Dog walking areas in the fall

The leaves are turning colors, the air is crisp and your dog is bouncing by the door. Fall is the season to get out and about together. We searched for great dog walking areas in forests and beaches where you can go for a nice walk, romp and get a breath of fresh air in the fall.

First the rules

Each area has its own rules. In nature reserves dogs are usually welcome, but often on a leash. Off-leash zones are clearly marked and your dog is allowed off-leash there as long as he listens well. Staatsbosbeheer and Natuurmonumenten list the rules for each area. Check them before you leave and pay attention to the signs on the spot.

Useful sources to check before you go:

• Staatsbosbeheer – dogs in nature
• Natuurmonumenten – walking with your dog

Tip: On beaches, municipalities work with seasonal rules. Often dogs are more widely welcome between October 1 and mid-April. Outside this period, there are time slots or separate dog beaches.

Walking with your dog on the Veluwe (Gelderland)

On the Veluwe, the Forestry Commission has several off-leash areas especially for dogs. Here you can enjoy nature together. Think of Kootwijkerduin, a fenced area of 56 hectares, or the Natteneuzenroute near ‘t Leesten, a four-kilometer walk especially for dogs. Beautiful areas can also be found in Harskamp and the Speulder- en Sprielderbos. In the Zwolse Bos, your dog is largely allowed off-leash, except around the ecoduct where there is peace and quiet for wildlife. For all other places: always look carefully at the signs what the current rules are.

Gieten-Borger and surroundings (Drenthe)

Drenthe is known for its vast natural areas where dogs are often allowed to run free. Almost all off-leash areas are in nature reserves and some also have small lakes where your dog can take a refreshing dip. Always zoom in on the chosen area to see if there is a puddle or pond.

An absolute must is the Sleenerzand, one of the largest off-leash areas in the province with nearly 400 acres of forest, heath and sand. You will find no less than six small lakes and also the dolmen the Papeless Church.

You can also enjoy hiking in Boswachterij Odoorn. The northern part offers views and a watchtower, while in the southern part you will find a large swimming pool where dogs can enjoy themselves. Together they form a fantastic area for those who enjoy long walks. Learn more: Off-leash areas in Drenthe

Walking with your dog on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug (Utrecht)

Your dog is also welcome on the Utrecht Ridge. In most places in the Utrecht Hill Ridge National Park he is allowed on a leash, and in some places even off leash, provided he is under proper supervision. Certain areas are vulnerable and therefore forbidden for dogs, such as resting areas for birds and areas where deer and badgers live. There, a dog running loose can cause disturbance or even danger.

Fortunately, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a nice walk together. For example, dogs are welcome off-leash in the Amerongse Bos, the Baarnse Bos, Hooge Vuursche and Lage Vuursche, Landgoed Groeneveld, Kozakkenput, Laarsenberg and the Lange Duinen. Always pay close attention to the signs along the paths; they show exactly where your dog may be off-leash or must remain leashed. A complete and current overview of the dog walking areas on the Utrecht Ridge can be found via Doggydating – dog walking areas Utrecht Ridge.

Dog walking areas in North Holland

Also in North Holland there are plenty of places where your dog can run and play. The Amsterdamse Bos (935 ha) is one of the most beautiful off-leash areas in the Netherlands – more than three times as large as Central Park in New York. Dogs are allowed off-leash (almost) everywhere, provided they are kept on a leash, they can swim or paddle, and there are expansive lawns to play, laze or picnic. Parking is free at Grand Café De Bosbaan or the circular road; even dog cookies and water are available at Paviljoen Chez Favie. Boerderij Meerzicht is a fine stop for a pancake (dogs are welcome on the terrace). And want to know exactly where off-leash is allowed? Then check out the map for dogs in the Amsterdamse Bos.

At the Ouderkerkerplas your dog also has plenty of space. A dog beach and an obstacle course for dogs make it extra fun. After all that jumping and playing you can relax at Paviljoen a/d Plas, overlooking the water. (Read all the details in our blog post: family fun at the Ouderkerkerplas)

Other recommendations are the Twiske (forest, beach and water) and the Kennemer Dunes (off-leash opportunities outside the breeding season).

Dog walking areas in South Holland

In Zuid-Holland you can go in all directions: from beach and dunes to small-scale forest and green dikes. For example, start at the Zandmotor near Ter Heijde, a rugged stretch of coastline with endless sand where your dog can stick his nose in the sea breeze. In The Hague, the Koeweide Ockenburgh is a fine off-leash spot in the greenery. Note: during frost this field turns into a skating rink and dogs are temporarily not allowed there. Fancy a long walk on the beach? Through the Badweg you are so on the beach of Hoek van Holland. The beach of Oostvoorne is also great for a breath of fresh air; between the beach entrance and the A.J. Bootpad your dog is allowed off leash. Prefer something more sheltered? The Bosje van Oranje is a cozy forest where your dog can try the paths while you hear the birds. Outside the breeding season – from March 15 to July 15 – the Oudelandse Zeedijk is a quiet route with expansive views. Inland you will find surprising pearls: the Kersbergserak near Lexmond is such a place to get a breath of fresh air, and behind the residential area on the Koenderseweg in Leerdam is an area where dogs are allowed off leash. As always: check the signs on site for current rules and seasonal restrictions. More information can be found at: zuidhollandslandschap.nl/de-natuur-in/dogs

Playing with your dog in Zeeland

Zeeland is perhaps the ultimate destination for a vacation with your dog. With wide beaches, wooded areas and countless hiking trails, there is always a place you can enjoy together. Dogs are welcome in many nature reserves and in several places they are even allowed to run free. Perfect for a day out or a whole vacation with your four-legged friend.

A popular spot is the Boswachterij Westenschouwen, the largest forest in Zeeland and located directly by the sea. While you enjoy the view of the Delta Works, your dog can run wild on the special off-leash strip of almost 10 hectares behind the campsite. Nature reserve Schelphoek near Serooskerke was created after the 1953 flood disaster, and is known for its rich flora and fauna. Dogs are allowed to run free here in the eastern part of the trails, allowing you to fully enjoy nature together.

In the Kreken area near Ouwerkerk, you can choose from a short walk of 2.5 kilometers or a longer route of 8 kilometers. Here dogs are allowed to run free everywhere on the hiking trails. Keep in mind that it can get quite muddy when it rains. In the Gadra Forest your dog can run free on all walking paths. In Vlissingen, the Nollebos is a real favorite: a lively nature and recreation area of 26 hectares, where dogs are welcome and allowed off-leash between the Zwanenburgseweg and the bicycle path along the dunes. For more information, visit hellozeeland.com/en/discover/blogs/running-areas-dogs

A walk by the sea

Between Oct. 1 and spring, many municipalities relax the rules and allow your dog to run loose on long stretches. Ideal for miles across the sand, paddling in the surf and sniffing the marram grass edges. Bring a towel for after your swim, opt for the lee of the dunes in strong winds, and always keep an eye on the signs for local agreements or temporary rest areas. End your walk at a pavilion with a bowl of water for the dog and a hot chocolate for yourself. This way, every fall day feels like a mini vacation at the coast.

Rules may change. Always check the administrator’s or municipality’s website before you go and follow directions locally.

Credits photos: Canva.com and OpstapmetLisa