7 of My Favorite Places to Take My Dog

Mid-Maryland is filled with so much natural beauty. I love to get out and enjoy it as much as I can. I thought I would spend a little time today sharing some of my favorite places I take my dog.

1) Patuxent Branch Trail– My dog Maggie and I can get to this trail in less than 30 seconds from our front door, so this one is number one on my list. This trail, partially paved and partially dirt, gravel, and mud, runs along side the Little Patuxent river from Lake Elkhorn to Savage Park. Along the way I frequently see deer and squirrels and occasionally a fox or ground hog. Right now the honeysuckle is blooming, and the air smells divine. At many places along the trail I can walk down to the water’s edge and sit and rest on a rock or let my dog get in and enjoy. If I walk over to Savage Park, I can get a drink from the fountains or use the restroom before heading back. I have been on this trail in every season, walking on it through snow storms and thunderstorms and the beauty of it never ceases to bring me peace.

2)Savage Mill Trail– This trail begins near the Bollman Truss Bridge by Savage Mill and continues along the Little Patuxent River where you will find rapids and spall waterfalls. The trail is a wide dirt trail with many side trails down to the river. The trail is mostly shady and there are ruins of some old structures, one of which seems to be a lock from a canal, perhaps part of Savage Mill when it was operational. You can find some pictures I have taken along this trail on my Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieSabourinPhotography/videos/2045955739030101/?modal=admin_todo_tour

3) Patapsco State Park, Avalon area, Cascade Trail– We love this trail. There is a climb so it is some work going up, but oh is it worth it! This trail follows a series of waterfalls as a stream runs down the hillside to the Patapsco River. There are beautiful boulders to sit and rest on and places to get your feet wet and cool off. I always take my camera along this trail, and the photo included in this post was taken here. During the warmer parts of the year this spot is better week days or mornings to avoid a crowd. Maggie loves a trail and a chance to get her feet wet!

4) Patapsco State Park, McKeldin area, McKeldin Rapids– Another wonderful part of Patapsco State Park, the McKeldin area features some rapids along the river, which actually make a nice waterfall after rain (which seems to be on the time for the last year, right?), a beach, and some nice streams. There is a picnic area and grassy areas as well. It is a great place to relax and have fun with your dog.

5) Centennial Lake– There are many reasons to recommend this spot. There are large grassy areas, picnic tables, and a trail that encircles the entire lake. The trail is mostly shaded in the warmer months and is paved, so it can be a great choice when other places are too muddy to get out with your dog. This is a popular park and can be crowded.  My favorite time is right before sunset.

6) Matapeake Beach State Park, Kent Island– This beach has a dog beach attached to it, so you can let your dog run free off leash enjoying the sand and water! The beach has views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, a nice sandy beach, and some shady spots under the trees. It really is a lovely place to spend a few hours with your dog, and as a bonus, I am told that a restaurant not too far from here called The Jetty that is dog friendly if you eat outdoors. We tried to go on a Saturday, but it was packed. I have heard weeknights are better.

7) Ferry Point Park, Kent Island– This is a great park near Matapeake but on the other side of 50. This park has a green grassy area for picnicking and they have doggy cleanup bags and trashcans in several places. A short walk down a paved path takes you through the marshes to the beach part of the park where the ferries landed before the Bay Bridge was built. There is a nice sandy cove and some jetties.  You can follow some trails to other parts of the park where you can get away from the crowds. This is a beautiful peaceful spot to get away with your dog.

That is all for today.  I will be adding more places in the future.  What are your favorite places to take your dog?  Please comment and let me know!