Walking the dog? Here are some great spots in Greater Gardner to check out

The warmer weather has arrived, and dog owners are ready for longer and more leisurely strolls with their pets.

While a walk around the neighborhood can be perfectly fine, there are some local spots available for anyone looking to take their favorite four-legged friend on a more scenic and adventurous outing. Whether you and your dog are looking for a relaxing hike, scenic views, glimpses of local wildlife, or a strenuous workout, there are plenty of nearby outdoor spots to offer something for everyone.

Note that all of the following hiking spots in Greater Gardner require dogs to be on a leash, and for owners to clean up after their pets.

High Ridge Wildlife Management Area - Westminster

The High Ridge Wildlife Management Area, situated on what was once a working apple farm, offers several hikes through a combination of grassland areas, rolling forested lands, and beaver-enhanced wetlands.

The several maintenance roads winding through the area, which was once the site of the Gardner State Hospital, provide many easy and enjoyable strolls for dog-walkers. On clear days from some vantage points, it's possible to see Mt. Monadnock to the north and Mt. Wachusett to the south.

Also worth noting are the 100 or so nest boxes along the abandoned roads and field edges. Virtually every box is occupied by several species of birds, including eastern bluebirds, house wrens, and chickadees during the nesting season.

Dunn State Park - Gardner

The Dunn Pond Loop Trail at Dunn State Park offers an enjoyable and slightly challenging hike for anyone looking to take their dog for scenic one mile walk around one of the Chair City’s most popular recreation areas.

The main trail features five steep sections reinforced with stairways made out of railroad ties. The most notable area of steepness is located just beyond the pond house visitor center, which is open year-round.

The curving lakeside trail offers plenty for dogs and owners to look at during their stroll, including coves and an island in the middle of the pond. Wildlife, including ducks, otters, and turtles, is plentiful, so make sure to keep a tight hold on your pet’s leash.

More: Six dog-friendly places to grab a bite to eat with the whole family, and what to know

Mount Watatic Reservation - Ashburnham

As one of the most visited mountains in central Massachusetts, it’s not a surprise that Mt. Watatic is a popular destination for dog-walkers.

For a quick canine-friendly hike, try the Nutting Hill Loop, which features a 3.2 mile walk that will take you and your furry friend to the summit of Mt. Watatic, where, depending on the conditions, you will be treated to sweeping views of Mt. Wachusett and Boston.

Parking is available at the Watatic Southern Terminus trailhead on Rt. 119 in Ashburnham. From the parking lot, follow the Wapack Trail north to the Nutting Hill Loop and back to the parking lot.

The Mt. Watatic Reservation is open year-round to the public for non-motorized recreation including hiking, nature-watching, mountain-biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Otter River State Forest - Templeton

The Otter River State Forest at 86 Winchendon Rd. offers several enjoyable hikes for dog-owners.

Recommended for those looking for an enjoyable stroll with their pet is the Wilder-McKenzie Nature Trail, an easy, 2.5 mile through a scenic forest area with wetlands.

Slightly more challenging is the Forest Loop Ride, a moderately difficult 9.5 hike through a mix of woods and wetland.

North Central Pathway - Winchendon

One of the most popular spots in Toy Town to walk a dog is along the northernmost stretch of the North Central Pathway that begins near the Clark Memorial Community Center and travels along Whitney Pond, past Glenallen St. and continues to North Ashburnham Rd.

The picturesque paved trail, which will one day stretch 16 miles from Winchendon to Gardner, is open from dawn to dusk for recreational use. In addition to dog-walkers, the trail is popular with joggers, roller-bladers, bicyclists, and skateboarders.

Parking is available at the Grout Family Memorial Park at 209 Spring St. in Winchendon.

Mount Jefferson Conservation Area - Hubbardston

Residents in Hubbardston have long known that the 317 acres of open hayfields and mixed woodland on display at the Mount Jefferson Conservation Area provides the perfect spot for long scenic walk with their four-legged friends.

With clearly marked trails, the area, which is popular with hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and birdwatchers, includes picnic areas and views of Mt. Wachusett. The woodland is a habitat for large species such as deer, moose, and bear.

Trail maps can be found in the mailboxes at both Malone Rd. and Mount Jefferson.

To reach Mount Jefferson Conservation Area at 80 Malone R. from Hubbardston Center, take Williamsville Rd. and turn right onto Mt. Jefferson Rd. Malone Rd. is the first road on the right. Parking for Mt. Jefferson is on the left after Malone Rd.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Places in Greater Gardner to take a walk with the dog