Valley Falls Park

Valley Falls Park is a furrific spot to spend some quality time with your four-legged best friend in Vernon. Pawhaps one of the most picturesque parks in Connecticut, this 183-acre site features miles of trails and woofderful scenery that both you and your pup will surely enjoy. A section of the park has been recognized as a National Historic Site and parts of it include ruins of a trout hatchery and textile mills, so don't miss the chance to check out this pawsome place!

At Valley Falls Park, you and Fido will find several trails that vary in terrain and difficulty, so there's something for dogs of all ages and abilities. The longest route is the Valley Falls Loop Trail, which spans almost 4 miles and includes some steep portions. This trail will have you and your pooch traveling past a pond and waterfall, climbing up and down hills, and crossing a few bridges. Whichever paths you take, you'll get to experience the natural beauty of Vernon, as the trails meander through woodland, meadow, wetland, rivers, and streams. Due to damage caused by heavy bike usage in the past, bicycles are not allowed in the park, so you'll only be sharing the trails with other pedestrians. Still, dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after at all times. Have clean-up bags handy, as well as water to share.

Aside from hiking trails, the park offers picnic groves where you and your pooch can share a packed lunch and take a break from exploring the area. There's also a lake with a small beach front, but this part is off-limits to furry visitors, so leave the swimming gear at home if Fido's tagging along. All of the park's amenities can be enjoyed for free unless it's the summer, during which there's a parking fee of $5.

For a fun day trip with your pup in Vernon, you can't go wrong with Valley Falls Park!