Barks Community Trail Hike in Groton CT
The 3rd Saturday in February just passed which means the Barks Community monthly hike happened! Our Barks Community Trail Hike in Groton CT brought together 13 dogs and their humans for a beautiful winter walk at Haley Farm State Park, connecting to the scenic X-Town Trail in Groton.
We couldn’t have timed it better. Sandwiched perfectly between snowstorms, we were gifted sunshine, mild temperatures, and soft (slightly mushy!) ground – but thankfully no ice. It was one of those classic Southeastern CT winter days that reminds you why getting outside with your dog is always worth it.
Is Haley Farm State Park Dog Friendly?
Yes! It’s one of our favorite local spots.
Leashed dogs are welcome at Haley Farm, and the wide, well-marked trails make it ideal
for group hikes. The connection to the X-Town Trail offers wooded sections filled with enrichment (so many smells!) and enough space for dogs of all comfort levels.
It’s a fantastic option if you’re searching for dog friendly hiking trails in Groton CT.
A Dog Hiking Group in Southeastern CT for Every Personality
One of the reasons our dog hiking group in Southeastern CT continues to grow is because we welcome every kind of dog.
We had social butterflies ready for nose-to-nose greetings and play bows within minutes. If your dog loves making friends, they would have found a buddy quickly, especially with Clyde the black lab – who owns Barbara, who is our official trail guide every month. Clyde is our official welcoming committee, always happy to connect with fellow social pups 🧡
We also had dogs who prefer space. Dogs who enjoy structured activity, outdoor enrichment, and calm coexistence without constant interaction.
At Barks Community Hikes, dogs that need space are always welcome. We actively help advocate for their boundaries and create room when needed. Socialization doesn’t have to mean high-energy play, sometimes it simply means sharing a trail safely and confidently.
More Than Just a Walk
While Haley Farm and the X-Town Trail provide the perfect setting, what makes these
hikes special is the community.
Pet parents connect. Stories are shared. New friendships form. Some members join every month, while others attend for the first time. By the end of the hike, it always feels like a supportive, welcoming group.
Thirteen dogs. Sunshine between storms. A little mud. A lot of tail wags.
If you’ve been looking for a Community Trail Hike in southeastern CT, we’d love to see you at the next one. Check out our community page for where each hike happens this year
Barks & Recreation is an award winning dog walking team of professionals serving southeastern CT. We specialize in midday dog walks, trail hikes, and structured small-group adventures designed to keep dogs physically active and mentally fulfilled while their humans are at work or otherwise unable.
Our monthly Barks Community Trail Hikes are just one of the ways we bring local pet parents together, because we believe dogs (and their people) deserve connection, confidence, and support. Join our Facebook Community for more connection.
If you’re searching for trusted, professional dog walking in Southeastern Connecticut, schedule a free meet & greet and see why so many local pet parents choose Barks & Recreation.
