Hinckley Park Off Leash Area

South Portland is home to many dog lovers, and it boasts several beautiful parks dedicated to the free roaming and playing of dogs. Hinckley Park, located within walking distance of South Portland High School, is a 40-acre dog play area where you and your furbuddy can hike, run, and even swim at your leisure.

The main features of the park are two freshwater swimming ponds; they are about the same size and are connected by the Kimball Brook. Plenty of plant life, shade, bridges, and hiking trails make this the perfect place to take your dog for an afternoon escape. 

You may have to watch out for anglers using the pond recreationally, but visitors claim that everyone who frequents the park is friendly and helpful. There are no facilities immediately available, including restrooms and drinking water, so you will want to plan ahead if you are planning on spending a good amount of time here. 

The Hinckley Park Off-Leash Area is managed by the City of South Portland and is publicly available for all to use. The community members frequently utilize the park and call it a dog heaven. The park is entirely off-leash, although some people keep their dogs on a leash out of preference. 

Just remember to keep your dog close and under firm voice control when interacting with other dogs and humans. Park visitors have a reputation for not picking up after their dogs. This is a culture that residents are trying to change, so although you might think it normal to leave your dog’s poop lying around, you should pack in poop bags so that you can help keep the park clean and pleasant for everyone to use. 

The Hinckley Park Off-Leash Area is especially popular in the fall and springtime when vegetation is undergoing beautiful change. In general, Maine is a beautiful place to run free with a dog, and if you find yourself in the South Portland neighborhood, be sure to give your dog the freedom to swim and run off-leash at Hinckley Park.