By Susan Spisak
Summertime is an excellent opportunity to spend time outdoors and appreciate the beauty that defines Maine. Whether you’re camping, day tripping, or grabbing an hour or two to spend with your treasured dog, activities like hiking, walking, or visiting the beach can provide you both with a sense of calm and well-being.
First, make sure your dog is vaccinated and up-to-date on preventatives (ticks are out!). Judith K. Herman DVM advises factoring in any medical issues, like heart, kidney, or liver disease, diabetes, or osteoarthritis, when selecting hike distance and difficulty. “If your dog’s overweight or out of shape, start slow and let him build his strength.”
Take your dog’s breed and/or needs when choosing your outing. Some should skip longer hikes as they may be better suited for walking. These include flat-faced dogs like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Cavaliers as they may overheat and have breathing difficulties. Dogs with long backs (such as Dachshunds), Dwarfs (short leg breeds), Tripods, or double coats often prefer walks as well. Dr. Herman added that if your dog has special needs emotionally, honor them and pick safe, comfortable places.
Ferris, North Falmouth Community Forest Photo Credit: Bethany Rockney
Hiking is a fantastic way to exercise. It’s often considered to be a vigorous, demanding trek on a rugged trail. Yet there are plenty of routes that are on easier terrains and can be completed at a slower pace. Wherever you land, be mindful of the rules. Check your weather app to make sure inclement weather isn’t in the area. Wear proper clothing and hiking boots, and don’t forget the sunscreen for you and your dog.
“If it’s warm, go early, take plenty of water and many breaks. Dogs don’t sweat and they can overheat. If the tongue is hanging out and dark pink, stop. Go into the shade, give him water to drink, and if you can, get him wet,” Dr Herman said. If walking on pavement or sand, be aware that it heats up fast. “If you can’t keep the back of your hand on the pavement for more than 7-10 seconds, don’t walk there.”
If your speed is easy, check out Winnick Woods, a 71-acre property donated to the town of Cape Elizabeth by a local family. This popular Winnick Woods Trail is a loop that has extensive wetlands, woodlands, ponds, meadow features, and a remarkable array of wildlife.
For an easy to moderate jaunt in Southern Maine, there’s the Black Brook Reserve in Windham. It features stunning cliffs, rocky beaches, and a dense forest. Take the Coastal Trail on the way to the campsite areas with views of the Atlantic. Once there, you can take the Black Point Brook Cutoff Trail, and this loops back to the Inland Trail and trailhead.
In Brownfield, in the foothills of western Maine, is Burnt Meadow Mountain Trail. Rated hard, there’s the Twin Brooks Trail aka Yellow, and the “North Peak Trail" aka Blue. The Yellow Trail is longer and a more gradual ascent to the top, while Blue is the most direct to the summit, with aggressive climbing through woods and up rock faces. Those who have tackled this have noted it has breathtaking views but shared to be cautious of wildlife.
Old Speck Mountain Trail in Oxford County near Newry, is a 7.4-mile round trip hike. It’s part of Grafton Notch State Park and is a premier recreational destination. The park lies amidst some of Maine's most spectacular mountains. While it’s a popular trail, it is difficult, so consider your dog’s dexterity.
There are several areas for hikes on Mt Desert Island. Check out Little Long Pond Natural Lands. Little Long Pond includes seventeen acres of meadows, marshes, clear streams, and acres of forests. You’ll see many habitats, can hear the sounds of nature, watch birds, and take in impressive mountain views.
Roque Bluffs State Park in Washington County has a 6-mile trail network just inland from the shore that leads through old orchards, fields, and woods with paths that follow the rocky shores of Great Cove and Pond Cove. This is perfect for a hike, or if you prefer, walk slowly and take it all in.
The Belgrade Lakes region in The Kennebec Valley Region features over twenty miles of hiking (or strolling) trails. A popular, family- and dog-friendly one is French Mountain in Rome. It’s under a mile roundtrip and climbs to a summit with views of Great Pond. Also in Rome is Round Top Trail, a moderate hike that passes through forests and offers views of seven different lakes and ponds.
For an interesting walk with an iconic feature, visit Fisherman’s Walk in York. It’s a 1.7-mile loop trail, and it follows the York River. This flat path follows the York River to Wiggly Bridge, then it crosses Barrells Millpond and enters Steedman Woods. What’s rare is the bridge—it’s a 75-foot-long pedestrian suspension bridge built in the 1930s, famously known as the smallest suspension bridge in the US and possibly the world.
The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells is perfect for an easy walk on flat trails. It’s located along fifty miles of coastline in York and Cumberland counties. You’ll see many plants and the animals not found elsewhere in the state. There’s forested upland, barrier beach/dunes, coastal meadows, tide salt marsh, and a distinctive rocky coast.
For interesting outings, consider wandering through Maine’s pretty towns. Plan ahead and map out the unique sites of the burg you’re visiting. Have a friend join you and your dog for a wonderful day. Take a break and find a restaurant with a patio for a relaxing lunch.
One such town is Bar Harbor. Downtown businesses welcome dogs and many have water bowls filled outside their doors. There are gorgeous views of Frenchman Bay and direct access to the ocean from the Shore Path, a 1.5-mile easy trail/walk near town.
Midcoast’s picturesque coastal town of Camden is exceptionally dog-friendly, featuring a walkable downtown, pet-welcoming parks, and nearby hiking options. (See Camden Hills State Park, below.) A hidden gem is Shirttail Point Park, located on a shallow, slow-moving section of the freshwater Megunticook River. Dogs are allowed from May 1 to Oct. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. and 6 to 8 a.m. There is a sandy beach and grassy area.
For peaceful walking (and hiking) trails, state parks have options. Camden Hills State Park sits high above its namesake town with fantastic views. If you have an older pet, there’s the easy .3-mile Shoreline Trail. Wolf’s Neck Woods State Park near Freeport boasts magnificent scenery and picnic areas. Peaks-Kenny State Park in Piscataquis County feature lovely views across clear Sebec Lake to Borestone Mountain. There’s a 10-mile network of trails, some of which are interconnected.
Beach lovers know that walking the ocean shoreline is magical—there’s something about hearing the waves that’s settling. Most beaches have time restrictions during the summer/high season, and off-season varies, so check their websites.
Saco's beaches are dog-friendly, including Kinney Shore, Bayview Beach, and Camp Ellis Beach. Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport is a scenic, three-mile stretch of white sand known for its gentle, protected surf. Long Sands Beach in York is touted as one of the best beaches to run, splash, and explore. Tucked along the coast of Biddeford, Fortune's Rocks Beach is a long, windswept stretch of sand. Take in the waves and sky, it’s a good spot to decompress. If you collect sea glass, this is your beach!
For more trails, hikes, beach options, and other outings for you and your dog, be sure to pick up a copy of the 2026 petMAINE. Or click here to read online.