Gillette Castle trails

Dogs on a leash all year

Woodland paths and old railroad bed around the castle above the Connecticut River. Not in the castle or on its decks.

Source: CT DEEP, Gillette Castle State Park. Checked October 29, 2026.

Follow the signs at the trailhead: parks can close areas to dogs for wildlife.

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Gillette Castle State Park: the rule in full

Connecticut allows leashed pets in most state parks and forests, but not in buildings, swimming areas or state park campgrounds. At Gillette Castle: picnic areas and trails, yes, on a leash; not in the castle buildings, on the decks or at the river campsite.

Dog walks nearby

• Devil's Hopyard trailsDogs on a leash all year
• Wadsworth Falls trailsDogs on a leash all year
• Bluff Point coastal trailDogs on a leash all year

Nearby beaches

• Rocky Neck State ParkNo dogs all year
• Hammonasset BeachNo dogs from April 2 to September 29. Dogs on a leash the rest of the time
• Harkness Memorial State ParkNo dogs all year
• Silver Sands State ParkNo dogs all year
• Sherwood Island State ParkNo dogs from April 15 to September 30. Dogs on a leash the rest of the time