There is still a good month or so before the summer tourists leave the ocean and lake beaches and we can return with our dogs. Until then, don't overlook sandy beaches you can sometimes find along rivers. If you live near a large, tidal river you can often find a beach that does a darn good imitation of an ocean beach - all that is missing are the views of the water disappearing into the horizon. But your water-loving dog won't know the difference.
You can stumble on a tail-friendly river beach when you least expect it. On a trail we use often there is a spot where a small creek makes a hard right turn and inside the elbow is a sand beach that is wider than the creek itself. My favorite river beach is at Fort Mott State Park in New Jersey along the Delaware River. The beach is wide enough to have firm sand by the water's edge and softer sand above the tide line. There is plenty of driftwood on the beach for a spirited game of fetch and frisky waves that will challenge any dog. And, of course, there are no restrictions against dogs.
Do you have a favorite river beach for a summer dunk for your dog? Let us know...
Fort Mott State Park
Take the trail back to the August 2010 Newsletter