Dog walking in Melville

West Hills

North of Melville in Huntington is the West Hills County Dog Park in the West Hills County Park, where your dog will love playing off-lead with other pups and having a really good run. There are waste bags available on-site, but bring some water and a drinking bowl for when your pup has worked up a thirst. You will need to arrange a park pass or pay a fee for using the park at particular times of the day. Also in this area is the Walt Whitman Trail, where you can bring your dog for an on-lead walk through the forest. The main trail is 4.25 miles, but there are other shorter trails in the area to find.

Central Woodbury

Head a little way west of Melville to Woodbury and you will come across the Trail View State Park. The 454-acre, 7.4 mile-long area is a popular place for hiking, allowing you and your on-lead pup the opportunity to escape suburbia amongst some beautiful woodlands. If you are hungry after your walk, head to Dugan’s Sandwich Shop for a fresh bit to eat with your pup alongside you at one of the outside tables. Nearby, Red Mango serve up delicious sweets of frozen yogurt, sorbets, smoothies and juices, and you can sit with your dog outside. It’s the perfect way to end the day!

Oakley

Directly north of Melville in Huntington Station, you will find a couple of great pup-friendly places to eat. Brendel’s Bagels and Eatery of New York has three pup-proof outdoor tables and renowned for their New York style bagels and gourmet sandwiches. Sweet or savoury – the choice is yours! Ralph's Famous Italian Ices also has three pet-friendly outdoor benches where you can sit with your buddy and enjoy one of their 150 flavours! After your lunch, head out for an on-lead walk around this area as there are lots of places to window shop and enjoy a little stroll up the main street of town.

Old Bethpage

Bethpage State Park in neighboring Farmingdale is a 1,477-acre area with numerous walking trails throughout that are perfect for an on-lead outing and a little exercise for you both. The paved Bethpage Bikeway also runs through here from Merrick Rd (Massapequa) in the south and north for 12.5 miles. This multi-use trail is part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and links up to the wider Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail. Within the Bethpage State Park, there are playgrounds for the human kids and plenty of open space for a game of catch. Or you and your pup can just relax on the grass together for a bite to eat. Bring your water bottles and Fido’s drinking bowl here, and remember to pack some clean up bags as well.

Long Island Ave/ Carlls Path

Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve Trail in Deer Park is just seven mile southeast of Melville and well worth the drive for a lovely walk out in the forest. This dog-friendly trail is on easy terrain and the main loop is just 2.75 miles, but there are other trails to seek out along the way if you are up for a bit of exploring. The entire preserve is 813-acres and in total has more than 23.5 miles of trails and roads. Your dog needs to stay on a lead through here and always clean up after him. There aren’t any amenities out here, so come prepared with any food you might like and plenty of water for you both. You will need a free permit to visit this area from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.