5 Free & Unique Hiking Trails to Explore with your Dog

One of many favorite end-of-summer activities is to enjoy some bonding time with our four-legged companion hiking in the area. Hiking has many benefits for both yourself and your pup. For your pup, he or she can combat boredom, live a healthy life, and give your dog a sense of destressing. A hyper pet that lives inside much of the time can benefit significantly from getting out-of-doors to enjoy some energy release.

Dogs are much like humans where we both benefit from a healthy diet, exercise, and fresh air. Dogs can have much built up “stress” from being inside while their human is at work, hiking allows dogs to take pleasure in running through a creek or jumping over rocks. In regards to your own benefits, it is a great way to exercise, hiking with your pet gives you a sense of security, gives you time to work on basic commands with your pet, and relaxes you and your pet away from the usual walking routine.

With all the great benefits that hiking provides, we have compiled the top five places to take your dog hiking in Brevard County.

woman hiking with her dog

Three Forks Marsh Conservation Area

Three Forks is a vast conservation area that surrounds the area of the St. Johns river around the Melbourne area. There are several access points on Three Forks Marsh Conservation due to the vast acreage. With over 50,000 acres, a person can find many different types of hiking varieties. Thomas O. Lawton Recreation Area is a Northern access point at the end of Malabar road. Hiking and biking are permitted along the levees in this area. The Bulldozer Canal Section can be hiked around during the dry season enjoying this lovely man-made canal.

Smyrna Dunes Park

Smyrna Dunes Park is on the Mosquito Lagoon at Ponce Inlet in New Smyrna Beach. It has a 1.4-mile boardwalk maritime hammock, marshes, and large coastal dunes. This short walk will provide you with a wide variety of wildlife as you make your way on this dune walkover trail.

Canaveral National Seashore

In Titusville, Florida is the Canaveral National Seashore. This beautiful coast has nature trails that exhibit a barrier island, maritime forest, and coastal habitats. A hike can be taken on a leisurely 1.5-mile trail, along the seashore, or on a 12-mile trail that runs from the north to south ends of the park.

Lake Ashby Park

Take in all that the beautiful Lake Ashby has to offer on a 1.5-mile nature trail.  This trail goes around cypress trees, flooded forest, and delightful hardwood hammocks. Admission is free at this unique New Smyrna Beach park.

man-hiking-with-dog

Lake Monroe

For some longer hiking trails try Lake Monroe for 4.5 miles total. Some trails are only 2 miles through a slough called Brickyard Slough to trails that meander through thick trees and natural vegetation that surround the lake.

Coast to Coast Trail Brevard

Between Titusville, Scottsmoor and Mims is a beautiful paved cycling/hiking trail. The 16.4-mile Brevard Coast to Coast Trail connects Titusville to Maytown with the eastern portion of the state-spanning coast-to-coast. The trail goes through towns as well as “off-road” to enjoy more that nature has to offer. How fun does that sound?!

Living in Florida yields gorgeous weather for most of the year, allotting for a more extended hiking season than most parts of the United States. Get outside and enjoy some fresh Florida air.

If the demands of your job don’t allow for much outside time with your canine friend call up Space Coast Pet Services. We will be happy to ensure your pet gets the exercise that he or she needs with our dog walking service!

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