The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Novara

Novara offers nearly 20 dog-friendly hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging routes. This guide features 19 routes specifically curated for you and your canine companion.

The Novara region, situated at the foothills of the Alps, provides diverse terrain. You'll find trails weaving through dense larch woods, expansive plains, and rolling hills. Many routes offer picturesque views of Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, often passing through forests and charming villages.

Yes, Novara has a couple of easy dog-friendly routes perfect for a relaxed outing. These trails typically feature gentler gradients and shorter distances, ideal for beginners, families with dogs, or older pets. While specific easy routes aren't detailed here, komoot offers options to filter by difficulty.

Absolutely. Many of the dog-friendly trails in Novara are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Monte Falò Loop and the Coiromonte Climb – Coiromonte Fountain loop from Armeno are excellent moderate options that bring you back to your starting point.

Novara's dog-friendly trails often lead to stunning natural features and landmarks. You can explore areas like the Mount Falò viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas. The region is also home to protected areas such as the Lagoni di Mercurago Natural Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna, and the scenic shores of Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta.

Yes, Novara boasts several protected natural parks that welcome dogs on trails. The Lagoni di Mercurago Natural Park, protected since 1980, features a network of trails through peat bogs, meadows, and forests. Other notable parks include Ticino Park and Monte Fenera Nature Park, offering varied landscapes for exploration.

The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails in Novara, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 4,500 ratings. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the opportunity to enjoy nature with their pets, especially around the scenic lake areas and forest trails.

Many trails in Novara offer fantastic views. The View from Monte del Falò – Monte Falò and Tre Montagnette loop from Coiromonte is a moderate route known for its scenic outlooks. Additionally, trails around Mottarone, situated between Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore, provide sensational panoramic views.

Spring and autumn are generally the best times for dog-friendly hikes in Novara. The weather is milder, and the natural scenery is vibrant with blooming flowers or rich autumn colors. Summer can be warm, especially in lower elevations, so early mornings or late afternoons are preferable. Winter hikes are possible, particularly on lower-altitude trails, but always check local conditions.

While specific amenities vary by trail, many routes pass through or near charming villages where you might find water sources or dog-friendly cafes. For longer hikes, consider routes that pass by huts like Presbiter Giovanni Battista Dall'Oro Shelter or Rifugio Cortano, though it's always best to check their dog policies in advance and carry enough water and snacks for both you and your dog.

The majority of dog-friendly hikes in Novara are classified as moderate, making them suitable for most active dogs and their owners. There are also a few easy options for a more relaxed pace and some difficult trails for experienced hikers and very fit dogs. Always check the route details for elevation gain and distance before heading out.