With domestic travel on the rise this year, more people are choosing regional getaways and day trips, and bringing their dogs along. Nestled in the Great Western Catskills, Delaware County’s rolling farmland, mountain views, and picturesque small towns offer an ideal mix of outdoor exploration and hospitality for travelers with dogs.
From scenic trails that welcome canine companions to pup-friendly restaurants with water bowls at the ready, it’s easy to include four-legged friends in Delaware County fun.
Dog-Friendly Accommodations
The county’s warm welcome extends to canine guests, with accommodations that make staying the night with a dog easy, typically for a small fee.
The upscale log cabins at West Branch Angler Resort in Hancock are tucked into 200 private acres, with a three-mile stretch of riverfront on the West Branch of the Delaware—great for a peaceful morning walk amid mountain scenery. In Stamford, The Vine on Main is a modern dog-friendly motel experience with upscale charm. Steps from Main Street, the boutique motel also gives visitors easy access to a nearby nature reserve to start or end the day. In the heart of Hobart Book Village, the Book Village Inn happily accommodates dogs. Guests at this boutique Victorian inn can also take their pups to explore the surrounding Catskill Scenic Trail, located just minutes away.
Restaurants and Craft Beverage Destinations
Many Delaware County eateries with plenty of outdoor seating typically embrace dogs as part of the family.
Wayside Cider in Andes has a rustic courtyard where visitors can sip cider and nosh on seasonal small plates while their leashed dogs doze under the table. In Stamford, the Mountain Dog Cafe lives up to its name. Visitors can stop by this cozy spot for coffee and pastries or sandwiches and enjoy breakfast with their dogs by their side. The Hamden Inn & Lounge—a renovated 1850s inn beneath Hamden’s towering pines—has an outdoor dining area where leashed dogs are welcome while their owners enjoy globally influenced farm-to-table comfort food.
Recreation
From rail trails to mountain lakes, Delaware County’s great outdoors beckon both two- and four-legged adventurers alike.
The Catskill Scenic Trail, a 26-mile former railway bed that runs from Roxbury to Bloomville, offers a flat, gravel path that winds through rolling farmland and along riverbanks. In Delhi, the SUNY Delhi Outdoor Education Center offers a 40-acre public park of meadows and forests with about 2.5 miles of looping trails that meander beside the Little Delaware River—an ideal spot for dogs to get out some energy. For secluded scenery, head to Bear Spring Mountain Campground & Day Use Area in Downsville. Set in the Catskills Forest Preserve, Bear Spring has 24 miles of multi-use trails through hardwood forest where well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to roam. For those looking to experience a bit of the region’s rich history, head to Arkville to hop on one of the Delaware & Ulster Railroad’s open-air cars for a scenic train ride through the mountains—no tickets for pups required.
Shopping
Even retail therapy in Delaware County comes with pet-friendly perks.
In Sidney, The Houndstooth Bakery & Boutique caters to the county’s furriest residents and their owners. Billed as “the health food store for pets,” this Main Street shop offers all-natural, premium pet foods, freshly baked treats, and an array of toys and accessories. In Hobart Book Village, More Good Books welcomes bibliophiles and dogs alike. Leashed dogs can accompany their owners to browse the shelves of used and rare books as well as vinyl records.
Tips for Dog-Friendly Outings
Traveling with a dog can be a blast, but a little preparation ensures it stays fun for everyone. Local etiquette calls for dogs to be leashed in parks and on trails for wildlife and livestock protection, and the comfort of other visitors. Savvy dog owners pack the essentials: collapsible water bowls, extra waste bags, towels for muddy paws, and an extra leash. It’s always wise to call ahead or check online for any specific pet policies at lodging and dining spots.
From trail walks under dazzling autumn leaves to lazy mornings at a sidewalk cafe, a trip to Delaware County offers plenty of opportunity for shared adventures, and all the effort pays off seeing dear Fido curled up by the fire after a day full of adventures.
This article appears in September 2025.
