Crisp air, crunchy leaves, and wagging tails. Autumn is a great time to explore our forests with your dog. The colours are beautiful, the midges calm down, and cooler temperatures suit most dogs. Below you will find our favourite forest walks across Northern Ireland, with simple notes on trails, facilities, and local lead rules. Always check signs at the entrance and be respectful of wildlife and other visitors.
Before you go
- Keep your dog under close control – Many forests ask for dogs to be on a lead in busy areas, along shared paths, or near livestock and deer. In Belfast, parks also require dogs to be kept on a lead in public places.
At Best Bark, we promote responsible dog ownership. For that reason, we recommend keeping your dog on a lead at all times unless you’re in a designated, enclosed off-lead area.
- Pack the essentials – drinking water for your dog and a towel for muddy paws.
- Pick up after your dog and use the bins provided.
- Watch for autumn hazards. Acorns and conkers can make dogs ill and can also cause dangerous blockages if swallowed. Do not let your dog pick them up or play fetch with them. Contact your vet straight away if you think your dog has eaten any.
County Down
Tollymore Forest Park, Near Newcastle
Riverside trails, stone bridges, and broadleaf woodland make Tollymore a classic autumn walk. Waymarked routes range from easy riverside loops to longer forest circuits. Dogs are welcome, keep them under control and follow any on site guidance.
Castlewellan Forest Park, Castlewellan
Walk the lakeside path under copper beech and oak, then explore the arboretum for colour. Dogs are welcome under control. Dogs are not allowed in the play park or the Peace Maze, and you should pay attention to local safety signs around the lake.
Hillsborough Forest, Royal Hillsborough
An easy loop around the lake with boardwalk sections, lots of leaf fall, and good parking. Popular with dog walkers, with waymarked routes through mature trees. Keep dogs on a lead where signed and be mindful near play areas and busy paths.
Redburn Country Park, Holywood
Steep woodland trails climb to views over Belfast Lough. A fine choice for a short, brisk autumn walk. Dogs are welcome, keep them under control and follow local signage.
County Antrim
Glenariff Forest Park, Antrim Glens
Known for its waterfalls and beech lined gorges, Glenariff is stunning in autumn. Dogs are welcome, keep them on a lead on the boardwalks and busy sections. Entry is by vehicle fee, and the waterfall trails include steps and railings.
Belvoir Park Forest, Belfast
A city forest with waymarked loops that link to the Lagan Valley. Expect vivid colours from beech and oak, and plenty of sniffs. As with other Belfast parks, keep dogs on a lead in public places and follow on site signs.
Portglenone Forest, Bann Valley
Mixed woodland on the River Bann with easy trails. Famous for spring bluebells, but equally lovely in autumn when the beech leaves fall. Keep dogs under control and use the bins provided at main areas.
County Armagh
Gosford Forest Park, Markethill
A large forest with red deer, family trails, and long tree lined avenues that shine in autumn light. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a short lead on the trails and around the caravan and camping areas.
Newry, Mourne and Down
Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Ring of Gullion
Quiet woodland paths and a scenic drive with big views of the ring dyke. Dogs are allowed in the forest park under control, not in the adventure play park.
Mid Ulster and the Sperrins
Davagh Forest, Near Cookstown
A peaceful forest with walking routes beside streams and under tall spruce and larch. It is also an International Dark Sky Park for evening stargazing. Dogs are welcome on the walking trails, keep them under control and off the bike tracks.
County Derry Londonderry
Ness Country Park, Burntollet River
Oak woodland and a fine waterfall make Ness a great autumn choice. Dogs must be on a lead on shared paths under the local Dogs on Lead Order. Check signs and keep to waymarked routes.
Roe Valley Country Park, Limavady
Riverside paths through mature woodland, with heritage features and wildlife. Dogs should be kept on a lead and under control, and you should use the picnic sites and facilities at the visitor centre responsibly.
County Fermanagh and the Lakelands
Castle Archdale Forest, Lower Lough Erne
Flat, easy forest tracks that glow golden in late afternoon. Dogs are welcome, keep them on a short lead, and do not enter play areas. Look out for lakeside views on Tom’s Island.
Florence Court, Near Enniskillen
A National Trust estate with historic woodland and waymarked trails in rich autumn colour. Dogs on leads are welcome on the estate and garden. Dogs on leads are welcome on the estate, in the garden and in the main visitor courtyard area at Florence Court. Only guide dogs are permitted inside the house.
Drinking bowls for your dog are located at the visitor centre and in the stableyard area near the tea-room, there are bins in the car parks for dog waste.
Quick Etiquette and Safety Checklist
- Keep dogs on a lead where required. Forest pages and council by laws set local rules for shared paths, play areas, and places with livestock.
- Avoid throwing sticks, conkers, or acorns. These can splinter or cause poisoning and blockages if swallowed. Use a safe toy instead.
- Stay on waymarked trails and respect seasonal notices about deer, grazing animals, and ground nesting birds.
- Pack layers, a towel, a spare lead, and fresh water.
- Leave no trace. Take all waste home if bins are full.
How to Choose the Right Walk for Your Dog
- Puppies and seniors do best on flatter, shorter routes like the lakeside paths at Castlewellan, Hillsborough, Castle Archdale, and Belvoir.
- Confident walkers who enjoy a bit of climb will love Redburn and the oak valleys at Ness. Keep to marked paths and mind the steps.
- Quiet seekers should try Davagh or Portglenone on weekday mornings. Always give way to bikes where signed.
- Families can pair a short forest loop with a café stop near visitor hubs at Glenariff and Castlewellan. Keep dogs on leads in busy areas.
Join In and Share
This is your community. Add a review on our Best Bark listings, tag your photos, and tell us what you loved most. If we have missed your favourite autumn forest, send it to us so we can check the lead rules and add it for others to enjoy.
Happy leaf crunching from the Best Bark team.
