The Dog-friendly Guide to New Hampshire’s Lakes Region

Because the best days are the ones they get to come along for.

In the Lakes Region, some of our favorite days don’t require much of a plan. A morning hike, a late lunch on the patio, a walk through town - and, of course, your dog in the passenger seat for all of it.

Living here means having the outdoors woven into everyday life, and luckily, there are plenty of places where our four-legged companions are welcome to join in. From trails overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee to local breweries, tucked-away parks and patios worth lingering on, exploring the Lakes Region is even better when you don’t have to leave your best friend behind.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to spend a dog-friendly day around the lakes.

Start with a Walk or a Climb

There’s no shortage of beautiful places to stretch your legs around here, whether your idea of a morning walk involves a mountain summit or something a little more leisurely.

For the classic Lakes Region experience, Mount Major in Alton is hard to beat. It’s one of those hikes locals return to again and again, and for good reason. The climb is moderately challenging, with plenty of rocks and uneven terrain, but reaching the top to see Lake Winnipesaukee stretching out below you makes the effort worthwhile. For an active dog who’s comfortable on the trail, it’s a pretty perfect way to start the day.

If you want the views without quite as much of a commitment, head to Lockes Hill in Gilford. Its shorter loop feels much more approachable, but you still get those beautiful Winnipesaukee overlooks that make a Lakes Region hike feel special. It’s the kind of trail you can fit into a morning and still have plenty of day left for everything else.

For something quieter, Hamlin Recreation & Conservation Area in Meredith offers a completely different pace. More than six miles of trails wind through woods, wetlands and around ponds, with options ranging from an easy stroll to longer routes leading toward scenic ledges. It’s one of those places where you can choose the adventure based on the day - and your dog’s energy level.

Then there’s Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, where the surrounding conservation land offers miles upon miles of possibilities. Waterfalls, carriage roads, forest trails and routes into the Ossipee Mountains make this a place you could visit repeatedly without taking the same walk twice.

And when you’re ready for a little more elevation, Belknap Mountain in Gilford delivers. Rocky trails and the fire tower at the summit make this one feel like a true New Hampshire adventure, especially for dogs who are already seasoned hiking companions.

Then, Find a Patio

There are few things better after a morning outside than finding a sunny table, ordering something good and having nowhere else you need to be.

Thankfully, the Lakes Region has plenty of spots that understand the assignment.

In Meredith, Twin Barns Brewing Co. is made for afternoons like this. Housed in a historic barn, it has the relaxed, stay-awhile atmosphere that makes a brewery visit feel like part of the day rather than simply a stop along the way. Grab a local beer, find a spot in the dog-friendly outdoor biergarten and settle in.

Also in Meredith, Surfside Burger Bar takes being dog-friendly a little more seriously than most. The outdoor patio welcomes pups, and they’ve even offered a menu specifically for four-legged guests. Add burgers, tacos and cocktails for the humans, and nobody at the table has to feel left out.

Over in Gilford, Beans & Greens Farm and Notch Biergarten is one of those places that can easily turn into an entire afternoon. The farm setting gives you plenty to explore before grabbing pizza, a local beer, wine or a cocktail at the seasonal biergarten. It feels casual, local and very Lakes Region.

If the day takes you toward Wolfeboro, make your way to Wolfetrap Grill & Rawbar for seafood and drinks outside, or keep things especially casual at Burnt Timber Brewing & Tavern, where you can pair a locally brewed beer with pub fare on the dog-friendly patio.

And in Laconia, Vida Mexican Restaurant makes a strong case for ending the day with margaritas. Their outdoor patio welcomes dogs, and with food and drink options for both sides of the leash, it’s an easy warm-weather favorite.

Sometimes, they just need to run

Not every adventure needs hiking boots.

For the pups who would much rather chase a ball than climb a mountain, Lezama Family Happy Tails Dog Park in Laconia offers a dedicated fenced space for off-leash play and socializing. It’s an easy stop when your dog has a little extra energy to burn.

Wolfeboro has its own option at The Nick Dog Park, part of the town’s larger recreation complex. With separate enclosed spaces for large and small dogs, it’s a convenient place to play before heading into town for the afternoon.

But a park day can be just as good at a slower pace.

In Bristol, Kelley Park offers open lawns and mature trees right in town, while nearby Mill Stream Park provides a quieter setting along the Newfound River. Both are easy additions to a day exploring the Newfound Lake area when you want to get outside without making an entire excursion out of it.

In Meredith, Hesky Park makes an easy stop while wandering downtown. And over in Wolfeboro, Cate Park puts you right in the heart of town, making it simple to turn a casual walk into lunch, shopping or an afternoon exploring Main Street.

A Different Kind of Luxury

Around here, luxury isn’t always about making elaborate plans.

Sometimes it’s having a mountain trail fifteen minutes away. It’s knowing which patio will happily make room for your dog. It’s an evening walk through town when the weather is too good to go home just yet.

It’s having enough beautiful places nearby that an ordinary Tuesday can feel a little bit like vacation.

That’s one of the things we love most about life in the Lakes Region. Our dogs get to be part of the lifestyle, too - from the trails we hike to the local places where we gather.

So keep the leash in the car, save a few of these spots for later and bring your pup along for the next adventure.

Because around the Lakes Region, some of the best days begin with one simple question:

Want to go for a ride?

Pet policies, hours and seasonal access can change. Dog-friendly restaurant and brewery seating is typically outdoors and may be seasonal or weather-dependent. We always recommend confirming current policies with each destination before heading out.