Great Piece Meadows - Fairfield, NJ
About Great Piece Meadows Dog-Friendly Area
Located in the heart of Fairfield, New Jersey, Great Piece Meadows offers a scenic retreat for outdoor-loving residents and their canine companions. Although not a traditional fenced dog park, this natural area is popular for its pet-friendly trails, river access, and gorgeous wilderness—making it a prime spot for dog-friendly hiking, nature walks, and bird watching with your pup. With multiple entry points and well-maintained trails, Great Piece Meadows is a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful outing in a natural setting.
The park’s unique blend of swamp, forest, and waterways also offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing, and you may spot wildlife like deer, herons, foxes, and hawks during your visit. While there’s no hard infrastructure specific to dogs such as fenced runs or water stations, plenty of open space, shaded walking paths, and easy river access make it a favorite for adventurous pet owners looking for an off-the-beaten path dog park experience in Essex County.
FAQ
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are several unmarked but well-maintained trails for hiking and nature walks.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There is easy river access, which some visitors use for kayaking and could be enjoyed by dogs who like the water.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there is a children’s playground close to one of the access points.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, visitors note that the park is enjoyable even in winter, and it is accessible throughout the year.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, you’ll find multiple paths suitable for dog-friendly hikes.
Reviews
This is a great kayaking spot. You can launch from 2 Camp Lane in Fairfield, and I have tried to add that spot to google maps. You can also launch from 104 Hook Mountain Rd.
As per some of the other reviews, there’s no real/marked hiking trails here, just an old shooting range behind a children’s playground and a big area of mixed swamp, trees & overgrown brush. If you want a walk, take a short drive to the Pyramid mountain parking lot & visit Bear Rock & Tripod Rock.
Went here to take photos and hike during the winter. It is very nice even at this time of year and I found a few trails and hiked. There were multiple access points that I entered through, some did have better trails then others but they were all well maintained. Easy river access, so planning to come back and kayak in the spring.
Had a great day. Kayaking. Beautiful wilderness right in the heart of New Jersey. A real treasure!
The fishing is excellent but there is often debris in the water that has been thrown in the water. Have seen fox, muskrat, hawks, deer, herons, kingfishers and plover. So good for birding. Definitely good to kayak.