Mack's Apples to Adam's Pond
Short, sweet, and local... this hike is a lovely place to wander the woods and take a dip with the pups.
Treat yourself to a magical wander along this wildflower-lined, dog-loving trail. My favorite is to park at the edge of the U-Pick orchard (#1), walk up the east side to the narrow little boardwalk path lined with wildflowers in the spring and Concord grapes in the fall, and then spills into the forest at the corner of this tiny lake. When we're pressed for time, we park at the edge of the forest trailhead (#2) and shortcut to the lake. When we're extra energetic (for a pack of old ladies, anyway), we park at the pumpkin patch across from Mac's Apples (#3) and walk the 3/4 miles through the forest to the lake.
Location (Google Maps)
Foster's Pond
A short loop around a lovely pond. My favorite spot is the peninsula mid-way through the walk... I can sit and read while the girls wander the shore and sniff and wade and drink.
My hands-down favorite local haunt. Beautifully maintained, with feeder streams to wade in and lap up all along the way. The real gem is the small peninsula about 1/2 way around the lake that is home to a stand of tall pines, some toads, and a few herons. It's a perfect spot for the pups to jump in the lake for a swim.
- Location (Google Maps)
- Waking in Windham brochure (1998) - see page 6
Yellow-to-Blue Trail at Kendall Pond
Forest and creek not far from town.
This cute little trail is a little close to a busy road, so plan on practicing your perfect recall, or keep the fur babies on a leash. Fortunately for my kids, the interesting smells are on the water side, so I let them run loose. Beaver Brook is cool and clear, and only 3/4 mi from the trailhead.
When you're done, stop by PetsPlus just around the corner and stock up on yummy treats... our favorites are the small heart-shaped Darford cookies. Sadie sticks her head right in the bin as soon as we walk in the door.
Dog Mountain
Let's say you're an eccentric dog-loving artist. What do you do with your money? Well, buy a 150-acre mountain and dedicate it to the love of dogs! I'm a little jealous that Stephen Huneck did it first. Dog Mountain is a worthwhile pilgrimage to St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Serene, picturesque, and dog-welcoming... my girls loved wandering through the gallery of Huneck's work, sniffed the butts of the chapel dogs, dunked into the pond, and roamed the hills of lupine. What a great day!
Pond-side Picnic at Mack’s
Just north and on the opposite side of the road of the Mack’s Apples farm stand is a lovely grassy field that slopes gently down to a small pond. Perfect for the older fur baby who can’t hike too far, but wants to cool her paws.
