Favorite Hikes in New England
Massachusetts
Sandy Neck, Cape Cod (October 15-May 15): Sandy Neck Dunes have 12 miles of possible looped trails behind the the dunes. Pack a picnic and go to the end of the peninsula. Don’t let the no elevation of this hike fool you. Trekking along the sandy dunes is a major work out, so pack water, snacks, sandwiches, etc.… if you go Monday-Saturday, pack an orange hunting jacket or bandana for you dog. Plenty of hunters in the marsh behind the dunes. Or hike on Sunday when no hunting is allowed! '
Mt Watatic: This is a favorite that is an hour within metro Boston. Mt Watatic was a ski resort, turned trail walk. Be sure to hike up on route, and hike down the other to make a nice 3-4 mile loop. Great views of Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
New Hampshire
Mt Major
Rattlesnake Mountain: On the other side of the Lake Winnipesaukee, another moderate hike with a big reward at the top.
A lot of these are "dogs must be on-leash,” and I have never had our dogs on a leash at any of these places. But my don’t invade space of other dogs or people. But we are strict with our dogs, as they stick near us on the trail, they are only allowed to say hi to dogs with our okay (after we have asked owners if their dogs are friendly), and they are not allowed to invade human’s space. They are not wild and crazy on the trails, but are walking our pace within 20-30 feet of us. If it’s quiet stretch, we give them a little more freedom.