Build Core Memories with your dog: How to Make 2026 Unforgettable with Pawsitive Spots 🐾
Hudson Valley dog lovers! 🎉
If you’re anything like us, your 2026 resolutions probably include “spend more time with the dog” (honestly, that’s our resolution every year). But we know how hard it can be to find new, truly dog-friendly activities that go beyond the usual walk around the block.
To help you make this year the most pawsitive one yet, we’ve curated a month-by-month guide of our favorite local adventures. From adventurous hikes to cozy cabins, here is your roadmap to a year of tail-wagging fun in the Hudson Valley.
❄️ JANUARY: Shop Local at the Farmers Market
Start the year off right by supporting local businesses! The Beacon Farmers Market is a fantastic spot to visit in January. Unlike many markets that move indoors or close for the winter season, this one operates outdoors year-round (DMV lot).
The winter season is much less crowded than the summer rush, making it a comfortable, lower-stress outing for pups to practice their social skills without getting overwhelmed. We recommend getting there early because some vendors sell out of the best goodies before noon!
Farmers markets can be overwhelming. If you’re not sure how your pup will react to the hustle and bustle, be prepared to leave if they seem stressed. It’s a great idea to bring a “spare human” to handle the shopping while you focus on your dog.
Visit Long Dock Park for a relaxing morning sniff-stroll before hitting the market to get those “zoomies” out first. Quality walk upfront make it easier to handle more difficult situation.
🏡 FEBRUARY: Sniff-Shopping at a Pet Store\
When it’s freezing outside, take the adventure indoors. Visiting a local pet boutique is great mental enrichment—letting your dog use their nose to pick out a new toy or treat is exhausting work!
Lilly’s Natural Pet Store in Eastdale Village, Poughkeepsie. This spot offers high-quality products, so you can’t make a mistake buying from them. They also support local community and are known for organizing fun events at Eastdale Village that are usually dog friendly!
If the low temperatures don’t scare you, we also recommend the nearby Wappinger Creek Greenway Trail or Creekside Park for a brisk winter walk.
🌊 MARCH: Catch a Fresh River Breeze
The days are finally getting longer, and that fresh, crisp air is perfect for waking up your senses after a long winter. Head to a riverfront park with your pup to watch the ice melt and soak in the views. Just keep in mind that it’s often much colder near the water! Dress warmly so you can enjoy the experience comfortably instead of shivering.
For Easy & Accessible walk visit Scenic Hudson RiverWalk Park at Tarrytown or Croton Point Park.
For Wilder & More Challenging adventure go to Sojourner Truth State Park or Scenic Hudson’s Long View Park.
🏖️ APRIL: Stroll a Picturesque Dog-Friendly Town
Before the summer heat hits, spend a day exploring a walkable downtown. Cold Spring is the ultimate choice for a dog-friendly day trip.
Explore Main Street, grab a snack and coffee at Angie’s Bake Shop & Cafe, and walk down to the Cold Spring Pier. If you’re up for adventure, follow the path all the way to the West Point Foundry Preserve for history and sniffing trails.
🌷 MAY: Explore a New State Park
The mud is finally drying up! This is the prime month to hit the trails before the bugs (and ticks!) get too intense.
If you prefer Quiet Woodland Walk, check out Wonder Lake State Park in Patterson.
For a Bigger Adventure head to the massive Harriman State Park for endless hiking options and varied terrain. May is peak tick season in the HV! Don’t forget your dog-safe repellent and do a thorough “tail-to-nose” check after your hike.
🪻 JUNE: Hudson Valley Wine & Walk Pairings
Kick off the summer with a “Hike & Sip” day trip. We love pairing a good trail with a dog-friendly winery nearby.
- West Park area: Black Creek Preserve (Scenic Hudson) – offers a little bit of everything for outdoor lovers and their pups. The trail starts with an easier, flatter section near the historic old homestead site—perfect for a gentle warm-up stroll. When you’re ready for more adventure, head deeper into the woods where the trails offer varied elevation and a bit more of a workout on the way down to the beautiful Hudson River shoreline. The real star of the show? The iconic wooden suspension bridge over the creek—it’s hands down one of the best photo ops in the valley! + RMV Cellars. They offer indoor and outdoor dog friendly space and serve delicious meals so you can refuel after the activity.
