Dog friendly Cape Cod beaches, trails and parks

 There are a number dog friendly places, including dog parks, on Cape Cod/X. Gallindo

There’s plenty to do with your dog on Cape Cod. Whether you want to bring your dog along on a walk or bike ride, go to the beach or enjoy a safe, enclosed dog park there are choices on the Cape.

Hiking and biking with your dog on Cape Cod

The Cape Cod Canal Trail, which is an excellent paved path for walking, biking or inline skating, welcomes leashed dogs.

The Cape Cod Rail Trail, which runs from Dennis to Wellfleet, is another paved hiking and biking trail, which allows leashed dogs throughout the year.

The Cape Cod National Seashore allows dogs to be exercised on the West and Sunset Horse Trails in the Provincelands or on the Head of the Meadow Bike Trail in Truro.

Nickerson State Park  in Brewster also welcomes leashed dogs on its nature trails and permits them access to Flax and Cliff Ponds in the park.

Dog friendly  ocean beaches

Most Cape Cod towns do not allow dogs on their ocean beaches between Memorial Day and Labor Day but there are some exceptions.

Chatham/Harwich – dogs are welcome at Jack Knife Harbor Beach, which is shared between North Chatham and Harwich, during the summer months.

Provincetown – beach access for dogs is from 6-9 am during the summer

Eastham/Orleans – the Dyer Prince Road section of Rock Harbor beach is open for dogs before 8 am and after 5pm.

Cape Cod National Seashore – leashed dogs can walk on beaches outside the lifeguard-protected areas

Dog Parks on Cape Cod

There are two dog parks on the Cape, one in Dennis and one in Provincetown.

In Dennis, dogs can find friends at Fresh Pond Dog Park, which has two fenced enclosures, a walking trail and freshwater swimming. The dog park is on Rte 134 between the traffic lights at Upper County Rd and the lights at Rte 28.

In Provincetown, Pilgrim Bark Park caters to dogs on an acre of land with six-foot fences and double gates. The park is divided in two parts, with one area reserved for small dogs. It is located at the corner of Shank Painter Road and Rte 6 with parking on the Rte 6 side.