Dog walking in Marion

Downtown Marion

Main St. and its surrounding neighborhood offers the most walkable streets in the town of Marion, with sidewalks flanked by historic homes and an array of businesses. Stop by PJ’s Ice Cream for sidewalk service in warmer months — just remember to share. History buffs should veer down Cemetery Ln. for an interesting (if somber) walk through the town’s past. One street north is the Marion Town Park with athletic fields encircled by a ring-road, just perfect for walking laps with a view of the game.

Pultneyville

The banks of Lake Ontario are just 18 miles north of downtown Marion, and dogs will love B. Forman Park near the Williamson Hamlet of Pultneyville. Forman Park offers picnic facilities and walking trails within 25 dog-friendly acres of fields and trees, and human restrooms too. Though there’s no swimming hole, your fur family will enjoy plenty of lakeside walking (and, let’s be honest, splashing). You can all stop for lunch at Pultneyville Deli Company, less than a mile away, where dogs are welcome at outdoor tables.

Webster Park

About 22 miles northwest of Marion lies one of the area’s largest waterside playgrounds, the sprawling 550 acres of Webster Park. Dogs must remain on leash, but they have miles of trails and Lake Ontario shoreline to explore. The 1.4-mile Ridge Trail winds through woods to the fishing pier for a vista view over the water. The .6-mile Valley View trail takes you through a variety of fruit trees, so watch out for birds, squirrels, and other woodland creatures — and hold on tight to that leash! Webster Park offers a full range of camping options, from rustic backcountry to tricked-out-RV parking for dogs who ride in style.

Ellison Park

Twenty-two miles due west of Marion is the town of Penfield, in the eastern suburbs of Rochester, and a nice place to stop for a snack on the way to Ellison Park. Both Salvatore’s Pizza and Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt welcome dogs at outdoor tables, as does the Penfield Starbucks if your furry friend needs a puppuccino fix. Then, head a bit farther into the city to Ellison Park. The park offers ample picnic and athletic space and some fine hiking trails, but for off-leash fun, head straight for the Ellison Park Dog Park. It’s one of three dog parks in Rochester and the closest to Marion. Though Monroe County Parks asks users to register their dogs and pay a small fee that funds maintenance, the park is self-monitored.

University of Rochester

Your pup might find some playmates on the beautiful campus of University of Rochester, offering sprawling lawns and riverside walks just south of Downtown Rochester and 24 miles from Marion. Bring a Frisbee, and remember that non-service animals aren’t allowed inside college buildings. The university’s website maps out eight scenic walking paths, each with a scannable QR code that downloads a map to your phone. Keep an eye peeled for the School of Medicine and Dentistry where scientists developed the first canine flu vaccines in 2017. Not far from campus is the Bunga Burger Bar, arguably Rochester’s most dog-welcoming restaurant. Not only will your server gladly bring Fido a bowl of water, but the kitchen is happy to whip up a pet-safe burger on request.