Dog-Friendly Fun from the Burbs to the Mountains

Don’t want to leave your four-legged family member at home? Enjoy these hikes, sips, and slides with the whole family.

Start: Bethesda

Finish: Rocky Ridge

Distance: 2 days, 5 stops, 78.6 miles

Photo Credit: Amanda Luzi @rufiothefloofio

STOP 1

Cabin John Regional Park and Dog Park

7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda, MD, 20817

Cabin John Regional Park in Bethesda can be easily accessed from I-270 and 495. This park is a great place to get the wiggles out on the playground or dog park, use the restroom, and have a picnic or snack at one of the many picnic tables located throughout the park. Cabin John Park is also located less than fifteen minutes from Downtown Bethesda, which has countless options if you want to stop for food or coffee.

Find more playgrounds to visit around Maryland in The Ultimate Family Pit Stop: Playgrounds Near Major Maryland Roads by Rachel Zillig.

STOP 2

Sugarloaf Mountain

7901 Comus Rd, Dickerson, MD 20842—East View Parking Lot

Park at the East View Lot of Sugarloaf Mountain to take in the beautiful overlook. For a shorter hike, follow the Sunrise Trail to Sugarloaf’s summit. It’s steep but worth it. Add on the Mountain Loop Trail for a 2.5 mile hike that loops around the summit. Post-hike, visit dog-friendly Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard for a wine tasting and snacks. Most weekends, they also have a food truck and live music on site.

Read up on trail etiquette in Wagging Tails and Wondrous Trails: Tips for Happy Hiking with Your Dog by Hannele Lahti.

STOP 3

Monocacy Brewing Company

1781 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701

There are many Frederick breweries that allow dogs, and for this trip, we headed to Monocacy Brewing Company on North Market Street. They have a large grassy area with picnic tables to spread out, but dogs are also welcome in the tasting room. They often have food and live music on the scene as well. If you need an afternoon cup of coffee, head across the street to Dublin Roasters where they roast in small batches and offer “puppuccinos” for their furry visitors.

If you’re looking to spend more time in Frederick, find dog-friendly spots in A Day For the Dogs in Frederick by Heidi Schlag.

STOP 4

Ole Mink Farm Recreation Resort

12806 Mink Farm Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

Ole Mink Farm Recreation Resort is a hidden gem tucked away in the Catoctin Mountains and is a great place to call home base on your weekend getaway. This family-run resort has been in business for over fifty years, and it is easy to see why. The resort offers various types of accommodations, such as seasonal campsites, pet-friendly log cabin-ettes, and luxury cabins. You can experience being surrounded by the beautiful woodland scenery, whether you’re cozied up inside or exploring the grounds.

Wander more of this mountainous area with these suggestions, A Family Weekend in the Catoctin Mountains by Tara Butler.

STOP 5

The Big Slide Mount Tabor Park At Rocky Ridge

13616 Motters Station Rd, Rocky Ridge, MD 21778

A 40-foot tall wooden slide towers in the background of Mount Tabor Park in Rocky Ridge just waiting to be conquered like a playground version of Mount Everest. Built by volunteers more than 70 years ago, the Rocky Ridge slide is a thrilling ride for the whole family, and the fact that it’s located in the middle of nowhere makes it all the more fun. There is plenty of parking, and you’ll also find pavilions and a number of picnic tables.