Top 3 Places To Walk Your Dog Off-Leash
New Hampshire’s seacoast is a small but beautiful place. With less than 20 miles of coastline, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Having grown up in New Hampshire, I love that you can find beautiful nature parks for running and hiking.
As the seacoast is growing in popularity and becoming infinitely more crowded, areas to walk your dog off leash are decreasing. If your dog is high energy like mine and gets bored at dog parks then I recommend these next three places. Here are my top 3 picks for best off-leash walks in Seacoast, New Hampshire.
1. Pirates Cove Beach – Rye, NH
This is my favorite beach to bring Milo for a romp in the sand. Nestled between Jenness State Beach and Wallis Sands State Beach, Pirates Cove is a Rye town beach and therefore dog friendly. You will usually encounter other dog owners there walking their dogs. Milo loves it because he always finds a friend to play with or a dead fish to roll in. The main access point is where Wallis Road meets Ocean Boulevard. Parking is limited but available, you can also park along the road on Ocean Boulevard.
There are some rules and regulations to follow when visiting this beach with your dog. Dogs are prohibited on the beach from 9:00am to 7:00pm from the Saturday before Memorial Day (last Monday of May) to until the Saturday following Labor Day (first Monday of September). So essentially you can visit the beach with your dog anytime from September through May, and then have restricted hours for the summer months of June, July and August.
Dogs are allowed to play off leash but they must be under control. You must also remember to clean up after them. We love being able to visit this beach so it’s very important to keep it clean. This is an awesome spot during the winter months to get away from the snow and enjoy the sea breeze and sand. You can get updates and stay informed with what’s happening at the beach on their Facebook Page.
2. Stratham Hill Park – Stratham, NH
For a more mountain-like feel without driving all the way up to the White Mountains, visit Stratham Hill Park. With dozens of hiking and cycling trails to choose from, there’s an option for everyone. The trails are clearly marked and well maintained. You can also use a trail map to plan your routes in advance. You can hike to the top of the hill to the fire tower for a small panoramic view, or you can venture into the forest for a more secluded experience.
The town has also provided waste removal bags and bins. They are conveniently placed around the park so you can clean up after your dog. Dogs are allowed off leash as long as they are under control. The park is open daily from dawn until 9:00pm and dogs area allowed to visit year round.
I am quite spoiled as this park is located 12 minutes from my parents house. This is the perfect outing for me and Milo when we want to do some trail running and probably my favorite place for off-leash walks in Seacoast, New Hampshire.
3. Wagon Hill Farm – Durham, NH
Recognizable by the iconic wooden wagon that sits atop the hill, I used to frequent this park often as a child. I mostly went for sledding in winter and picnics with friends and their dogs in summer. As an adult with my own dog I was excited to bring him to Wagon Hill Farm for trail running and walking.
Managed under the Durham Conservation Commission, the farm was purchased by the town to preserve the land, conserve wildlife and provide a healthy outdoor space for visitors to enjoy. With hills, ponds, cycling trials and more, it’s another wonderful natural place to enjoy with your dog.
Wagon Hill Farm also provides dog waste removal bags and bins around the park for easy clean up. Leash rules at the park have become more strict over the years. Dogs are allowed off leash between the hours of 8:00am and 10:00am, all other times they must remain on leash. Parking is conveniently located at the entrance and I recommend bringing a lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic spots around the park.
Notable Mentions
While the places listed above are for off-leash excursions, here are the best leashed walks in Seacoast, New Hampshire.
Phillips Exeter Academy Trails – Exeter, NH
Located just behind the Academy, these trails are well maintained and clearly marked. It’s a great option for a quick run or walk with your dog in a more forest type setting. Some trails run next to the Exeter river which is great if your dogs like to swim.
College Woods Trail – Durham, NH
As a former student of the University of New Hampshire, I used to enjoy this trial located on campus. It’s a short 2.14 mile loop that you can enjoy with your dog. The trail is clearly marked and the university keeps it nicely groomed. Worth a visit if you are in the UNH area.
Urban Forestry Center – Portsmouth, NH
Used as a tree farm and education center, it is a state owned forest that is open to the public. With 182 acres of self guided trails that take you through the forest and along the wetlands, it’s a great spot for walk with your dog.
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