Northern Westchester is chock full of dog-friendly communities. If you want to take Fido on some adventurous walks, here are a few destinations to consider.

Bedford

Bedford Riding Lanes Association allows registered members to walk leashed dogs on their 100 linear miles of trails that meander through Bedford and Pound Ridge. BRLA policy states “Loose dogs can surprise horses and cause spooking, bolting, and associated behaviors in our horses. In addition, loose dogs can be accidentally kicked by horses.”

Bedford Town Parks allow leashed dogs except in the playground and pool areas.

Canine Commons is a dog park located in Beaver Dam Park and is open to Bedford residents (and a limited number of non-residents) with a yearly permit that can be purchased at the Bedford Town Clerk’s office. The park is divided into two fenced areas, allowing large and small dogs to socialize with similarly sized pooches.

Ketchum Preserve behind St. Matthew’s Church on Cantitoe Street (Route 22) maintains dog-friendly woodland trails. Dogs must be leashed.

Pound Ridge

The Pound Ridge Land Conservancy maintains 357 acres across 17 nature preserves in Pound Ridge. Seven of the preserves offer trails where hikers with or without dogs are welcome, however, the canines must be leashed and “their leavings must be picked up.”

The Westchester Wilderness Walk, located off of Upper Shad Road, encompasses 150 acres of land featuring rocky woods, hillside streams, lakes, and wetlands. Leashed dogs are permitted on the eight miles of trails.

The Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a Westchester County Park that offers 35 miles of walking and hiking trails on more than 4700 acres that spread across Pound Ridge and Lewisboro. Leashed dogs are welcome.

North Salem

The North Salem Open Land Foundation owns and maintains 753 acres of preserve. Trails are regularly maintained to keep them safe for walkers and riders. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times. “The Racetrack” at Baxter Preserve is especially popular with dog walkers.