The sun is out, a light chill fills the air, and the tourists have all gone home. It is a perfect day to explore a dog friendly trail with your precious pooch right here in Plymouth. Summer has faded fast and fall is quickly approaching which means our furry friends are once again welcome to roam on most beaches and trails, yay! If you are looking to spice up your routine with Buster or get Lucy out for a nice run why not hit a wide, well maintained, trail that offers scenic views just minutes from home. On the surface our town is stunning, this we know, but hidden throughout its 100 square miles are trails you never knew Plymouth had to offer. Did you catch Part 1 of our Dog Friendly Trails in Plymouth series? Learn about 5 more totally PAWesome trails that you and your pup will love here.
What to pack?
Anytime we take our dog somewhere there are basics we want to have on hand, right? For example, we can all agree that it is never a good idea to leave home without poop bags. But what about when you are planning for a long-distance hike in a pretty remote location? When you are preparing for a venture to one of these trail locations the list of essentials is a bit more extensive. Being prepared is paramount to ensure the safety of you and your pup as you embark on your new adventures. Download our FREE list of Excursion Essentials for Your Pup and share with friends!
5 Plymouth Hiking/Walking Trails
ATTENTION: Check the Massachusetts Toxic Algae Pond Advisory list before you or your dog enter or drink the water of any pond listed in the following descriptions.
Little Pond Loop @ Morton Park
We could not resist starting the list off with Little Pond Loop at Morton Park. The towering forestry and beautiful blue water of Lout Pond and Billington Sea are unlike any other trail views in Plymouth! The wide, well worn paths make for easy use and keeps social distancing effortless. There are picnic tables and a recreational area near the parking lot at the main entrance. Your pup is sure to enjoy running the open trails and taking a dip before the car ride home. The trail itself is not clearly marked so if you are not interested in exploring a few paths that lead to nowhere we suggest downloading the All Trails app to ensure your 2.7 miles does not turn into 5+. Overall, the beauty, easy to use trails, and variety of activity options in Morton Park make this trail a must use!
Trail Length: 2.7 miles
Address: Morton Park Rd.
Route Type: Loop
Parking: Large lot just down from the main entrance
Map: Morton Park Trail
Cranberry Bogs via Eel River Preserve Trail
If you love observing nature this is the trail for you! The abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat all along this trail is well worth the low land sludge you may encounter. The trail is low lying land so depending on recent weather patterns it may be quite muddy. If you are looking for a lesser known trail to explore all to yourself, this is the way to go! Excellent option for dogs who do not prefer the company of other dogs or humans. Come prepared with your waterproof shoes and bug spray to make this trail a positive experience.
Trail Length: 2.2 miles
Address: 204 Long Pond Rd. Plymouth, MA
Route Type: Loop
Parking: In lot at 204 Long Pond Rd.
East Head Pond Trail @ Myles Standish
Rated the number 1 trail in all of Plymouth according to All Trails, East Head Pond Trail will not disappoint. This picturesque trail leads you around the full loop of East Head Pond. Stunning views of the water and blooming flowers are sure to keep your attention throughout the entire 2.6-mile loop. The flat terrain makes it an excellent choice for all skill levels and all size dogs. Its easy use and clearly marked signs will keep you on the right path without a second thought about it. Note that the trail is a bit narrow, but the light foot traffic makes social distancing easy. Wonderful choice for the whole family!
Trail Length: 2.6 miles
Address: 194 Cranberry Rd. (area of)
Route Type: Loop
Parking: Parking areas along the entrance of the State Park
Map: East Head Pond Trail/Myles Standish
Bentley Loop @ Myles Standish
Measuring in at just under 4 miles, Bentley’s Loop will get the blood pumping and lungs working for you and your pooch. Popular activities on this trail include mountain biking, horseback riding and of course hiking. Most importantly, dogs are more than welcome but must be kept on leash for this loop. Soak up the lovely seasonal flowers and foliage while catching a glimpse of the many varieties of birds who occupy this area. On a trail nearly 4 miles clearly marked navigation signs are a must and Bentley’s Loop does an excellent job of it. While there is no direct access for pond swimming there are a few access paths that lead to various small ponds for you and your pup to take a dip. Be sure to check the list of local Toxic Algae Ponds before letting your dog (or you) dive in.
Trail Length: 3.8 miles
Address: 194 Cranberry Rd (area of)
Route Type: Loop
Parking: Parking area near east entrance off Upper College Pond Rd..
Map: Bentley Loop/Myles Standish
Gramp’s Loop Trail @ Halfway Pond Conservation
Enjoy the gentle hills and impressive forestry while exploring 2 miles of well-kept trail. The hills increase in some areas of this trail making it ideal for larger dogs or fur babies not so low to the ground. Sneak peaks of Halfway Pond and benches at the most opportune times make Gramp’s Loop a wonderful spot for picnicking or an afternoon relaxing in the great outdoors. This is a lightly trafficked trail with clearly marked navigation signs to ensure you are never lost. Dogs are welcome here year-round, so don’t miss out on this hidden gem!
Trail Length: 2 miles
Address: Mast Rd. Plymouth, MA (area of)
Route Type: Loop
Parking: Parking area at entrance of the Conservation off Mast Rd.
Google Maps directions HERE
Map: Gramp’s Loop/Halfway Pond Conservation Area
Tick Check? You bet!
Don’t forget to do a tick check on your pup as well as yourself after every trail adventure. No time of year is 100% free from ticks as they can survive in temperatures as low as freezing. Even if your pet is on a tick preventative you should still give them a once over after having been in wooded and thickly settled areas. Don’t let a splendid adventure turn into a pest nightmare for you or your furry friend. Need more information about ticks? Check out our Blogs 6 Tips to Keep Your Dog and Cat Flea- and Tick-Free and Ticks Trailside
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you been convinced to get out there with your pup and start exploring? Are you feeling reinvigorated to try a new trail in Plymouth? Comment below with your favorite trails, comments, or questions about the trails we talked about today, let us know if you visit one of them. Check back for more local trail info soon!
Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
Resources:
https://www.plymouth-ma.gov/marine-and-environmental-affairs/pages/town-plymouth-trail-maps
https://www.mass.gov/alerts/harmful-cyanobacterial-bloom-advisories-in-massachusetts#undefined
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