If you’re looking for dog-friendly places to vacation with your pets, you’ve found it in Washington County, NY! With our abundant green spaces, scenic trails and welcoming businesses, you’ll find a plethora of fun pet-friendly locations to explore.
After all, there’s something for everyone here, whether your pup’s ideal adventure involves relaxing waterfall hikes or unique local treats.
Let’s explore some of the best dog-friendly activities within Washington County!
Pet-Friendly Parks and Trails in the Hudson Valley
Trails To Explore With Your Pets
For an easy but scenic stroll with your dog, consider walking our Champlain Canalway Trail section of the Empire State Trail, which explores some of this area’s best landscapes. Or, explore the Hudson Falls areas of the Glens Falls Feeder Canal! You and your dog may also enjoy the easy waterside trails at Hudson Crossing Park.
Are you a lover of waterfalls? Bring your dog to experience the short hike to Carver Falls, or the longer hike to Shelving Rock Falls on Shelving Rock Mountain.
For an even longer expedition with your adventurous pup, explore the Sleeping Beauty Mountain section of the Lake George Wild Forest! Or, check out the short-but-steep Record Hill trail in Anthony’s Nose Preserve, or the 8-mile Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail in Granville, NY.
Local Dog-Friendly Parks
Of course, we can’t forget the Cary Hill Sculpture Park! Visitors with dogs can either walk or drive up to the top of the hill to enjoy a the view of the entire town of Salem. Along the way, you’ll see a variety of unique sculptures and installations created by students at Salem Art Works.
Soak in the sun at Lake Lauderdale Park and Huletts Park! While dogs are not allowed in bathing area, they’re welcome to enjoy the scenic views and picnic with you on the beach. Or, connect with the past while you stroll through the 40-acre Woodlands Cemetery with your dog, enjoying its many mature shade trees and maintained walkways!
And finally, you may want to take your dog for a dip at The Georgi! This gorgeous park surrounded by the Battenkill on 3 sides features lush landscaping, open lawns and benches so sit and enjoy nature.
Of course, while many more local parks welcome leashed dogs, don’t forget to clean up after your pups to keep public spaces welcoming for everyone!
Restaurants, Breweries and Vineyards
Dog-Friendly Dining in Washington County, NY
Truly a dog-friendly destination, Washington County embraces the bond between humans and their canine companions. With our diverse array of parks, trails and businesses, you and your furry friend are guaranteed to create lasting memories and enjoy a wonderful time exploring the countryside.
Many local locations with outdoor seating are very dog-friendly! These include Battenkill Valley Creamery in Salem, NY and the Ice Cream Man in Greenwich, NY, both popular places to get ice cream with outside tables to sit with your dog. Also in Greenwich, NY, you’ll find the Witches Village Cafe (formerly Village Cafe & Bakery), whose outdoor patio in the heart of town is incredibly popular in the warmer months, and welcomes families with fur-babies.
Elsewhere, you’ll find both Jen’s Pit Stop and Scarlotta’s Car Hop in Granville, NY. These two seasonal businesses sell both ice cream and American cuisine. Enjoy your treats with your pets on their patios! Of course, while Gardenworks’ Cheese + Cafe nearby operates seasonally on the weekends, it’s always worth a visit! Their patio is also dog-friendly, and overlooks the serene hills around their farmstead.
Additionally, the world-famous Dog Shack in Hudson Falls, NY offers outdoor seating for visitors with pets. Of course, so does the Adirondack Seafood Company in the same town!
Craft Beverage Producers: Wine, Beer and More
Looking to enjoy a delicious locally-sourced adult beverage while enjoying the ambiance with your dog? Then you’ll want to visit one of our local craft beverage producers!
A great spot to gather, Scotlander Brewing Company in Argyle strives to make their taproom a community gathering space, and in doing so welcomes visitors to bring their small children and dogs as well! Additionally, Slickfin Brewing in Fort Edward welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs to sit with their owners in the patio and Beer Garden areas!
For great views and great brews, bring your pets to dine at Battle Hill Brewing Company‘s outdoor deck tables! This microbrewery in Fort Ann, NY pays homage to local history with its unique decor and delicious, locally-inspired food.
Or, if you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ll enjoy visiting South Dominion Vineyard and sitting at tables on their lawn with your pup!
Dog-Friendly Lodging Options
If you’re looking for comfortable places to stay while traveling with your dog, you’re in luck! There are many great lodging options in the area, from unique short-term rentals to historic buildings. And, many of them are dog-friendly.
However, not all of them welcome cats, some have a weight limit, and some require advance approval of your pet(s). So double-check before you book your stay!
Here are some great local dog-friendly places to stay:
- The Long Lodge in Shushan, NY is run by Battenkill Valley Outdoors, can accommodate up to 6 guests and has a built-in dog pen for families with pets.
- The Yellow Door Inn in Salem, NY welcomes families with up to 3 dogs and 4 guests to enjoy this historic home in a countryside village.
- The Slateville Retreat in Granville is unique cabin rental that comes with a heated viewing tower, and welcomes up to 2 dogs of any size for no additional fee.
- Blind Buck Valley Farmstead in Salem, NY – This 5-bedroom farmhouse rental welcomes up to 3 dogs who weigh less than 50lbs.
- Lake Lauderdale Campground in Cambridge, NY – Visitors are welcome to bring their dogs while camping, so long as they’re leashed while outside the car.
- Sky Parlor Farm in Salem, NY – This historic farm stay invites families with dogs of any size (and cats, by request) to visit.
Pet Supplies and Services
Planning an adventure that’s not so dog-friendly? Want to keep your pup nearby while you’re staying in the area? Consider one of these local dog boarding and pet-sitting services!
Anastasia’s Acres Dog Boarding in Argyle, NY offers not just boarding, but also doggy daycare, training, grooming and home visits, as well as care for other species of pets. Mountain View K9 Retreat in Fort Ann, NY is a doggy daycare that also offers both longer-term boarding as well as grooming services. Additionally, Battenkill Country Kennels in Salem offers customized pet care and long-term boarding, and Bellyrubs Doggy Daycare‘s Hudson Falls location offers boarding, daycare and grooming services.
If you need to stock up on pet food, treats or other supplies while here, you’ll find many local options, including local hardware and grocery stores! However, both Walker’s Farm, Home and Tack in Fort Ann and Sutherland’s PetWorks in Hudson Falls specialize in all things pet supplies.
And, did you know Washington County is home to a group of famous dog trainers? Occasionally, the monks of New Skete Monastery will offer public demonstrations of their training program, which has helped solve behavioral problems of many dogs nationwide!
Looking for more fun things to do in our area?
Why not extend your stay and make your upcoming trip extra-special? Book a visit to one of our local farm stays or campgrounds for an unforgettable experience!
Or, explore more fun activities to do in Washington County, such as theatrical performances, golf courses, museums & more.
