Pond Parish - Amherst, NH
Pond Parish – Dog-Friendly Trails in Amherst, New Hampshire
Pond Parish is a well-loved spot for dog owners and nature enthusiasts seeking scenic, pet-friendly hiking in Amherst, New Hampshire. The park offers a range of walking trails through conservation land, making it popular for those looking for a dog-friendly hiking adventure. While it’s not a traditional fenced dog park, leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, where you and your furry companion can explore quiet woods, quarries, riverside paths, and open fields.
This location is especially appealing for those who enjoy multi-use outdoor spaces. In addition to the picturesque trails, Pond Parish features a beach (residents-only on weekends), ball fields, and picnic tables. However, visitors should note that the area can get muddy, especially after rain, and bug spray is highly recommended due to seasonal pests. Parking is limited to roadside areas, and amenities like water fountains and waste bags may not always be available. Be mindful of local access rules, as some entrances are restricted by nearby private developments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, the park does not have a dedicated fenced area for off-leash play; dogs are welcome on-leash throughout the trails.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Pond Parish features a network of scenic, pet-friendly trails for hiking and exploring with your dog.
- Where is the best place to park? Official parking is limited. Most visitors park on the side of the road, especially near the trail entrances on Spring Road. Be cautious of signs and respect private property.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? No dedicated water fountains for dogs have been reported, so it’s best to bring your own water.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? Waste bags may be available occasionally, but they often run out. Bring your own bags and dispose of waste properly.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There is a beach and pond, but access is usually restricted to Amherst residents (especially on weekends), and swimming may be limited by seasonal conditions.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, the trails are known to be muddy in wet weather. Proper footwear is recommended.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? The park is described as “buggy,” so bug spray is advised during peak insect season.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park includes a baseball and soccer field, playsets, and picnic areas.
Reviews
Always a nice walk through here with my pup. It can get very muddy of course but I bring my good hiking boots and avoid it. The only thing that’s really annoying is how buggy it gets. There are plenty of trials you can do, but I usually do an out-and-back which is like 30 mins. The loop is longer but fairly easy to do– just be sure to have bug spray!!
Always a nice walk through here with my pup. It can get very muddy of course but I bring my good hiking boots and avoid it. The only thing that’s really annoying is how buggy it gets. There are plenty of trials you can do, but I usually do an out-and-back which is like 30 mins. The loop is longer but fairly easy to do– just be sure to have bug spray!!
A great place to hike, geocache and enjoy nature.
A great place to hike, geocache and enjoy nature.
Great area to hike, fun observatory platform and beaver dam to check out! The only thing was maps brought us to a private development to try to enter the trail. Luckily, we ended up finding a parking area on spring road to enter the trail!
Great area to hike, fun observatory platform and beaver dam to check out! The only thing was maps brought us to a private development to try to enter the trail. Luckily, we ended up finding a parking area on spring road to enter the trail!
Pretty easy hike. Not very pretty in the winter with no snow on the ground. Lots of mud. However there is a lookout to a pond which might be nice in spring or summer.
Pretty easy hike. Not very pretty in the winter with no snow on the ground. Lots of mud. However there is a lookout to a pond which might be nice in spring or summer.
Only hiked a small portion of the trail, but it was quiet and enjoyable for the most part. However, the directions lead to “private” road into a recently built housing development, and there is no parking lot… we parked on the side of the road next to a trail entrance. That part of the trail borders the backyards of said housing development, so be ready for that. As we were leaving, a resident drove by and gave us a long look….like we weren’t supposed to be there. The trail signs seem recently updated so maybe it’s just that the directions lead us to the wrong place.
Only hiked a small portion of the trail, but it was quiet and enjoyable for the most part. However, the directions lead to “private” road into a recently built housing development, and there is no parking lot… we parked on the side of the road next to a trail entrance. That part of the trail borders the backyards of said housing development, so be ready for that. As we were leaving, a resident drove by and gave us a long look….like we weren’t supposed to be there. The trail signs seem recently updated so maybe it’s just that the directions lead us to the wrong place.