Portland, Maine, is known for its love of all things lobster and clams, as well as its beautiful scenery, lighthouses and landscapes.
If you live in or are planning a vacation to Portland, here are a few dog friendly parks where you and your pooch can stretch your legs and take in a breath of fresh air.
For the 4 (paws)-1-1 on the rules for these dog parks, visit the city of Portland website.
1. Quarry Run Dog Park – 1026 Ocean Ave. (map)
This 10-acre, off-leash park features a separate area for smaller dogs to play. There are plenty of trails and lush green areas for dogs and their pet parents to explore. TripAdvisor.com reviewer HollyDoll-B says, “Well-maintained park completely fenced in with trails for all levels of exercise. Meadows, woods, rocks and creek beds, and the wildflowers smell fantastic. Remember to bring your own water.” Check out all the playful pooches pouncing around here.
2. Baxter Woods Park – Stevens Avenue and New Street (map), 207-874-8793
This pawpular park features a 30-acre wooded area with a loop trail, green spaces and even a pond. There is no entry fee. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk and is off-leash. There are quiet, shaded trails for you and your pooch to get lost in your thoughts within the peace of the towering pine trees.
3. Valley Street Dog Park — 140 Valley St. (map)
This pooch park features benches, drinking water, shade and decorative fire hydrants, but there is no separate area for small dogs. There are free poop bags at the gate. “It is really big, has running water and a cool wooden doggy sculpture entrance,” says Yelp! reviewer Chris D. “But the best part was the landscape of the park itself. This park had a area where you can throw balls and dogs can run as fast as they can, but it also has a wooded hill that dogs can run onto and play in the trees.” Check out the playful pooches here.
PHOTO: donjd2