Paws, Pints & Pumpkin Weather: Fun Fall Things to Do With Your Dog Around Baltimore

Fall might just be the best season to be a dog in Baltimore.

The temperatures finally cool down, the leaves start changing, patios become much more inviting, and suddenly a long Saturday walk sounds a whole lot better than it did when it was 92 degrees outside.

So grab the leash (and maybe a flannel), because we rounded up some of our favorite ways to enjoy fall with your dog around Baltimore County and beyond.

Grab a Beer at Big Truck Farm Brewery

If there were a brewery made for a fall afternoon, Big Truck Farm Brewery in Parkton might be it.

Set on a farm in northern Baltimore County, Big Truck has plenty of that countryside fall atmosphere we're looking for this time of year. Leashed dogs are welcome on the deck and patio, so your pup can hang out while you enjoy a beer and something from the kitchen or one of the visiting food trucks.

It's also kid-friendly, making this an easy outing when you want to bring the whole family, two-legged and four-legged.

Happy Dog tip: Bring a water bowl and pick a spot with a little room around your table if your dog gets overly excited about making new friends.

Hang Out at B.C. Brewery in Hunt Valley

Another local favorite for dog parents is B.C. Brewery in Hunt Valley.

It's casual, spacious and very dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome as long as they're leashed and under control, and the brewery even keeps water bowls on hand.

This is a great option for those fall days when you want to get out of the house without necessarily committing to a full hike or big adventure.

Bonus: they serve food, so you can settle in for a while.

Spend a Fall Day at Falling Branch Brewery

Okay, we're sneaking slightly outside Baltimore County for this one, but it's worth the drive.

Falling Branch Brewery in Street, Maryland hosts PumpkinFest every Saturday and Sunday through October 25, and dogs are welcome as long as they stay leashed.

We're talking pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, seasonal beer and cider, food trucks, live music, local vendors, farm animals and apple cider slushies.

And because it's held on a farm, there's plenty to look at and sniff along the way. Just remember that a busy festival environment isn't every dog's idea of fun, so this one is best for pups who are comfortable around crowds, kids and other dogs.

Take a Fall Hike at Cromwell Valley Park

If your dog's perfect day involves fewer beers and more sniffs, head to Cromwell Valley Park.

This Baltimore County gem has a beautiful mix of woods, open meadows, streams and historic farmland, and once the leaves start changing, it's hard to beat.

There are trails for different ability levels, so you can take a leisurely walk or turn it into a proper hike. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.

And remember: your dog doesn't care how many miles you cover. Giving them time to stop, sniff and investigate can be just as enriching as the exercise itself.

Explore Lake Roland

Lake Roland Park is another Happy Dog favorite for an easy fall adventure.

Between the wooded trails, lake views, wetlands and open spaces, there's plenty for dogs to explore. Keep your pup leashed while walking the park, or check out Paw Point if you're looking for some off-leash time. Paw Point requires membership and proof of the appropriate vaccinations and dog license.

Pack some water, treats and a few poop bags and make a morning of it.

Barks & Boos — October 17

This one was basically made for our list.

The Baltimore Humane Society is hosting its first annual Barks & Boos! Play | Walk | Run | Hike fundraiser on Saturday, October 17 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in Reisterstown.

You and your pup can walk, run or hike the trails and then enjoy the fall festival on the Humane Society's grounds. Expect plenty of dogs, fall fun and — obviously — some excellent Halloween costumes.

Even better, the event benefits animals in the care of the Baltimore Humane Society.

If your dog has been waiting all year to debut their Halloween costume, this is their moment.

Put BARCStoberfest on the Calendar

We're heading into Baltimore City for this one, but no Baltimore dog fall bucket list would be complete without BARCStoberfest.

The annual festival benefiting BARCS takes over Patterson Park on October 24 with a 5K, pet parade, costume contest, vendors, activities and plenty of fellow dog lovers.

It's one of those events where being obsessed with your dog isn't weird — it's basically a requirement.

Keep It Simple: Pick a Trail and Let Them Sniff

Not every fall adventure needs an itinerary.

Some of the best days with our dogs are the simple ones: a cool morning, a long leash, crunchy leaves and nowhere you particularly need to be.

Baltimore County has no shortage of beautiful places to wander. In addition to Cromwell Valley and Lake Roland, explore one of the area's many local trails and parks and let your dog set the pace for a while.

Sniffing is incredibly enriching for dogs, so don't worry if you only make it half a mile because someone needed to investigate every leaf, stick and mysterious smell along the way.

That's kind of the point.

A Few Tips Before You Head Out

Fall outings are more fun when everyone is comfortable.

Always double-check a business's current dog policy before heading out, especially breweries and seasonal events. Keep your dog leashed unless you're in a designated off-leash area, bring water and poop bags, and pay attention to your dog's body language.

And remember that dog-friendly doesn't automatically mean your dog will enjoy it. A crowded brewery might be heaven for your social butterfly and completely overwhelming for another pup. Choose adventures that fit your dog's personality.

Most importantly, enjoy it.

Our dogs don't get nearly enough seasons with us. Take the walk. Sit on the patio. Let them sniff the leaves. Take way too many pictures.

Fall in Baltimore doesn't last forever. 🍂🐾

And if your own fall calendar is packed? Happy Dog Baltimore is here to make sure your pup still gets their walks, fresh air, exercise and plenty of attention while you're out enjoying the season.

Happy fall from all of us at Happy Dog Baltimore! 🐶🍁