Where to take your dog in western Maine, from patios to trails

BETHEL

Valentine Farm, 162 North Road, welcomes leashed dogs to its 150 acres owned by Mahoosuc Land Trust. The mostly flat property features three looped trails laid out like a three-leaf clover. Two are wooded, while the third winds through a grassy field to the Androscoggin River and back. Visitors are reminded: “No poop on the loop.”

Mt. Will trail on Route 2, about 10 minutes from Bethel village, is a moderate three-mile looped hike. A warning for old or arthritic dogs: the trail can be a little tricky and sometimes icy, especially near the summit, where there is a great view of the Androscoggin River.

Bring your pup along the snow-covered trails at Carter’s X-country, 786 Intervale Road, Bethel. Cost is $15 for a doggie day pass. (Leave the dog in the car if you plan to use the center’s new sauna after your workout).

After your outing, refuel at one of two area dog-friendly eateries. At Gemini Cafe & Bakery, 96 Main St., Bethel, leashed dogs are welcome on their outdoor patio. As the weather warms, Steam Mill Brewery, 96 Sunday River Road, Bethel, opens its outdoor seating area to four-legged guests as well.

FARMINGTON

Powder House Hill Trails, 218 Titcomb Hill Road, welcomes dog walkers to its 188 acre, multiuse recreational trail network. The trailheads are all located less than a mile from downtown Farmington and are open from dawn to dusk year-round. The trail network includes the 44-acre Flint Woods, the 43-acre Village Woods and the 10-acre Bonney Woods.

The trails are managed by the Bonney Woods Corp., which asks that you keep your dog under control and on a leash at all times and to pick up after their messes. They also advise users to stay on the established trails to protect vegetation, animal habitat quality and to prevent erosion.

The Prescott Field Trail System offers a 0.4-mile out-and-back gravel path that travels along the edge of Prescott Field and down to the Sandy River. The trail was a project of the High Peaks Alliance and the University of Maine, and is fully-accessible to the banks of the river. The trail begins at the south end of Front Street near the Prescott softball field on the UMF campus.

Meetinghouse Park at 139 Main St. is in the heart of Farmington’s downtown, is host to an historic Gazebo and features several tributes to veterans. The town invites families to “let the kids and the dog run free,” according to the town website.

OXFORD HILLS

The Wook Nook at 495 Main St. in Norway welcomes dogs to attend its outdoor summer concerts. Down the street a few blocks, 290 Maine St. serves water to visiting pooches as staff greet customers to the patio dining area. Brenda Melhus, owner of Norway Brewing at 237 Main St., tells us that any day their patio is open, dogs have an open invitation.

In South Paris, Norway Soft Serve on Main Street is a popular summer stop for people/canine teams.

Oxbow Brew Pub at 420 Main St. in Oxford is also known for its dog-friendly atmosphere. Rocket Ron’s American Grill is a food truck at 576 Main St. in Oxford and gets an extra thumbs-up for offering free snacks to dogs accompanied by their people.

Tractor Supply’s doors are always open for customers to bring their dogs inside. The Oxford store is at 1272 Main St.

For the adventurous among us, dogsledding is regularly done on the ITS trail between Hebron and Buckfield and at Hancock Lumber’s Jugtown Forest Trail off Ellen Drive in Naples. The Roberts Farm Preserve on Roberts Road in Norway holds Cani-cross races Sunday mornings during the fall and winter seasons.

And leashed dogs are welcomed at public trails in the region, including at Hawk Mountain and Mount Tire ‘m in Waterford, Pennesseewassee Park in Norway and the Smith Bridge Preserve in Oxford.

RANGELEY AREA

The Rangeley Lakes Trail Center has over 30 miles of conserved trails in Dallas Plantation. Dogs are welcome on select trails during the winter months, including the Geneva Loop for skijoring and snowshoeing. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times during a hike.

Parkside & Main at 2520 Main St. in downtown Rangeley allows dogs on its outdoor deck during the summer months. Be sure to keep your pup on a leash while dining as a courtesy to other customers.

Cascade Stream Gorge trail, owned by the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust is a 1 mile trail in Sandy River Plantation with views of a stream and waterfalls along the path. Make sure to practice “leave no trace” on your hike and pick up after your dog.

RUMFORD AREA

The dog park at McGouldrick Park in Dixfield at 38 Dix Ave. features a small fenced-off section for small dogs and a larger section for medium and large dogs. There are posted rules and the park is equipped with waste removal stations.

In 2023, Dirigo student Kiley LaFollette presented to the Dixfield Select Board her idea to add a dog park to McGouldrick Park. Her presentation inspired the creation of Friends of McGouldrick Park, a nonprofit, which has brought new life to the park and community. The park features a section for the pooches, as well as a new playground, new boat launch, new picnic tables, and an improved ice skating rink for the humans.

The Swift River Trail is a .8 mile paved path through the woods between the river and Hosmer Field Athletic Complex in Rumford. The parking lot for this trail can be reached by turning off Hosmer Lane on the west side of the river by the basketball courts. Dogs must be leashed and their waste picked up.