Location: 300 Grumman Ave, Norwalk, CT
Rules: Dogs are not allowed on the Main Green Playground or Pavilion areas — ever. Dogs may be off leash only in the Orchard and on the wooded trails — not in the parking area or on the entry road. Use leash or voice control courtesy and watchfulness to keep your dog from interfering with others’ enjoyment of the park. Pick up after your dog immediately. Remind others to do the same. Violators are subject to fines.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Norwalk resident beach passes are required for park entry or subject to a $15 fee from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Park entry is free to non residents after October 12, 2016.
Parking: There is plenty of parking upon gaining entry to the park at the Gallaher Mansion entrance.
Description: Cranbury Park is situated on 227 acres of land featuring wooded trails and a dog-friendly environment in the orchard. The Great Lawn of the Gallaher Mansion features an open area for dogs to frolic, and the park also hosts an 18-hole disc golf course that winds in and out of the woods. This can sometimes pose a conflict between dogs trained to chase thrown objects and disc golfers in the midst of competition! Hiking trails are also well marked in the park’s wooded areas. The park is well-kept and has an abundance of watering areas, poop bag dispensers, recycle bins, and restrooms. It also features an outdoor pavilion and children’s playground area (both are off limits to dogs).
REVIEW BY DUSTY BLUE: This park has EVERYTHING! It’s got a lot of open space and a lot of trail areas that are perfect for exploring. There are plenty of water fountains for dehydrated humans and canines alike, and the entire park has garbage cans and clearly-marked restrooms for people. Most important thing to me is it has plenty of trees for me to mark up and sniff!