Wharton Brook State Park - North Haven, CT
Wharton Brook State Park – Dog-Friendly Park in North Haven, Connecticut
Located conveniently off US-5, Wharton Brook State Park in North Haven, Connecticut offers pet-friendly trails, scenic picnic areas, and a family atmosphere perfect for dog owners exploring the area. The park features a spacious field with picnic tables, grills, and two covered pavilions—making it ideal for gatherings, outdoor meals, or a relaxing lunch break with your pup. The beautiful pond and charming covered bridge create a picturesque setting for dog-friendly walks and relaxation in nature.
Although dogs are welcome, they are required to be leashed at all times. The park is well-maintained, with plenty of shade from mature trees, offering a cool respite during sunny days. You’ll find restrooms, ample parking in two lots, walking trails for a nice stroll with your pet, and prime spots for fishing, turtle-watching, or simply unwinding. Wharton Brook State Park is a top local destination for dog-friendly hiking and outdoor fun in North Haven.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must be kept on leash at all times throughout the park.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are public outhouses available at Wharton Brook State Park.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the park has shaded areas thanks to large trees, as well as covered pavilions for shelter.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are plenty of picnic tables throughout the park.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, the park offers picnic tables, grills, and pavilions for cookouts and gatherings.
- Where is the best place to park? The park provides ample parking with two parking lots available for visitors.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are several walking trails and paths around the pond and throughout the park.
Reviews
Lots an lots of eastern painted turtles, which I love to see
Four stars only due to the lack of trash receptacles. I know it’s carry in carry out but it’s so sad to see that people end up trashing the place and leaving their dog bags everywhere. I’d honestly rather step in it and know that it will biodegrade rather than see colorful bags filled with poo everywhere all over this beautiful local park. The issue wasn’t as bad when the big bins were there.
Great place to walk your dog and decompress though. Local to me so it will always have a special place in my heart.
big plenty of places to park you got two lots from what I saw. yes it seems more were picnicking and BBQ or grilling. You also have a pond people were fishing. their are a few trails if you go past the pond but it seemed to look confusing and couldn’t tell where they started or went. No trail markings or any kind of map it would help.
I noticed this park driving home today so I figured I would pull over and stop and check it out it’s actually a really cool little spot to take a nice walk or have a picnic possibly a birthday or family gathering here they have a lot of picnic benches and grills and a pavilion where you can cook out it is pet friendly but the signs say that your dog has to be leashed. They have public outhouses here as well and in the back they also have a beautiful pond that you can walk around with a small covered bridge which is really nice I would definitely recommend checking this place out if you have not already it is a cute little family fun adventure to check out..
I was visiting the area and decided to take a ride thru some of my old stomping grounds. There were still grills, picnic tables and a pavilion on each side of the field. There is a bathroom available and plenty of walking space. For many years I would stop there for my lunch break when I worked in the area. The trees are still green in mid September but it’s very well kept.