South Burlington is a town in Vermont that borders the beautiful Champlain Lake. This town features over 20 miles of bicycle paths and recreation paths throughout the city. These safe off-road paths are well loved by dog walkers and connect the different schools, parks and neighborhoods in South Burlington. This town is also home to three great veterinary clinics, which makes it easy to have a happy, healthy dog in South Burlington.
Another doggone good thing about this town is the many community parks sprinkled throughout the neighborhoods. In the west end of town, you can find the Farrell Street Park. This shady, 22 acre park features playgrounds and a picnic area you can enjoy with your pup. Just east is the Veterans Memorial Park. Here you and your dog can relax under the gazebos, stretch your legs on the athletic fields, or catch a live concert in the summer. None of these parks have designated dog areas, so your pooch will need to stay leashed and be picked up after.
For a cozy stay in a log cabin style hotel, head over to the Green Mountain Suites. Dogs aren’t just tolerated here, but warmly welcomed. They allow one dog up to 50 lbs for an extra fee. With all these pet friendly areas and accessible nature in town, you and your doggo will want to stay a while in South Burlington!
The Winooski River runs along the north border of the City Center neighborhood. Along this iconic river, there are a couple great areas for you and your pup to enjoy! One of these is the Winooski Gorge Park. This park features a trail that leads to breathtaking views of dramatic cliffs and the Winooski Gorge far below. If you keep heading east along the river, you’ll come upon the Muddy Brook Park. This park features a short wooded trail along the river with ample opportunities for wildlife watching along the way. You can enjoy the sights while your dog enjoys the smells. Both of these parks welcome leashed dogs as long as they are picked up after.
The Queen City Park neighborhood is where you can find the beautiful Red Rocks Park, located along the shoreline of the Shelburne Bay. Whether you’re looking for some heart pumping exercise or some peaceful relaxation in nature with your pupper, this park is the place to go! You can wander along the well maintained trails to enjoy the smell of the cedar trees, views of the bay, and the red and pink toned rocks. There is a little beach to hangout at, and you can even watch the sun set over the mountain range. After all this adventuring, you and your best pal might be hungry, so check out Burlington Bagel! This cafe has pet-friendly picnic tables and a delicious variety of bagels.
Just a stroll across the border into the Burlington City Center neighborhood will bring you to another puppy paradise. The Oakledge Park is loved by humans and dogs alike. This lakefront park has a rocky beach and pretty views. There are bike paths throughout the park that are easy on the paws, and paddle board rentals as well. The park amenities also include restrooms, bbq pits, pavilions and a variety of athletic fields. The park welcomes dogs, but be sure to keep him leashed and don’t forget the clean up bags! Afterwards, head over to Shanty on the Shore, a good old-fashioned seafood restaurant. This restaurant features six outdoor pet-friendly tables and a delicious cajun blackened salmon sandwich.