POP UP ADVENTURE: Windham–Derry Rail Trail Walk & Social

ABOUT THE EVENT:
This walk is part of our year-round series of pop-up adventures, designed to give dog lovers more opportunities to get outdoors, enjoy fresh air, and connect with friends. Have a punch card or free pass? You can use it to register for this event.

Join us for a scenic walk along the Derry and Windham Rail Trail, followed by a relaxing social and gathering at Fody’s Tavern.

Our adventure begins at the Windham Depot parking lot, where we’ll set out on a 3.5–4 mile out-and-back walk along the paved rail trail. This stretch offers a beautiful mix of rural landscapes, including wooded areas, wetlands, bridges, and a unique stone archway. Along the way, we’ll share the trail with bicyclists and other users—making this the perfect opportunity to practice real-life skills with your dog.

Throughout the walk, we’ll introduce and reinforce pattern games—a powerful tool to help your dog stay connected to you, navigate distractions, and build confidence in dynamic environments. Whether your dog is easily overstimulated or just needs more focus in busy settings, this is hands-on learning in a supportive group setting.

After the hike, we’ll head just 5 minutes down the road to Fody’s Tavern for a casual outdoor social and lunch on their deck. From soups and sandwiches to burgers and oven-baked pizza—Fody’s also offers handcrafted cocktails. It’s the perfect place to unwind, connect, and refuel after our time on the trail.

Benefits of attendance include:

• Build real-world skills with your dog in a supportive setting
• Learn and practice pattern games to improve focus and reduce reactivity
• Practice calm, connected behavior around distractions
• Experience a scenic trail rich with natural sights and smells
• Strengthen your bond through shared movement and engagement
• Connect with fellow Golden Dog community members
• Enjoy a relaxed post-hike social at Fody’s Tavern

IS THIS EVENT GOOD FOR REACTIVE DOGS?
Reactive Dog Level 2-3. See our Comfort Chart for explanation. This is a real-world training environment, and reactive dogs are welcome with thoughtful preparation. The trail may include cyclists, other dogs, and wildlife, offering valuable opportunities to practice skills using distance, movement, and pattern games. Dogs should be manageable on leash, and handlers should be comfortable advocating for space and using high-value rewards. At the restaurant, dogs will have space but will remain within sight of other dogs in a shared setting. Visual barriers are recommended for any dogs who may need some extra comfort. This experience is about progress—not perfection—and we’re here to support you and your dog every step of the way. If you have questions about whether this event is the right fit, please email woof@goldendognh.com.

TRAIL RATING:
The Windham-Derry Rail Trail is rated as Level 1 Stroll. See an explanation of our Trail Rating System.

COST: Tickets are limited to 20 dogs. Scroll down to purchase.

• Golden Dog Members – $25/person* (Your special pricing will be reflected in the CART.)
• Not-Yet Members – $35/person*
• Purchase a 10-walk punch card at a discount (good for Pack Adventures, and Pop Up Adventures)
• *Does not include food/drink.
• If you are paying for this event with a punch card or free pass, email rsvp@goldendognh.com with “RSVP Pop Up Adventure: Windham–Derry Rail Trail Walk & Social” in the subject line. Thank you!

Do you need to change your reservation? Please email cancel@goldendognh.com. Full refund issued if cancellation received 48 hours prior to event start time, otherwise no refund if canceled after. 

DIRECTIONS/PARKING:
We will gather at the Windham Depot in Windham, NH. Details and logistics will be emailed to guests 24 hours prior to the event.

Fody’s Tavern is located at 187 Rockingham Road in Derry, NH.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE JOINING AN EVENT:
Please review our Club Guidelines, sign our Liability Waivers & Release Forms, and read our covid guidelines on our Events & Activities page.

CANCELLATIONS:
If weather or covid conditions make gathering and walking unsafe, the event will be cancelled and announced in the Event section of the Facebook Group and on this Calendar page.

QUESTIONS:
If you have questions, text/call (603) 815-2453 or email woof@goldendognh.com.