past TCBY’s frozen yogurt.

Sawkill/ Halihan Hill

Just three miles north of the Kingston town centre is the 3,000 acre Bluestone Wild Forest which is home to some great dog-friendly trails. From the trailhead, you can choose from three well-signposted loops – yellow, red or blue – each between 1.5 and 2.25 miles long and spanning over easy terrain. Along the way, take in the sights of the oaks, hemlock forests, vernal pools and abandoned bluestone quarries. You may like to bring your kayak and head out on Onteora Lake with your dog for a paddle together, or even try your luck at fishing! Your pet needs to stay on a lead through here to keep him and the local wildlife safe. Bring your water and clean up bags for the trip.

Hillside

If you are up for a good trail walk with your pup, head to the Hurley Rail Trail parking area in Hurley, to the west of Kingston. This trail is 2.2 miles long and is part of the D&H Canal Corridor which extends thirty-five miles through Ulster County. The trail is paved and is an easy walk through woodland and local neighbourhoods. Keep your pup on a lead and bring plenty of water for you both, as well as some clean up bags. The path follows the former rail bed of the O&W Railroad and connects to the Kingston Link Trail approximately 0.25 miles from the parking area, which runs a further 1.8 miles east.