SPECIAL EVENT: Hike and Maple Sugaring Experience 2026

ABOUT THE EVENT:
We’re heading back to Brooks Family Sugar House in Freedom, NH for a fun and tasty way to wrap up a winter hike at White Lake State Park in Tamworth, NH—and you’re invited!

Maple sugaring is a true New England tradition, and we’re sharing it in a unique, enrichment-focused way for both humans and pups. This afternoon adventure is especially perfect for the human and canine sniffers—because nothing smells better than maple syrup.

Throughout our time at the sugar house, we’ll also have interactive enrichment stations set up by our Enrichment Manager, Lucas Bisson. These activity stations are designed to give dogs a fun and engaging way to explore and play instead of waiting in line for treats. By providing purposeful tasks and sensory experiences, the enrichment stations help dogs stay comfortable, calm, and mentally stimulated—especially helpful for dogs who may be more reactive or easily overwhelmed in busy environments. Participants can let their dogs enjoy a moment of engagement and decompression while still being part of the event experience.

What to expect:

• A scenic 1.9-mile loop hike at White Lake State Park (mostly flat, ~26 ft elevation gain) with peaceful winter lake views, mountain backdrop, and plenty of natural sniffing opportunities
• A maple sugaring presentation at the Brooks Family Sugar House, where the family has been harvesting sap since the 1930s
• Enrichment activity stations for dogs, thoughtfully designed and led by Lucas, offering sensory engagement and purposeful tasks to support calm, confidence, and decompression
• A private tasting for humans and dogs, featuring maple syrup on ice cream, pancakes, donuts, and cookies—plus dog-safe maple treats (goodies subject to change)
• Maple syrup and other goodies available for purchase to take home

This sweet winter adventure is a relaxed, enrichment-focused way to move, learn, and enjoy a New England tradition—together.

IS THIS EVENT GOOD FOR REACTIVE DOGS?
Reactive Dog Level 2. See our Comfort Chart for explanation. Yes, we feel reactive dogs would be comfortable at this event. The trail at White Lake State Park is wider in most places with room to step off trail and let others pass depending on snow depth. This is a popular trail and we may see other dogs hiking with their people depending on temps and conditions. There will be plenty of room to spread out at the sugar house. If you have concerns or questions about if this event is right for your dog, please email woof@goldendognh.com for assistance.

TRAIL RATING:
The 1.9 mile White Lake State Park loop trail is rated as Level 1 Stroll. See an explanation of our Trail Rating System. We do not know what to expect for trail conditions with the snow and ice so the hike location and/or length is subject to change depending on conditions.

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

• Members – $35/person Your special pricing will be reflected in the CART.
• Non-members – $50/person
• Includes tastings for canines and humans at Brooks Family Sugar House.

NOTE: White Lake State Park charges a $5 use fee in peak season, but it looks like they do not charge in the winter. Full refund issued if cancellation received 48 hours prior to event start time, otherwise no refund if canceled after.

DIRECTIONS/PARKING:
White Lake State Park is located at 94 State Park Road in Tamworth, NH. Additional details will be emailed to guests 24 hours prior to the adventure.

Brooks Family Sugar House is located at 427 Eaton Road in Freedom, 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 other factors 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. If you are registered for this event, you will also receive an email about the cancellation.

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