Destination: Dog Mountain- St Johnsbury, VT

Wow. Dog heaven really does exist—and it’s called Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

This was our third visit to Dog Mountain, but the first since I started blogging… so here we go!

Why visit Dog Mountain?

Simple: because you love dogs. Period.

Dog Mountain spans 150 acres of off-leash trails, fields, ponds, and sniff-worthy adventures. It’s the brainchild of artist Stephen Huneck, whose deep love for dogs inspired a space unlike any other. If you’re not familiar with his story, I encourage you to visit the Dog Mountain website and learn more—his legacy is felt in every corner.

What’s there to do?

Dog Mountain is open year-round and hosts a weekly summer concert series, plus Spring, Summer, and Fall Dog Parties—which are exactly as joyful as they sound.

This weekend, The Trio visited for the Summer Dog Party, and let me tell you… it did not disappoint.

🐾 Dog activities included:

• Dog treat-eating contest

• Kissing booth

• Fetching games

• Photo booth

• And a variety of charming “just-for-fun” stations

Now, my crew isn’t much for the spotlight, but many pups were loving every second!

🐾 Human perks included:

• Maple lemonade stands

• Local Vermont vendors and artists

• Face painting

• Food trucks

• Live music

There are a couple of swimming ponds on-site too! Last year’s storms damaged the main pond, but the smaller one is still going strong and made for happy, splashing pups.

And yes—there are trails. Big ones, small ones… even some where you might run into a bear (seriously). I stuck to the trails while singing loudly—just in case. One woman once mentioned seeing a baby bear on the main trail, and as we all know: where there’s a baby, there’s a very protective mama!

But let’s talk about the best part… the people.

If you know me, you know I’ve become a bit more reserved over the years—people can be tough. But dog people?They’re different. They’re my people.

At Dog Mountain:

• No one bats an eye at dog shenanigans

• Face licks from stranger dogs? Adorable.

• Stealing snacks? Hilarious.

• Pretending to work the hot dog cart? Totally acceptable.

The vibe is carefree, accepting, and downright joyful. Every dog is off leash, and they greet everyone like old friends. It’s pure magic.

Don’t miss the Gift Shop & Gallery

Inside, you’ll find everything from t-shirts and collars to magnets and art prints—some original works by Stephen Huneck himself. A portion of all sales supports the upkeep of Dog Mountain, which is free to the public. There are also donation bins throughout the park.

Dogs are welcome inside, of course, and the staff? Dog lovers through and through.

And finally… the Dog Chapel

There’s no way to describe Dog Mountain without mentioning the Chapel.

Inside, the walls are lovingly covered with photos and letters—tributes to dogs who have passed. I can’t bring myself to read too many of the notes (I’m a softie), but each one is a testament to the love we share with our dogs. It’s moving, beautiful, and sacred.

Final thoughts

Dog Mountain is a true paradise. The Trio had the best day—sniffing, exploring, and always checking back to make sure we were close. (We’re always nearby, my sweet babies.)

We love taking day trips with our dogs, but there’s no place—no place—that compares to Dog Mountain. We’ll return again and again. And maybe, one distant day, our Trio will have a spot in the Chapel. But for now, we’re just soaking up the joy and making memories.

We’re already thinking about coming back for the Fall Dog Party—want to join us?

For now, the pups are snoozing and I’m heading to the deck with a drink in hand, reminiscing about the perfect dog day. Because yes—it really does exist.