fall friendly adventures for dogs in de & md!

🍂 Falling for October: Why It’s a Great Time with Dogs!
​October (and the broader fall season) is a golden window: cooler temps, colorful leaves, and a festive spirit in the air. Your pup will appreciate milder walks, new scents, crunchy leaves, and the chance to join seasonal events (pumpkin patches, hayrides, etc.).
In Delaware and Maryland, you can pair the region’s natural beauty with autumn festivities. Make sure you check each location’s seasonal rules (some parks change pet policies in summer vs off-season) and always bring water, waste bags, and perhaps a light jacket or blanket for your dog.

🐾 Delaware Fall & October Activities with Dogs1. Trails, parks & preserves

• White Clay Creek State Park (Newark, DE) — over 37 miles of trails where leashed dogs are welcome.
• James Farm Ecological Preserve (Ocean View, DE) — a peaceful preserve with trails and bay views; dogs allowed on leash. 
• Brandywine Park (Wilmington, DE) — large greens, river views, paths to stroll with your dog.
• Bellevue State Park (Wilmington, DE) — walking trails and scenic areas overlooking the Delaware River. 
• Fox Point State Park,  (Wilmington, DE)  — many of these parks welcome leashed pets. These are great for leaf-peeping walks or lingering strolls in the crisp fall air.

2. Pumpkin patches & farm festivals. While smaller in number compared to Maryland, you’ll find some seasonal fun:

• Dog-friendly events at Delaware farms — check local farms for “fall festivals” that allow leashed dogs. (Delaware’s tourism/blog sites occasionally list such events.)
• Rehoboth / Dewey area — in the off-season (after September), some of the beaches, parks, paths become more dog-friendly.
• Viking Golf (Fenwick Island, DE) — including mini-golf with dogs (on leash) is allowed. 

3. Dog-friendly dining, breweries & chill spots

• Crooked Hammock Brewery (Lewes / Middletown, DE) — outdoor seating and dog-friendly areas. 
• BringFido lists many Delaware attractions where dogs are welcome (breweries, parks, etc.). Historic New Castle & Wilmington river walk / Battery Park — bring a picnic, explore the river walk with your pup. 

4. Seasonal tips & caveats in DE

• Delaware state parks allow pets in many areas, but dogs are prohibited on swimming & sunbathing beaches between May 1 – September 30. Outside those dates (i.e. October) restrictions are looser. 
• Always double-check seasonal hours or closures, especially for farms or festivals.
• Bring something to clean paws — fall often means muddy trails and don't forget those POOP bags!

🍁 Maryland & Surrounding Areas: Fall Fun with DogsMaryland (and the broader DMV area) gives you more options for fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and dog-friendly farm fun.
1. Pumpkin patches, mazes & harvest festivals

• Horsmon Farm Harvest Festival — leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome. Hayrides, corn maze, ponds, trails
• Showvaker’s Pumpkin Patch — dogs allowed in the pumpkin patch and on hayrides (but not all maze areas). 
• Montpelier Farms (Upper Marlboro, MD) — their fall festival welcomes leashed dogs during event dates. 
• Homestead Gardens Fall Festival (Davidsonville, MD) — includes hayrides, pumpkin picking and is dog friendly.
• Annapolis/Maryland “Fall Fun Day,” Art @ the Park, etc. — many outdoor seasonal events in and around Annapolis welcome dogs at external areas.
• Gaver Farm (Mount Airy, MD) — known for its pumpkin patch and fall festival; check if dogs are allowed (some farm events permit leashed dogs).

2. Autumn hikes & scenic spots

• Look for local natural areas, state parks, or greenbelt trails. Many allow dogs on leash.
• The region’s hills and forests are stunning in October. If you’re near western MD (Catoctin, etc.), check for dog-friendly hiking there.
• In the Baltimore area, several pumpkin patches or farms advertise being dog-friendly.

3. Dog-friendly fall festivals & events

• “Dog-Friendly Fall Festivals in the DMV” listings include many seasonal events (pumpkin patches, costume parades, etc.). 
• Many breweries, garden centers, and farm markets host seasonal events (apple cider, decorations) and welcome dogs outdoors.
• Bowles Farms (St. Mary’s County, MD) — a large corn maze + fall attraction. Even if dogs aren’t advertised for every activity, the grounds often allow leashed walks.