No — dogs are not allowed
No dogs at Duke Farms — anywhere, any season. The property's own visitor guidelines say: "Pets are not permitted at Duke Farms," for the safety and well-being of the wildlife on site. There is no exception for the car park, the Farm Barn, the Orientation Center or the trails, and no dog-friendly days or events. Trained ADA service animals are welcome (up to two per visitor, leashed or harnessed). If you want a walk in the same area, Duke Island Park a few miles away in Bridgewater is run by the Somerset County Park Commission and does allow leashed dogs — the similar name catches people out, so check which one you're heading to.
Where dogs ARE allowed
Nowhere on the property. Checked and found no exception for the parking lot, the Farm Barn, the Orientation Center, the trails, or any seasonal or event carve-out. The only animals permitted are ADA-defined trained service animals (capped at two per visitor, leashed/harnessed/tethered unless the handler's disability prevents it) — and a service animal is not a pet, so this is not a loophole for dog owners.
Managed by Duke Farms Foundation (private non-profit; Hillsborough Township, Somerset County NJ). Official pet policy. Checked against that page in August 2026.
We publish this because finding out at the trailhead is worse than finding out here. Rules change — check before a long drive.