A Bark In The Park-Doggin' America's Coastal Islands

A Bark In The Park – Doggin' America's Coastal Islands

Another Vacation Idea For Your Dog from hikewithyourdog.com

published by Cruden Bay Books at Smashwords

Copyright 2010 by Cruden Bay Books

Who doesn't want to get away to an off-shore island with the dog? Let's do a round-up of America's off-shore islands you can visit with your dog, accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat:

Nantucket Island (Atlantic Ocean, Massachusetts, island transportation: vehicular)

Upon disembarking in the Nantucket Sound you are looking at a hike of between two and six miles to reach the various ocean beaches across the island. You can use paved bike paths if you have to but dogs are allowed on the island shuttles. Much of the coastline is in private hands so access to the shore is a privilege when granted.

Martha's Vineyard (Atlantic Ocean, Massachusetts, island transportation: vehicular)

Just off the southern coast of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard is an extremely dog-friendly resort destination. For canine hikers, the Sheriff's Meadow Foundation has conserved over 2100 acres of land on the island in more than 100 separate parcels. From these protected lands the Foundation has created eight sanctuaries open to the public, including dogwalkers. The largest trail system is at Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary where two miles of paw-friendly trails visit hilly woodlands, secluded ponds and a small, sandy beach.

Block Island (Atlantic Ocean, Rhode Island, island transportation: limited vehicular)

There are 17 miles of public beaches on Block Island so your dog will get an ocean swim. Crescent Beach, a few pawprints from the ferry landing, is the most convenient but crowded in-season. As the new arrivals fan out from the ferry the