Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary - Oxford, CT
Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary: A Pet-Friendly Hiking Escape in Oxford, Connecticut
Located in scenic Oxford, Connecticut, Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary offers dog owners a truly pet-friendly hiking experience. With a well-maintained network of trails spanning up to 18 miles (with interconnecting loops of around 3–5 miles), this spot is ideal for easy strolls, mountain biking, or longer adventures with your four-legged friends. This dog-friendly hiking sanctuary is known for its relatively easy terrain, spots of natural beauty, and peaceful woodland atmosphere—perfect for everything from family outings to more active hikes with dogs of all ages.
The park features dirt road parking near Oxford High School and several entry points. While parking might be limited (especially at the west lot near the high school), early arrivals are rewarded with easy access to quiet trails, varied terrain, and beautiful outlooks. Although there aren’t specialized off-leash zones or fenced dog areas, the trails are generally suitable for leashed dogs and offer delightful opportunities to spot local wildlife. Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary stands out among dog parks in Oxford as a favorite for pet-friendly trails and adventure-seeking pups!
FAQ
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the sanctuary features multiple interconnected hiking and mountain biking trails, perfect for dog-friendly exploration.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is available on a dirt road next to Oxford High School (west side), but it is limited to about eight vehicles. There is additional parking near the east side (Adeline Grey trailheads).
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, the trails can be enjoyed in all seasons.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The west side parking area can fill up quickly, especially on weekends or nice days. Early arrival is recommended.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Picnic tables or benches are not specifically mentioned, so plan to bring your own seating if desired.
Reviews
There are 2 sides to RHS trail system. RHS west & east. The west side (Oxford HS side) is more tech MTB trails. There is also a nice overlook on the west trail. The east side has jump lines (Adeline Grey, Peach Cobbler) and skinnies. The 2 sides complement each other nicely. Both are fun in their own way. You can get about 18 miles by riding both sides. The west side parking fills up fast, but the east side parking by Adeline Grey usually has space. Choose a side depending on your mood and go shred!
Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary are beautiful easy to access trails with relatively quick mountain edge pay off in the middle of the trail. The trail has dirt road parking right next to Oxford High School. Unfortunately there is only about spots for about 8 vehicles so get there early in the morning if you want to be able to park.
The trail is great for both older kids (or kids in backpacks like I do) and dogs as it offers a variety of terrain that most people can manage. I had the wonderful opportunity of coming upon a mother and baby deer as I made my way toward the mountain edge view. They were about 20 ft from me until they spotted me but I still managed to get some great pics of them.
This trail isn’t challenging but it’s refreshing and you can finish it in about an hour as it’s around 3 miles all together if you do the full loop on All Trails. Highly recommend for a relaxing easy stroll.
Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary are beautiful easy to access trails with relatively quick mountain edge pay off in the middle of the trail. The trail has dirt road parking right next to Oxford High School. Unfortunately there is only about spots for about 8 vehicles so get there early in the morning if you want to be able to park.
The trail is great for both older kids (or kids in backpacks like I do) and dogs as it offers a variety of terrain that most people can manage. I had the wonderful opportunity of coming upon a mother and baby deer as I made my way toward the mountain edge view. They were about 20 ft from me until they spotted me but I still managed to get some great pics of them.
This trail isn’t challenging but it’s refreshing and you can finish it in about an hour as it’s around 3 miles all together if you do the full loop on All Trails. Highly recommend for a relaxing easy stroll.
Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary are beautiful easy to access trails with relatively quick mountain edge pay off in the middle of the trail. The trail has dirt road parking right next to Oxford High School. Unfortunately there is only about spots for about 8 vehicles so get there early in the morning if you want to be able to park.
The trail is great for both older kids (or kids in backpacks like I do) and dogs as it offers a variety of terrain that most people can manage. I had the wonderful opportunity of coming upon a mother and baby deer as I made my way toward the mountain edge view. They were about 20 ft from me until they spotted me but I still managed to get some great pics of them.
This trail isn’t challenging but it’s refreshing and you can finish it in about an hour as it’s around 3 miles all together if you do the full loop on All Trails. Highly recommend for a relaxing easy stroll.
Still a good place to ride singletrack. It seems that few of the trails got excess water this winter, though, and unfortunately, the spring thaw is causing these trails to erode. Hopefully, we’ll get some dry weather or even excessively windy days to evaporate the water. Tread lightly until hero dirt season returns 😉
Trails are mostly flat, easy walking and free of forest debris and rocks.
Parking is severely limited even though space could easily be increased by clearing a bit of the forest at the entrance. Very enjoyable walk in any weather. Keep an eye and ear out for people on bikes who don’t have the courtesy to “beep” their horn as they come up on you from behind. Total trails are about 5 miles but they interconnect and you can chose how far you want to walk.
Summer walks are awesome with fantastic views!
Trails are mostly flat, easy walking and free of forest debris and rocks.
Parking is severely limited even though space could easily be increased by clearing a bit of the forest at the entrance. Very enjoyable walk in any weather. Keep an eye and ear out for people on bikes who don’t have the courtesy to “beep” their horn as they come up on you from behind. Total trails are about 5 miles but they interconnect and you can chose how far you want to walk.
Summer walks are awesome with fantastic views!
Trails are mostly flat, easy walking and free of forest debris and rocks.
Parking is severely limited even though space could easily be increased by clearing a bit of the forest at the entrance. Very enjoyable walk in any weather. Keep an eye and ear out for people on bikes who don’t have the courtesy to “beep” their horn as they come up on you from behind. Total trails are about 5 miles but they interconnect and you can chose how far you want to walk.
Summer walks are awesome with fantastic views!
One of my favorite MTB spot in the area. you get a fun workout with a good mix of smooth to more challenging terrains. Plus nice views and beautiful scenery to enjoy.
One of my favorite MTB spot in the area. you get a fun workout with a good mix of smooth to more challenging terrains. Plus nice views and beautiful scenery to enjoy.