Dogs at Borderland

Yes, dogs are allowed at Borderland State Park. DCR's rule is a leash no longer than 10 feet, with your dog under control at all times, and you pick up after it and carry the waste out of the park. That applies on all 20+ miles of trails, the Pond Walk, the fields and the lawns. DCR's current guidance doesn't name any off-leash area at Borderland. DCR's management plan calls dog walking a common activity here, so expect company.

The Rules

• Leash at all times, 10 feet maximum, with the dog under control (DCR's hiking guidance).
• Clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste outside the park. Borderland is carry in, carry out.
• Keep dogs leashed at programs too; DCR's full-moon hike notice says so explicitly.
• Commercial dog walkers need a DCR permit. DCR's 2017 management plan records a high level of commercial dog walking and lists getting walkers permitted as a priority.

What About Off Leash?

DCR's 2017 management plan describes two fields east of Leach Pond that have "traditionally" been used for off-leash dogs, and you may see people doing it. That's a description of what happens, not a permission. DCR's current guidance for the park is a 10-foot maximum leash, and that is the rule this site gives. If you want a legal off-leash run, look for a town dog park instead.

Best Walks With a Dog

The Pond Walk is the classic: about 3 miles of wide carriage road around Leach Pond, with room to step aside for walkers, runners and bikes. The Shady Way to Lily Bay is a shorter 1.5-mile option. For a longer outing, add the trails north of the ponds; the trail map has the lengths.

On the narrow Pond Edge Trail, which DCR notes has exposed roots for much of its length, a long leash can tangle; shorten it there.

Sharing the Trails

DCR puts it plainly: not every park visitor appreciates meeting a dog, even a friendly one. Borderland's trails are shared with mountain bikers and horseback riders, and the lawns around the mansion and visitor center are where families picnic and people play disc golf. Keep your dog close when bikes or horses pass. DCR's trail guidelines ask everyone to avoid startling horses.

Water and Heat

DCR warns that drinking water usually isn't available on the trails. There's a fountain in the visitor center, but bring water and a bowl for your dog. On hot summer days, walk early: the park opens at 8 am, and the lots often fill by late morning on weekends.

Dogs and the Ponds

The leash rule applies at the water's edge too. DCR's management plan says visitors walking down to the shore have caused erosion on the historic dams and dikes that hold the ponds in, so stay on the trail and keep your dog on it. See ponds and fishing.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

• Good for daily dog walks: wide carriage roads, open fields and miles of woods.
• Good for social dogs; DCR calls dog walking a common activity here.
• Maybe skip if your dog is reactive: weekend crowds, bikes and horses all share the trails. Come on a weekday morning.
• Maybe skip if you want off-leash time; DCR's guidance is a leash everywhere.