Merritt's Pasture
A beloved open pasture and off-leash dog haven, offering scenic walks and natural beauty, especially in the fall.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Merritt's Pasture
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved open pasture and off-leash dog haven, offering scenic walks and natural beauty, especially in the fall.
"Great place for dogs and relaxing, but be prepared for the walk from the trailhead! "
Park at Morgan Creek Trailhead
Don't rely on Google Maps for direct entry. Park here and walk the greenway. :world_map:
Bring a blanket or chair
Perfect for lounging in the sun or enjoying a picnic. :blanket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Open Pasture
Central area
Vast, sun-drenched field perfect for picnics, relaxing, or letting dogs roam freely.
Morgan Creek Trailhead Access
Adjacent to pasture
The primary access point, offering a pleasant walk to the main pasture area.
Seasonal Foliage
Surrounding trees
Beautiful leaf-peeping opportunities, especially in the fall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to Merritt's Pasture
Off-Leash Dog Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Park at Morgan Creek Trailhead
Don't rely on Google Maps for direct entry. Park here and walk the greenway. :world_map:
Bring a blanket or chair
Perfect for lounging in the sun or enjoying a picnic. :blanket:
Recs needed
Best Place to Walk & See the Leaves??
Be tick-aware
Check for ticks after your visit, especially during warmer months. :bug:
Respect off-leash dogs
This is an off-leash park; ensure your dog is well-behaved. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
Park at Morgan Creek Trailhead
Don't rely on Google Maps for direct entry. Park here and walk the greenway. :world_map:
Bring a blanket or chair
Perfect for lounging in the sun or enjoying a picnic. :blanket:
Be tick-aware
Check for ticks after your visit, especially during warmer months. :bug:
Respect off-leash dogs
This is an off-leash park; ensure your dog is well-behaved. :dog:
Mini-session spot
Popular for photographers, especially in the fall. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Merritt's Pasture for its beautiful open fields, making it an ideal spot for off-leash dogs and relaxing in nature. However, many express significant frustration with the difficulty of finding parking and the confusing access points, often requiring a lengthy walk from an alternative trailhead.
"Beautiful park - very well kept and a great place to walk your dog off leash! Be mindful that the one star reviews are because people seem to dislike the off leash dogs, however, off leash dogs are allowed here. Here's Lore at the park. Very well behaved. Kept to himself and moved aside for humans - just like he was trained to do!"
sandra.s. “Sandra”
"NO PLACE TO PARK!!!
My wife and I got in the van with three of our collies looking forward to a nice walk because the reviews were so good about this park. We drove 45 minutes to get to there, dogs were very patient about it .Google maps shows to enter at a cul-de-sac. You’d have to trespass through people’s property to get to to Merritt’s pasture. We then drove around for 15 minutes looking everywhere trying to find out how to get in. finally gave up even looking at east bound Fordham Boulevard to get in at the Morgan Creek trailhead. But that looked like a mile walk to get to Merritt’s pasture.
If you’re gonna have a nice park and pave the path, please put signs up and keep it relatively easy for people to park.
I blame Google maps for not having a good Entrance point to this park. But people have to realize that you can’t access Merritt’s pasture if you look at Google maps. you have to park at Morgan Creek tail head & I think it’s like 3/4 or a mile walk to get to Merritt pasture from where you can park legally!
so that’s why I’m giving it a one star review very disappointed very upset 45 minute ride - 15 minutes looking around for a place to park
- just very frustrated.And so were the dogs!"
Sal Panettieri
"Went on Morgan Trail for a light walk but I ended up getting adventurous and continuing the Loop trail around the Pasture. It was a great way to start the weekend and you hardly run into other people. I'm so glad i live only a few minutes away from this haven."
Fei NicoNico
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most reliable way to access Merritt's Pasture is by parking at the Morgan Creek Trailhead. From there, follow the greenway path, cross over 15-501, and you'll reach the pasture. Direct navigation via Google Maps can be misleading and may lead to trespassing issues.
Direct parking at Merritt's Pasture is often problematic and not clearly marked. It's highly recommended to use the designated parking at the Morgan Creek Trailhead and enjoy the walk to the pasture.
The walk from Morgan Creek Trailhead to Merritt's Pasture is approximately 3/4 to 1 mile along a pleasant greenway path. It's a scenic route that adds to the overall experience.
While Fordham Boulevard is nearby, direct access from there can be confusing. The Morgan Creek Trailhead is the most consistently recommended entry point for a clear and legal path to the pasture.
Information on public transport access is limited. Given the parking challenges and the nature of the location, driving and parking at Morgan Creek Trailhead is the most practical option for most visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Merritt's Pasture is a public park and does not require an entrance ticket. It's a free-to-access natural space.
As a natural pasture, there are no official opening or closing hours. Visitors can typically access it during daylight hours.
Yes, Merritt's Pasture is very dog-friendly and is a popular spot for off-leash dogs. Ensure your dog is well-behaved and under voice control.
The primary expectation is that dogs are well-behaved and remain under voice control, as it's an off-leash area. Owners are responsible for their pets.
Yes, Merritt's Pasture is a popular location for photographers, especially for mini-sessions during the fall. You can book sessions with local photographers.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy leisurely walks, let your dogs run off-leash, have picnics, relax in the open field, and enjoy the natural scenery, especially the fall foliage.
Yes, it's a great place for walking, with the added benefit of the walk from Morgan Creek Trailhead. The pasture itself offers open space to roam.
There are no specific facilities like restrooms directly within Merritt's Pasture. Visitors should plan accordingly and use facilities at the Morgan Creek Trailhead if available.
The pasture itself is a large, open, grassy field. The walk from Morgan Creek Trailhead is on a maintained greenway path.
Crowd levels can vary. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, while weekend afternoons and evenings can see more visitors, especially dog walkers.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Fall is particularly popular for its vibrant foliage.
The expansive open field, surrounding trees with seasonal colors, and natural light create a picturesque setting for portraits and landscape photography.
There are no explicit photography restrictions mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and their privacy.
Family portraits, engagement photos, and pet photography are very popular, especially during the fall mini-session season.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local FAA guidelines and any posted park rules before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid larger crowds and have more space for your family to enjoy. The natural setting is a refreshing change from indoor activities, and the simple beauty of the pasture can be captivating for younger visitors.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to check for ticks after your visit, especially during warmer months. The walk from Morgan Creek Trailhead is a good warm-up for your canine companion.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) provides the most flattering light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Access and Parking
Many reviews highlight the frustration of not finding parking directly at the pasture. This is a crucial piece of information for planning your visit. The landowners surrounding the pasture have set up this access through the Morgan Creek Trailhead, and respecting this arrangement is key to enjoying the space.
The Off-Leash Dog Experience
For dog owners, it's essential to ensure your pet is also well-behaved and responsive to your commands. This helps maintain the harmonious environment that makes Merritt's Pasture a beloved spot for many. Always supervise your dog and be mindful of other park users.
Seasonal Beauty and Photography Opportunities
Beyond fall, the open pasture itself provides a serene setting for picnics and relaxation. During warmer months, it's a great spot to simply lay in the sun.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit