Dog walking in Cortland

Mosquito Lake State Park

One of the favorite attractions in Cortland is the famous Mosquito Lake State Park.  At Mosquito Lake, you and Fido can engage in relaxing outdoor activities like fishing, floating along on a pontoon or paddle boat, and enjoying a nice, leisurely picnic together. Fido will also love the designated dog park, a five-acre off-leash dog park called Cooperation Station.  This park is encased in a split wood and mesh fence and has both small and large dog areas.  Your pup can also cool off in the dog swim area, then hydrate with the provided drinking water (only available seasonally) and nap in the many shady areas available.

East Orwell

Just a few miles outside of Cortland lies the Western Reserve Greenway. This is just one of an amazing 1,600 rail-trails, a network of trails created from what used to be rail lines, in the country.  It's supported by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and is an excellent place to take Fido for a walk.  This paved trail is 44 miles long and runs through historic farms and scenic woods, but there are benches provided along the way.  The natural canopies provide abundant shade so that Fido does not overheat, but you will want to bring your own supply of water and clean-up bags, of course.

Ivy Hill

Another excellent place to check out when you are in Cortland is the historic neighborhood of Ivy Hill.  In addition to the scenic houses with classic architecture that you and Fido can enjoy on your walks around the street, Ivy Hill is a peaceful, quiet place known for the neighborhood's overall love of animals and pet-friendly atmosphere.  There are natural trails throughout the neighborhood that are touted for their walkability and dog-friendliness, and the residents are proud of their friendly and welcoming personalities.  However, they also work hard for their reputation as one of the cleanest neighborhoods in Cortland, so be prepared to clean up after Fido while you are there!

Howland Center

While you are planning your trip, be sure to make time for the ten-minute trip to Howland Township Park in Warren.  You and Fido are sure to have a howling good time here on the extensive fields and playgrounds where pets are welcome to play all day!  The park is surrounded by hiking trails just waiting for you both to explore, as well as a lake to cool off in when it gets too hot.  When you are ready to relax, you can enjoy a meal under the shaded pavilion.  There is a doggy waste station just in case you forgot to bring your baggies.

Pauni Apartments

The Pauni Apartment complex is right across the street from Cortland's Eastlake Metropark, 144 acres of wooded land leased by Cortland from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.  This large tract of land is partly used as a sledding hill and festival grounds, but the majority is used for visitors to explore.  You and Fido can park in one of their forty spaces (get there early before they fill up!) and then spend the day bird watching, animal scouting, and just relaxing in the sun.  Bring lots of water, a picnic meal and a leash for Fido, and you have all of the ingredients for a perfect day!