Dog-Friendly Activities in Willimantic, CT

The Airline North State Park Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Willimantic! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Airline North State Park Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Taking its name from the round holes that appear in the waterfalls, dog-friendly Devil's Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, CT is a perfect place to enjoy a day in nature. You and your pooch can hike, picnic, birdwatch and fish in the stream. Just keep Fido on a leash at all times, and note that pets are not permitted in the campground.

Dogs are welcome at Salmon River State Forest in Colchester, CT. This pet-friendly preservation area is home to a historic covered bridge that crosses over the shallow waters of the Salmon River below. As well as being a popular hiking and picnic spot, the area is very popular among anglers due to the easy water access.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Yankee Cider Company in East Haddam. As Connecticut's first farm cidery taproom, they feature a beautiful vintage barn and outdoor area, and specialize in crafting New England style hard ciders from locally-grown apples. With a rotation of ciders available, you can enjoy unique options including spiced fig, tart cherry and even a Caramel Cider Donut Hard Cider. Apple wines are also available.

Dog-friendly Bigelow Hollow State Park & Nipmuck State Forest in Union, CT, offers boating, fishing and hiking to locals and visitors. Stretching over 9,000 acres, the park has scenic hiking trails and access points to Mashapaug Lake & Bigelow Pond. Please keep Fido leashed during your visit.

Leashed dogs are allowed at Natchaug State Forest, a pet-friendly outdoor space in Easton, CT. Pups are welcome in the picnic areas and hiking trails. Other popular activities include fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking and cross-country skiing.

Well-behaved pups are welcome to come see a double feature movie at The Mansfield Drive-In Theatre located in Mansfield Center, CT. Dogs must be on leashed at all times, and owners must clean up after them. Please be mindful that if your dog is barking or disrupting the movie or they'll need to be taken out. Please note that dogs are welcome at the movies, but not the Sunday market.

Holdridge Home & Garden is a dog-friendly hardware store in Ledyard, CT. Fido is welcome to join you as you shop for lawn and garden supplies, paint, tools, grills, etc.

Hop Culture Farms & Brew Co. is a family- and dog-friendly brewery in Colchester, CT, featuring community tables, outdoor seating and a diverse selection of cold beers on tap. They grow the hops for their beers on the family farm. Leashed dogs are welcome inside and outside the taproom. Be sure to clean up after your pup.

Fido is invited to join you at pet-friendly Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold, CT. Leashed dogs are welcome in picnic areas and on the hiking trails, but they are not permitted on the beach or in the campground.

Dogs are welcome at the picnic areas and on the hiking trails of Gillette Castle State Park, a dog-friendly attraction in East Haddam, CT. Fido can enjoy the trails that loop and wind around outdoor art exhibits and a historic estate that is reminiscent of a castle. However, you're not allowed to bring dogs inside buildings or on decks.

Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome at Bozrah Farmers Market, a pet-friendly outdoor market in Bozrah, CT. Wander the aisles of vendors and enjoy live music and a bite to eat from the food trucks. With over 40 vendors you will find a wide variety of items, including fresh vegetables, baked goods, homemade jams, fresh-cut flowers, pet treats and much more. The market is seasonal, and runs every Friday from July through October. Two off-season markets are also offered, the Holiday Market in November and the Mother's Day Market in May. Check their website for dates for these events as well as the season's opening date.

The Airline North State Park Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Hampton! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Airline North State Park Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Fido is sure to love Colchester Dog Park, a fully fenced off-leash park in Colchester, CT. Features include a separate enclosed section for small breeds, agility structures, bench seating, shade trees and pet waste stations.

The Belding Wildlife Management Area in Vernon, CT, welcomes leashed pets. It is rarely crowded, so it's great to take Fido on a hike in the peaceful outdoors. There's a pond for fishing, and the blazed, pet-friendly trails follow rivers that branch from Valley Falls.

Allow Fido some off-leash exercise at Estelle Cohn Memorial Dog Park in Norwich, CT. The enclosed park has a double gated entrance and separate areas for small and large dogs. Each play area is equipped with waste stations, bench seating, and a wading pool for warm weather enjoyment.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Creaser Park, a lovely public park in Coventry, CT. This park includes a variety of trails, as well as a clean, sandy-bottomed pond where you can wade while your dog swims.

Mansfield Hollow State Park is a pet-friendly park in Mansfield Center, CT. Fido is welcome to join you on a variety of trails, as well as in the lake for a swim. Please leash your pets and provide your own waste bags.

James L. Goodwin State Forest is a dog-friendly wooded area in Hampton, CT, that covers three square miles. In addition to pine trees all over, the centerpiece of the park is the beautiful 135 acre Pine Acres Lake. Fido is welcome to join you in the park as long as they are on a leash under seven-feet in length.

The Vernon Rails-to-Trails is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Vernon Rockville! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Vernon Rails-to-Trails. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.