Dog-Friendly Day Trips in Dutchess

Date Published: August 26, 2022

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 and use #MyDutchessStory to be featured!

Historic Grounds

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. 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: Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie (The Young family’s pet cemetery is totally cool and not at all creepy), 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!

Parks

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. Make sure to tightly grip the leash to avoid any mishaps!

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, and Dover Stone Church in Dover Plains. In fact, our recently launched Dutchess Tourism 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.

Craft Beverage Spots

Not what you were expecting? Perhaps not surprisingly, there’s a big overlap between craft beverage people and dog people. When searching for a place to grab some craft brews with the dog, 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.

Treasury Cider at Fishkill Farms — Treasury Cider bar at Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction

But don't worry if you're not a hop fanatic, there are other craft beverage destinations that allow dogs! Dutch's Spirits in Pine Plains permits pups on their Prohibition-era property. Similarly, Dennings Point Distillery in Beacon and Taconic Distillery in Stanfordville are animal-friendly. In addition, pooches are allowed to hang out at the Treasury Cider bar at Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction. Last but not least, Millbook Vineyards and Winery also welcomes man's best friend to enjoy their scenic grounds and picnic areas.

Stay tuned for a list of pet-friendly Dutchess County restaurants!

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