Wondering where you can go and bring along your pup in Dutchess County? Here’s a few of our dog-friendly hiking trails, historic sites, craft beverage hotspots and more in the Hudson Valley!
Plus, scroll to the bottom to see adorable photos of dogs and their owners exploring the heart of New York's Hudson Valley. Tag us on Instagram @destinationdutchess to be featured!
Clermont State Historic Site allows leashed four-legged friends on its over 500 acres of landscaped gardens, meadow and woodlands. You can hike their five miles of marked nature trails and three miles of marked bridle trails, (open daily from 8:30 a.m. until dusk) or just soak up the sun on a picnic bench and enjoy the Hudson River views as if you were a Livingston.
There’s something about walking the grounds at Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site and Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park that can put you in a good mood, and it might be because it brings to mind FDR's dog Fala, arguably one of most celebrated canine celebrities in history. Dogs must be kept on a six-foot leash while exploring the outdoor spaces at this NPS site. More info about Fala can be found here in the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum’s Virtual Tour.
Other dog-friendly historic grounds on our “to be sniffed” list include Staatsburgh State Historic Site in Staatsburg and Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site in Hyde Park. For all of these sites, only leashed dogs are permitted. Find out how your dog can become a National Park Service BARK Ranger! Members of Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie can walk their dogs on the gourgeous trails. For a bit of history on all the furry friends that lived on the property over the years, pay a visit to the Young family’s pet cemetery near the Locust Grove trailheads.
Did you know that Dutchess County has over 200 parks and over 75 miles of trails?
Tivoli Bays is now part of the Empire State Trail, and there are several trails to traverse across the property and tons of wildlife to see. A leash is mandatory, as Tivoli Bays trail system features a few steep portions and marshlands.
One of our most famous parks is The Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park in Poughkeepsie. This place is a haven for people who like dogs. You'll see every size and shape pooch strolling with their owners 212 feet above the Hudson River. Just watch out for those super hot summer days when the pavement temperature gets too hot for delicate paws. Other dog-friendly parks include: Ferncliff Forest and Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill in Rhinebeck, Peach Hill Park in Poughkeepsie, Madam Brett Park in Beacon, and Dover Stone Church in Dover Plains, just to name a few. In fact, our launched Destination Dutchess Zen Finder outdoor experience trail has a list of dog-friendly hikes. Click here to download your FREE mobile passport.
Looking for an actual dog park? Dutchess County Parks has a filter for that on their Parks & Trails web app here.
When searching for a place to grab some craft pints with your pup, there are plenty of spots to choose from including Obercreek Brewing Company in Wappingers Falls. There you'll find good tunes, delicious beer and a relaxed vibe. Other breweries that welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs to their outdoor spaces include: Plan Bee Farm Brewery in Poughkeepsie and Black Snake Brewing Company in Stasatsburg. Hudson Valley Brewery in Beacon has a dedicated space for visitors with dogs, located in the front of the brick building that houses the tasting room. Down the road, enjoy the beautiful views from Two Way Brewing Company's pooch-friendly outdoor patio. Further north in Tivoli, enjoy the breathtaking grounds and tasting room at Lasting Joy Brewery who allow dogs in all spaces.
Related: Use Your Destination Dutchess Taste Finder Passport to Sip and Save in Style
But don't worry if you're not a hop fanatic, there are other craft beverage destinations that allow dogs! Taconic Distillery in Stanfordville is animal-friendly. In fact, the distillery has their own dog, a foxhound named Copper, with a unique connection to the history of distilling and dogs. Foxhounds came to New York's Hudson Valley in the late 1650s when Robert Brooke, an English hunter brought the breed here. George Washington, who happened to be a whiskey maker once upon a time, reportedly purchased his foxhound from descendents of the Brooke family. Centuries later during Prohibition, bootleggers used the foxhounds as scouts against goverment agents (who were trained to howl when agents approached). Visit with your furry friend and take a sip of Hudson Valley history.
In addition, pooches are allowed to hang out at the Treasury Cider bar at Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction, and at the Fishkill Farms courtyard. They must be on a leash at all times and cleaned up after. No pets may enter the farm store, indoor cider bar or any areas where food is grown (including pick-your-own areas) unless they are a service animal recognized by the ADA. Last but not least, Millbook Vineyards and Winery also welcomes man's best friend to enjoy their scenic grounds and outdoor picnic areas.
Related: Pick-Your-Own Apples, Pumpkins and More at These Dutchess Farms
