Paw Dog Park - Essex, CT
Paw Dog Park – A Dog-Friendly Retreat in Essex, Connecticut
Paw Dog Park is a hidden gem nestled amidst the wooded trails of Essex, Connecticut. With a peaceful, shaded setting under mature trees, this fully fenced dog park offers separate areas for small and large dogs, allowing pups of all sizes to play safely off-leash. Located at 99 Hillside Dr, the park is part of a larger recreational area featuring pet-friendly hiking and walking trails along the river — perfect for owners seeking outdoor adventure with their dogs.
Dog owners will appreciate the picnic tables, wheelchair accessible parking, and the natural woodland ground cover that keeps the park cool and shaded, especially on sunny days. While there are no water fountains or poop bags provided, and waste bins are located back at the parking lot, the park stands out for its serene vibe, clean grounds, and sense of community among local dog lovers. Note that there is no grass due to the ample shade, and there’s a small pond nearby, but it may not always be suitable for swimming due to algae.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash within the fenced dog park areas.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, the park features fenced areas for dogs.
- Is there a separate area for small and large dogs? Yes, separate spaces exist for small and large dogs.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the park is very shady thanks to many mature trees.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, picnic tables are available inside the park.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There is a small pond nearby, but it may not always be suitable for swimming due to algae.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? The parking lot is wheelchair accessible.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a parking lot near the entrance. From there, you walk along the road and look for the dog park entrance sign on your right.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, pet-friendly trails run along the river and through the wooded area near the park.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? The park is described as super clean by visitors.
Reviews
Nice dog park amidst tons of trees. Small and large dog areas. No grass because it is so shady. Met nice people there. Small pond too but so much algae afraid to let my dogs swim there.
Such a hidden gem, super clean, large fenced in space for small and large dogs. We love this dog park! 🥳
Nice little park. A bit confusing to get to, park in the lot, walk down the road and look out for a dog park entrance sign on your right
This park is a nice size, has a walking trail along the river there. The fenced in dog park (you have to walk a little into the trees to get to right as you enter the parking lot to your right) is nice size too, has a smaller area for small dogs.
Decent sized park, located about a half mile hike into the woods from the parking lot (definitely a trek in the snow) and dogs must be on leash for that walk.
No water, no bags, and trash is back at the parking lot.
Woodland ground cover, the space would be pretty well shaded when the leaves are out.