The Dog Orchard (at Cranbury Park)

The Dog Orchard is a dog-friendly off-leash area in Norwalk, Connecticut. This dog off-leash area is part of Norwalk's two-hundred and thirty acre Cranbury Park where visitors can enjoy hiking, disc golf, and other outdoor recreational activities. There is a $15 admission to Cranbury Park from Memorial Day right through to Labor Day. Holders of a Norwalk Resident Beach Pass do not need to pay if they show the pass on entering. 

Dogs need to be kept leashed while walking from the parking lot, which is located near the Gallaher Mansion entrance, to the orchard and when they are on or around the entry road. Pet owners should avoid the pavilion areas, and the Main Green Playground as these are off limits to dogs. Pups are welcome off-leash on the woodland trails and in the orchard area as well as on the Great Lawn which is in front of the mansion. 

If pet owners are walking their dogs off-leash on the woodland trails, they need to make sure their dog responds to voice control. The disc golf course intercuts some of the trails and flying discs are a big temptation for dogs to chase. Dogs disappearing into the trees with a disc they've caught doesn't go down well with the players. The dogs do find it entertaining though. This is a very dog-orientated park with lots of drinking fountains, waste stations, and containers for poop bag disposal distributed throughout the off-leash areas.

The woodland trails in Cranbury Park are also visited by wildlife. Ensuring a pup is up to date on its vaccinations helps prevent them from catching infections. Regular parasite treatment is a must too if country walks are to be enjoyed without causing preoccupation. After enjoying off-leash time out in the woods, it is recommended owners check their dogs and themselves for ticks just in case they have picked any up. If they have, they should be removed by the correct method.