Top Dog Trails near Boston, MA

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Top Dog Trails near Boston, MA

Introduction

Boston is rich in American history and landmarks, and is also a great walking city with miles of sidewalks to please the pooch. When you and they get tired of pounding the streets, you'll find loads of trails in and around this puptastic city. Some are urban, while others meander through woods or marshland rife with doggy interests like birds, salamanders, squirrels and other wildlife. Any change of pace and scenery is welcome! Most local, regional and state parks host trails, but some of the most furscinating stand alone! Here's our top 9 pawesome trails for your pup to explore!

#1 Rose Kennedy Greenway

This walking trail passes through plazas, gardens and parks, and past fountains and outdoor art on its route through four Boston neighborhoods. The promenade is pawrfect for dog-walking, and if the timing is right, you can check out the Boston Local Food Festival on the greenway lawn. The path is well-lit for evening strolls, and food trucks visit from time to time where you and your pup can grab some pawsome food and nosh on a bench!

#2 Boston Esplanade

What could be better than a 3-mile walk along the Charles River? This paved, dog-friendly trail, also called the Charles River Esplanade is open dawn to dusk, and features pawsome views of Cambridge and downtown Boston. The long-standing dog fountain was recently restored and now slakes canine thirst every day in the summer! Stone bridges, trees and benches are just some of the pup-pleasing attractions here, and the area in winter is postcard pawrfect! There's no nicer spot for Fido's walkies!

#3 Minuteman Bikeway Trail

This rail-trail was meant to help commuters from northwest Boston suburbs to get around without vehicles, but it's also a furtabulous hiking route for your pack! While it's officially a bikeway, people walk, skate, or cross-country ski on it with their willing puppers in tow! Its 10 beautiful miles begin in Cambridge and end in Bedford, with several points of entry along the way. Birds, deer and small mammals will keep Fido's head swiveling!

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#4 Charles River Greenway

This trail, also known as the Charles River Bike Path, is a 22-mile paved route from Boston to its western suburbs. It hugs both sides of the Charles River to Watertown, which offers glimpses of boats and ducks gliding by, with trees and lawn down to the shore. The Boston skyline comes into view just as you reach a concession stand where you can pick up something to munch on and share with your fur-baby!

#5 Arlington Reservoir Trail

Just north of downtown Boston, in Arlington, is where you'll find the 1.2-mile Arlington Reservoir Trail that travels all the way around the reservoir. Leashed dogs will happily trot alongside as you hike the loop, taking note of pawsome wildlife, forest and wildflowers. If you two are looking for solitude, you won't find it on this popular trai,l but a getaway just north of Massachusetts Avenue may be just what you and your pup need!

#6 Danforth Falls Loop Trail

In the town of Hudson, west of Boston, lies a trail that leads to a waterfall where your fur-pup can take a splash and have a slurp! Though it's not a long hike, its shortness presents a few challenges, like muddy paths and rocks to climb over, and a small hill. Of course, Fido loves all of it, especially the beavers who congregate around the dam they built that cuts off the trail loop! Furtabulous!

#7 Lower Neponset River Trail

From Boston's Dorchester neighborhood to Milton, this 5-mile trail will entertain you and your pup as you walk along the Neponset River. Reeds and the waterfowl that live among them, birds overhead and in the trees, and amphibians like turtles and frogs will be a sensory smorgasbord, especially for Fido. Tall grass lines the salt marshes and a trail paved with sand and pebbles mark your way, lined here and there with furtastic wildflowers.

#8 Bridge Street Bike Trail

Like many of Boston's furbulous bike trails, this one is in reality a multi-use path that welcomes polite pups on leashes. Only a mile long through the center of nearby Salem, and hugging the Bridge Street Bypass, it's an urban trail that features diverse neighborhoods and peeks at the North River. The river delights Fido with its water-loving denizens like cocky seagulls, and you'll find wild raspberries along the path.

#9 Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is loaded with sights and smells that will keep your fur-pup moving! The brick and cement sidewalks can be hard on a pooch's paws, but it's nothing a set of booties can't handle. A visit to Boston Commons leads you to the trailhead, and the pooch will strain to chase the squirrels and chipmunks there. You'll meet so many doggos on this trail, it'll feel like a furternity party!