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1. What lands are open to the public for passive and active recreation?

Dover has open space for recreation owned by

• The Commonwealth of Massachusetts / Massachusetts Horticultural Society (Elm Bank Reservation)
• Conservation Commission
• Dover Land Conservation Trust
• Hale Reservation
• Parks and Recreation
• The Town of Dover
• The Trustees of Reservations

More information can be found on their websites and on our Outdoor Recreation page.

2. How can I access the Charles River for boating?

Dover has two boat launching sites: 

• The Bridge Street Boat Landing 
• The Riverside Drive Site

3. Where can I walk my dog?

Different properties have different rules about dogs. Please check the individual property websites for more information.

4. Are there biking rules in Dover?

There are no biking lanes on Dover’s streets. View the state bicycle laws. The Conservation Commission and the Parks and Recreation Department have information on off-road biking.

5. How do I protect my land?

There are many conservation options. MassWoods and Land Conservation Options (PDF) are a good place to start .

6. Where can I ride my horse?

There are many trails available in Dover. Go to Noanet Woodlands, Wylde Woods or the Norfolk Hunt Club.

7. Is hunting allowed in Dover?

Dover’s by-laws, specifically C. 109, speak to hunting regulations within the Town of Dover.

No person shall fire or discharge any firearm within the limits of any park, playground or other public property, except with the consent of the Board of Selectmen, or hunt, trap, fire or discharge any firearm on any private property, except with the written consent, to be in the person’s possession, of the owner or legal occupant thereof.

This by-law serves to prohibit all hunting, regardless of the weapon used, on all public lands of the town. Conversely, it allows hunting only on private property provided, however, the person engaged in hunting has the written permission of the landowner or person in lawful control of the property on his/her person while so engaged.

Commonwealth Laws

In addition to local by-laws, Massachusetts has several statutes and regulations dealing with possession and carrying of firearms. Also on the books of the Commonwealth are a whole host of statutes and regulations that govern hunting in Massachusetts. Anyone, even with written permission, hunting upon private lands in Dover must also conform to the strict State laws and regulations addressing these issues.