Dog Friendly Maine

October 23, 2015 5:55 PM

Can you recommend some good dog-friendly outings (short hikes, dog friendly beaches, destinations, trips, etc) in southern/southwestern Maine? Bonus points for those who can also recommend: a) things to do with the pup this weekend, and/or b) good resources (online, print, or other) to discover more of dog-friendly Maine. [link to adorable dog photo inside]

A career move has taken us to Maine. We now live west of Gorham (in Oxford County, not far from Sebago Lake), and drive regularly into Gorham and Portland. It's exciting, but has been stressful for our awesome dog, who misses his routine, his old yard, and his old daycare. Now that we're getting settled, we're looking for some dog-friendly outings and activities for him. Stuff closer to home, near Oxford County or Sebago lake, are most welcomed (he's getting tired of car rides) but places that take us eastward past Gorham to Portland would also be good to know for the future.

posted by .kobayashi. to Pets & Animals (7 answers total)

This weekend, depending on weather, you could check out the family & dog friendly trails on Douglas Mountain and make a whole day out of it with a picnic. You are very near where my snowbird parents live wth their dog half the year so I will memail you with more concrete stuff like the name of the place their dog hangs out when they have to leave overnight and places that they have been that are dog friendly after I call them next!
posted by Mizu at 9:11 PM on October 23, 2015

Rattlesnake mountain in Raymond is a quiet trail and one on which I have met many dogs.
posted by Sukey Says at 9:18 PM on October 23, 2015

My friend in Portland says that a lot of state beaches and parks allow dogs - she specifically mentioned Pine Point Beach and Bradbury Mountain as nice dog friendly places for wandering and hiking.
posted by ChuraChura at 9:32 AM on October 24, 2015

It might be more notable to list places where dogs are regulated. The beaches in So. Portland were contentious about dogs, but I think they're allowed. Not sure about Higgins Beach in Scarborough. There's a big dog park in Portland on Ocean Ave. Baxter Woods, between Forest & Stevens, is dog-friendly. Evergreen Cemetery has an off leash area, and the city has a good list. Back Cove is a lovely walk, and links to additional walking paths.
posted by theora55 at 10:27 AM on October 24, 2015

Called the rents! They spent a long time umming and hrmmming because like theora55 confirms, it would be easier to list where people CAN'T take their dogs. Their dog stays overnight and sometimes does daycare at Paradise Kennels in Baldwin, which is super low key with an extremely sweet guy who obviously adores dogs, but is probably out of the way for you, and they are very pleased with the vet care at the Standish Vetinary Hospital. My dad also suggested Crescent Beach State Park but check their info first because that was a nostalgia suggestion and their rules may have changed.
posted by Mizu at 7:34 PM on October 24, 2015

We love the dog park on Ocean Ave in Portland that theora55 links, but we always go on the unfenced trails area; it's much more chill and a really nice walk. Maine is crazy dog-friendly, though; as everyone above says, it's almost easier to list places you can't take your dog. I am an unabashed dog lover who has continuously been startled to see dogs in places since I've moved here - places like laundromats, restaurants, and grocery stores. GotravelMaine.com will send you a nice guide for free.

Other favorites of ours include Thomas Point Beach in Brunswick, Old Orchard Beach, and Pine Point Beach. The marshes in Scarborough have a nice trail, although it can be crowded, and the park around the Bug Light in South Portland is officially off-leash.
posted by donnagirl at 3:57 PM on October 25, 2015

Oh, if you need daycare or boarding, there are probably places closer to you, but we adore Camp Bow Wow.
posted by donnagirl at 3:59 PM on October 25, 2015