Thornewood Open Space Preserve

If you're looking for a quick, dog-friendly nature getaway near Woodside, look no further than the Thornewood Open Space Preserve! Nestled in the hills above the town, this 167-acre site offers pleasant hikes and pretty surroundings that both you and Fido will enjoy. 

Four-legged visitors are welcome on all trails at the preserve, so leash up and go get some fresh air with your pup! Thornewood contains two easy trails that are both less than a mile long and suitable for doggos of all skill levels. Passing through Dennis Martin Creek, the Bridle Trail will have you and your pooch walking among second-growth Douglas fir and redwood trees before bringing you to an oak and madrone forest. The path is often wet since it passes under a dense forest canopy, so bring a towel or wipes to clean off Fido's paws after your hike. 

The Bridle Trail may also close seasonally, but you and your furry pal can still check out the Schilling Lake Trail if that's the case. This route meanders through moss-covered oaks and bigleaf maples, eventually leading to a peaceful lake surrounded by magnificent redwoods. A bench by the water offers a quiet spot to sit and take in the woofderful scenery. Note that you might find yourselves sharing the trails with horseback riders, though hikers report that the paths are usually uncrowded. 

Make sure that Fido remains on a 6-foot leash at all times while you're exploring the preserve. This is especially important when you get to Schilling Lake, which is home to many migratory waterfowl. There are no restrooms or trash cans at Thornewood, so remember to bring clean-up bags and pack out all dog waste. Be sure to bring water for your pup and you to share too.

You can expect to have an unfurgettable day trip with your best bud at the Thornewood Open Space Preserve!