Being a pet owner in Sykesville has many incredible benefits, a lot of which involve the outdoors. Sykesville is a dog owners’ paradise, from the various trails accessible to dog parks to state parks that allow dog visitors.
There are many advantages to living in an area that is so dog-friendly, one of which is that many of the state parks have started allowing leashed dogs. When the weather is warm and beckoning you to go outside and play, we think it would be fun to look at some of the best spots to take your dog in the Sykesville area.
Exercise and outdoor playtime is an important part of dog care and being a responsible pet owner, so take a look at the following trails, parks and spaces designed specifically for dogs and get outside! Keep in mind that the information about Maryland’s dog-friendly sites is far from comprehensive; however, it should give you a good place to start.
Top Dog-Friendly Trails
There are numerous trails, parks, outdoor areas, lakes and more within 45 minutes of Sykesville that offer wonderful opportunities for you to get your dog out and about. Whether you are feeling adventurous and wanting to take your dog on a several mile hike that will challenge both of you, or if you are just in the mood for a leisurely stroll where you will be surrounded by breathtaking landscape, your options are endless.
The most popular dog-friendly spots that are closest to Sykesville are as follows:
- Piney Run Park Trails – Located in Sykesville, Piney Run is characterized by a 300-acre lake surrounded by 500 acres of woods and meadows. This is a great spot to spend with your dog for a day; hiking, picnicking, boating, fishing or walking.
- Liberty Reservoir – Located less than 8 miles from Sykesville, the Morgan Run Loop is a great trail for dogs.
- Woodstock/Daniels area – Located just 9 miles from Sykesville, there is an eclectic terrain that offers something for every dog owner.
Other popular spots to take your dog hiking or walking near Sykesville that are a little bit further away than the above listed destinations include the following (keep in mind that the mileage in parenthesis is the distance from Sykesville):
- Hashawha Environmental Center – Westminster, MD (16 mi) – Features walking trails spanning 340 acres
- Patuxent Branch Trail – Columbia, MD (20 mi)
- Meadowood Regional Park (20 mi) – Features a paved path
- Loch Raven Reservoir – Near Baltimore (20 mi)
- Oregon Ridge Nature Center and Park – Cockeysville, MD (26 mi) – Has several forested trails through the 1100-acre park featuring wildflowers, birds, animals and ponds
- Robert E Lee Park (23 mi) – Probably more dogs than in any other natural area in Maryland. No restrictions. Many different options (swimming, short walk, longer hikes and a dirt trail through the woods)
- Cromwell Valley Park – Near Baltimore (28 mi)
- Great Falls Billy Goat Trail – Potomac, MD (36 mi)
- Gunpowder Falls (47 mi) – 7.1 mile trail along the water; narrow and requires some rock scrambling. Reward is stunning views of rugged gorge.
Popular Dog Parks
There are also several dog parks located within 30 minutes of Sykesville that would be a great place to take your dog to run and play off-leash with other area pups. The most popular dog parks are:
- Bennet Cerf Dog Park – Westminster, MD (18 mi)
- Canton Dog Park – Located in Baltimore, this is the county’s sole fenced canine-devoted park. Dogs can play off-leash.
If you are looking to meet other dog owners in the Sykesville area and coordinate with them to walk with dogs together, or if you would just like more information on great spots to take your furry friend, try MeetUp.com; this website is a great resource.
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