Dog-Friendly Activities in Groton, MA

Bancroft's Castle is a pet-friendly historical site in Groton, MA, where leashed dogs are welcome to join you for a walk on the property's trails. This protected open space is home to the castle that was built by General William Bancroft in 1906 atop Gibbet Hill. Enjoy some exercise and a bit of history with Fido in tow.

The Nashua River Rail 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 Groton! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Nashua River Rail 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.

Get cultured alongside your four-legged friend at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, MA. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the unusual pieces with you. This 30-acre, pet-friendly park is the largest of its kind in New England and is home to over 60 large-scale, modern, and contemporary sculptures. Exhibits are constantly changing, making each visit to the park unique. Admission fees apply but Fido is free to explore.

Great Brook Farm State Park is a pet-friendly park in Carlisle, MA. Leashed dogs can join their humans in exploring the 20 miles of trails together. The trails are popular for cross-country skiing in the winter. There is also a working dairy farm, complete with resident farm animals, on the property.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Doe Orchards, a pet-friendly, you-pick orchard in Harvard, MA. Visitors can explore 25 acres of apples, peach areas and cut-your-own Christmas trees with their pups. Please note that pets aren't permitted in the blueberry and raspberry areas. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times. The orchard also offers seasonal produce and a farm stand with pre-picked favorites.

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is a pet-friendly attraction in Boylston, MA. Your leashed pup is welcome to join you as you explore the beautiful grounds, including conservatories, formal and naturalistic gardens, and expansive views of the Wachusett Reservoir. Fido will love seeing the wide array of colorful flowers and botanicals along the trail. Dogs are welcome year-round except during special after-hours events, such as Night Lights, and they are not allowed indoors. Be sure to ask about their Tails ‘n Trails membership program!

Minute Man National Historical Park is a pet-friendly site in Lincoln, MA. Your leashed pup can tag along to explore the area of significant structures and landscapes associated with the opening battle of the American Revolution. Please note you must clean up after your pet, but no trash cans are provided.

Fido will love to frolic and play off-leash at Cat Rock Park, a pet-friendly park in Weston, MA. This park features wooded trails and a swimming pond. Be sure to keep an eye on Fido, as the area isn't fenced.

Benson Park is a dog-friendly attraction in Hudson, NH. Fido is welcome to join you as you explore various trails, go fishing, visit the 9/11 Memorial, or play at the dog park. Please ensure your furry friend remains leashed during your visit.

Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners in the taproom at Navigation Brewing Company in Lowell, MA. This pet-friendly brewery serves a variety of rotating craft beers made on site, and they frequently feature live music acts and food trucks. Please note that pooches aren't allowed in the hallways during taproom hours and must be on a non-retractable leash.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Sholan Farms, a pet-friendly community-owned apple orchard in Leominster, MA. They grow a variety of apples and other fruit on this 169-acre u-pick farm, and the property also features trails for you and Fido to explore. Pups are also welcome on their monthly twilight hikes. Call or visit their website for details on their next walk.

​The dog-friendly Able Ebenezer Brewing Company, located in Merrimack, NH, is a veteran-owned and operated microbrewery that pays homage to the state's revolutionary history, particularly the Pine Tree Riot of 1772, through its name and ethos. Fido is welcome inside the taproom and in the outdoor beer garden that has heaters for cooler weather. The brewery offers a diverse selection of craft beers, all brewed on-site with their 10-barrel brewhouse. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages are also available.

Maynard Dog Park is a half-acre off-leash dog park for Fido in Maynard, MA. This dog park is completely fenced and has a double-gated entrance so your canine companion can play and run safely. Trees provide shade and there is a canine water fountain available during the warmer months.

Pups can play off-leash at Chelmsford Dog Park in North Chelmsford, MA. This fenced dog park sits on just under 2-acres and offers a separate section for pups under 25 lbs as well as a training area that can be rented for private use. This dog park is mostly covered in grass, with shaded pavilions, seasonal water fountains, waste stations and a walking path. Please note treats and toys aren't allowed.

Dog-friendly Rockingham Brewing Company is a family owned taproom serving locals and visitors to Derry, NH. Bring your best friend to meet larger than life brewery dog Remy and enjoy a beer on the outdoor patio. Sip a glass of Fresh Off the Swine Pale Ale, Hammer Time IPA, Tuck N Grind Stout, or Cool Hand Lager. Pair your favorite brew with delicious eats from a local food truck.

Bolton Spring Farms is a scenic dog-friendly orchard in Bolton, MA. Leashed pups are welcome to join their humans as you pick-your-own apples, pumpkins and more. Please visit their website to see which produce is ready and be sure that the orchard is open for the season before visiting.

Leashed pups are welcome at Western Avenue, a pet-friendly art studio in Lowell, MA. Known as the creative soul of the city, this repurposed mill building is home to more than 350 artists who work in all disciplines, styles and media.

Acton Arboretum is a pet-friendly destination in Acton, MA. Controlled four-legged friends can tag along as you explore the area. The arboretum features garden pathways, a shaded 1.5-mile hiking trail, a boardwalk and more. Picnic tables are also available on site.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Vietnam Veteran's Park, a pet-friendly park in Billerica, MA. You and Fido can explore trails, ponds, conservation spaces and even the off-leash Billerica Dog Park at this spacious and popular recreation site. Please be sure to keep pups on-leash during their visit unless they are within the fenced dog park space.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Drew Farm, a pet-friendly orchard in Westford, MA, where you and Fido can pick-your-own apples, pumpkins and more depending on the season. The orchard tends to open for the season in September, but it is recommended to check their website to be sure they are open and verify which produce is ready to be picked. Please be sure to bring waste bags to clean up after your pup throughout your visit (you may be asked to show a staff member that you are prepared with waste bags as you enter the orchard).