10 Great Canine Finds in the Hudson Valley

There are a lot of perks to being a canine Hudson Valley resident—fresh country air, the mountains, and plenty of dog-friendly restaurants to visit.

If your pooch is aching to stretch his legs or needs to release his high-energy beyond your backyard or indoor confines, there are plenty of places to run around leashed or un-leashed in the Hudson Valley. Even better, these locations promise a fun day trip for humans too.

You're sure to meet others to mingle and walk with.  

1. Catamount Dog Park at Emerson Place

Let your dog run around off-leash and mingle with friendly Hudson Valley humans at the new Catamount Dog Park off the Emerson Resort in Ulster County. Membership cost is $25, and they have mixers. 

Call 845-688-2828.

2. The Dog Park in Thomas Bull Memorial Dog Park, Route 416, Orange County

Michele Zigrossi, owner of Natural Pet Store at Ireland Corners, says that many of her customers love to take their dogs here. About 20,000 dogs have visited The Dog Park here since it opened in 2007. Dogs can run off-leash in the dog park itself, and can visit the rest of Thomas Bull Memorial Park leashed. Your dog can drink from the water fountains and socialize with dogs his own size in the "Small Dog" and "Large Dog" fenced in areas.

Open from 7 a.m. to dusk. Free parking. Call 845-457-4900. 

3. Bowdoin Park in Wappinger Falls, Dutchess County.

A favorite of many Poughkeepsie dog owners, Bowdoin Park has a lot of space for dogs to roam and mingle with families. Dogs are allowed everywhere, including the spray turtle sprinklers in the summer time, as long they are leashed.

85 Sheafe Road, Wappingers Falls. Call 845-298-4600. 

4. Kenneth L. Wilson Park and Campground in Mt. Tremper, Ulster County.

Dogs are welcome at this slice of heaven as long as they are leashed. The park has great views of the mountains. When there is an attendant at the park, the parking fee is $6. The attendant is usually there on weekends, but during the week it can be hit or miss.

859 Wittenberg Road, Mt. Tremper, Call 845-679-7020

5. Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie.

Since the Walkway Over the Hudson park is walking distance from the Amtrak/Metro-North Station in Poughkeepsie, it's a very convenient escape for the city dog and dweller. The Walkway Over the Hudson is 1.28 miles, which makes it the world's longest pedestrian bridge. Water is available for dogs at the entrance of the bridge, and vendors sell food too. Free street parking is usually available, or you can pay $5 at the park parking lot.

The Walkway is open 7 a.m. to sunset. Call 845-454-9649.

6. Minnewaska State Park in New Paltz.

You may bring your dog here, but keep Fido on a 6-foot leash, and away from the picnic, buildings, camping area, and bathing area. Parking is $8.

Call 845-255-0752.

7. Rockefeller State Park Reserve in Pocantico Hills

Spread over 2,000 acres, Rockefeller State Park Reserve welcomes all dogs as long they are on leash. Dogs can hydrate at the Visitor's Center where water bowls are available. Baggie containers are also located at the Visitor's Center so you can dispose of your dog's business. If you're not sure how your dog will react to seeing a horse, prepare to make him sit, or hold him back as there are 55 miles of carriage trails, and many visitors enjoying Rockefeller's horseback riding facilities. Parking is $6. Park is open from sunrise to sunset. Visitor's Center starts accepting customers at 8:30 a.m.

Rockefeller State Park Reserve, Route 117, Pocantico Hills Call 914-631-1470.

8. Hudson Valley Dock Dogs in Millerton

Got a dog that loves dock diving or loves the water? Hudson Valley Dock Dogs welcomes all dogs regardless of breed, size, gender, to become a member. Membership costs $50 for the family. The Millerton-based group holds club meetings once a month, 1-2 practices a month, and fun mixers throughout the year. For more info visit and cool videos of dock dogs in action visit their website.

9. Kakiat Park

668 Haverstraw Road, off Rte. 202,
Montebello, NY 10901. 845-364-2670

Hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, scenic outlooks, pavilion, stocked river for fishing, off-leash dog run, guided tours by Park Rangers available. Open dawn to dusk.  376 acres.  The park has free parking, but no restrooms.

10. Kennedy Dells Park

355 North Main Street, New City, NY 10956.
845-364-2670 

Fitness trail, hiking, off-leash dog area, horse corral, nature study, picnic tables, soccer, cross country skiing, picnic tables, pavilion, guided tours and lectures available by Park Rangers.  179 acres.  Free Parking, Restrooms, Handicapped accessible (restrooms and picnic tables).

Vanessa Geneva Ahern is a health writer and blogger based in the Hudson Valley. You can find her blogging about where to eat, play, and re-charge your spirit in the Hudson Valley at http://www.hudsonvalleygoodstuff.com.