- Millbrook area: Stanford Wildlife Preserve – While the walking area here is relatively small, we love the spacious, open feel of the preserve. It is usually quiet and empty, making it the perfect spot to truly disconnect, relax with your pup, and enjoy the surrounding nature without distractions. + Millbrook Vineyards & Winery – We recommend visiting on Friday evenings during the warmer months for their “Friday Night Food Trucks” event. Enjoy local food trucks, live music, and summer sunsets from the front lawn between 5 PM and 8 PM.
🛶 JULY: Hike to a Lake
It’s getting hot out there, so why not escape the valley heat and head where the air is fresher? You’ll always find cooler, breezier vibes deep in the woods and right by the water. Here are two spots to chill out:
For the “Legendary Views” Vibe: Explore the wide carriage roads around Lake Minnewaska at Minnewaska State Park Preserve. It’s legendary for a reason—epic turquoise water and refreshing mountain breezes await!
Pro Tip: Arrive very early (before 9 AM is a must!) to beat the heat and secure a parking spot before the lots fill up.
For a Quieter, Secluded Option: If you’re looking for peace and quiet, check out the Appalachian Trail section near Nuclear Lake in Pawling. It’s a fantastic, more hidden spot to enjoy the shady woods and the lovely lake view without the crowds.
💦 AUGUST: Go on a Kayak Adventure
Take to the water! Kayaking with your dog is easier than you think if you have the right gear.
Kayak Hudson has locations at Croton Point Park and Tarrytown Lakes are dog friendly but its good to call ahead to confirm their current policy on dogs in rental boats. If you have your own kayak or SUP, we recommend White Pond or Canopus Lake. An unstable floating kayak can be scary! Introduce your pup slowly on land first. And remember: Always use a properly fitted doggy life jacket (check recommended products), even if your pup is a good swimmer!
🌲 SEPTEMBER: Apple Picking at the Farm
It’s not fall in the Hudson Valley without a trip to the orchard.
We personally love Dubois Farms in Highland or Barton Orchards, a local favorite that welcomes dogs. Booth farms allows dogs in the picking alleys! Barton Orchards is so committed to their canine guests that they built a huge dog run on the property! It’s the perfect spot to let your pup have some off-leash fun and burn off that car-ride energy before leashing up for a stroll through the apple trees. Wander the grounds, enjoy the harvest vibes, and snap that perfect “dog with an apple” photo for Instagram. (Just don’t let them eat too many windfalls—fermented apples lead to tummy aches!).
🍁 OCTOBER: Leaf Peeping at leaves
You have to see the colors from above! Ferncliff Forest in Rhinebeck is a must-do. It allows dogs (on leash), and the view from the fire tower offers a foliage panorama. The tower stairs are open metal grates. Many dogs find this terrifying or uncomfortable on their paws. You might need to enjoy the view from the base while a friend climbs up!
For an accessible experience, we highly recommend the Walkway Over the Hudson. It features epic views on solid concrete, making it perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, and senior pups who need smooth footing. As the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world, it offers plenty of room to roam 212 feet above the river! If you feel hungry after your walk, you don’t have to go far! Lolita’s Pizza is located right by the Poughkeepsie entrance. It’s a local favorite for amazing pizza and has a welcoming dog-friendly patio. It’s the perfect spot to rest your paws and grab a bite.
🌆 NOVEMBER: Book a Cozy Cabin Stay
Before the holiday rush begins, take a weekend to disconnect at dog-friendly favorites like Scribner’s Catskill Lodge, Phoenicia Lodge, or June Farms where the vibe is all about flannel shirts, crackling fires, and a sleepy dog at your feet. Check PawsitiveSpots.com for more dog friendly accommodations!
🎄 DECEMBER: Visit a Holiday Light Display
End the year with some sparkle. We have two different options:
- Drive-Thru: Pack the pup in the car with cozy blankets for the Peace, Love & Lights drive-thru display at Bethel Woods (totally dog-friendly since you stay in your car!).
- Festive Walk: Bundle up for a frosty holiday stroll through the historic Stockade District in Kingston to see the festive window displays and snowflake lights.
Over to you! Which month are you most excited for? Do you have a favorite hidden gem we missed? Drop a comment below or tag us @PawsitiveSpots in your adventures. We can’t wait to see what you and your dogs get up to in 2026! 🐾
