Leash up at Atlanta's Top Dog-Friendly Parks and Trails
Biking with your furry friends can be a fun and exciting way to spend time together while exploring the outdoors. Atlanta, renowned for its stunning parks and welcoming atmosphere for pets, presents a plethora of biking paths suitable for enjoying with or without your beloved animal companions. In this guide, we will explore some of the best pet-friendly walking and biking trails in Atlanta, as well as off-leash dog parks to let loose and run wild.
PATHS + PARKS
Piedmont Park - Midtown
Vast Recreational Space: Piedmont Park offers an expansive area with well-maintained lawns, providing ample space for dogs to run, play fetch, and socialize with other dogs.
Dog-Friendly Areas: The park features dedicated off-leash areas where dogs can interact freely, ensuring a safe and controlled environment for play. See below for information about the Piedmont Dog Park.
Scenic Views: Situated in the heart of Atlanta, the park provides picturesque views of the city skyline, creating a stunning backdrop for leisurely walks and playtime with dogs.
Amenities for Dogs: In addition to the dog park, Piedmont Park includes water stations, waste disposal stations, and benches, catering to the comfort and convenience of both dogs and their owners.
BeltLine Eastside Trail - Midtown
City Vibrancy: The Eastside Trail of the BeltLine presents a picturesque and versatile urban pathway, traversing vibrant neighborhoods in Atlanta. It offers an array of captivating scenery, making it an ideal spot for walking dogs.
Access to Dog-Friendly Businesses: Along the BeltLine, you'll find a range of dog-friendly restaurants, cafes, and shops that often offer water bowls, treats, and outdoor seating to accommodate both dogs and their owners.
Along this Trail, there is easy access to Historic Fourth Ward Park, which offers a looped, serene atmosphere with a water fountain, playground and children's splash pad among the city's hustle and bustle.
Freedom Park Linear Trail and Park - Old 4th Ward
Linear Pathway: The Freedom Park Linear Trail offers a scenic paved pathway perfect for dog walks, jogs and bike rides, providing an opportunity for both exercise and leisurely strolls.
Green Spaces: The park area along the trail features open grassy areas, making it suitable for on-leash dog activities and picnics.
Community Hub: The park's connection to the popular Freedom Park and nearby neighborhoods fosters a sense of community engagement.
BeltLine Westside Trail - West End
Historic Charm: The BeltLine Westside Trail offers an urban pathway with a unique blend of industrial history and modern amenities.
Leash-Friendly: Dogs are welcome on leashes, allowing them to accompany their owners while exploring the trail's diverse neighborhoods, art installations, and local businesses.
Mural Art: The trail is adorned with vibrant murals and public art.
Westside Park Path and Proctor Creek Greenway - West End
Greenspace and Pathways: Westside Park offers a mix of paved paths and natural trails that weave through green spaces, providing a peaceful setting for on-leash dog walks and bike rides with rolling hills.
Revitalization: The Proctor Creek Greenway focuses on restoring the environment. This creates a setting where dogs and owners can enjoy a revitalized natural environment.
Morningside Nature Preserve - Midtown
Natural Beauty: Morningside Nature Preserve offers a tranquil escape with wooded trails, creeks, and native flora, allowing dogs and their owners to enjoy a peaceful and serene environment.
Off-Leash Options: The preserve features designated off-leash hours, allowing dogs to explore and play freely in select areas, creating a safe space for unconfined enjoyment.
Variety of Trails: The preserve offers a range of trails suitable for different fitness levels, catering to both leisurely strolls and more vigorous hikes alongside canine companions.
Mason Mill Park - North Decatur
Expansive Grounds: Mason Mill Park features vast green spaces and wooded areas, providing dogs ample room to roam, explore, and engage in outdoor play.
Dog-Friendly Amenities: The park offers waste stations, water fountains, and benches, ensuring convenience and comfort for both dogs and their owners.
Walking and Biking Trails: Boarded, paved and unpaved trails wind through the park, allowing for leisurely walks and on-leash dog-friendly adventures.
Grant Park
Historic Setting: Grant Park's historic charm, scenic landscapes, and proximity to the Atlanta Zoo make it a popular destination for dog owners looking to combine outdoor activities with cultural experiences.
Picnic Areas: The park offers picnic areas where dog owners can enjoy meals with their pets after walks and playtime.
Community Events: The park hosts various events throughout the year, such as festivals and art markets, providing opportunities for dogs and their owners to engage in local culture.
Oakland Cemetery - Cabbagetown
Historical Landmark: Oakland Cemetery is a unique urban cemetery and green space that invites leashed dogs to explore its historic paths, gardens, and mausoleums.
Cultural Experience: The cemetery's architecture, sculptures, and historical significance offer a distinctive backdrop for both dog walks and educational outings.
Respectful Environment: Visitors are asked to adhere to the cemetery's dog policies to ensure a respectful and peaceful atmosphere for both human visitors and their canine companions.
Lullwater Preserve at Emory University - Decatur
Tranquil Retreat: Lullwater Preserve offers a serene escape with walking and biking trails, a picturesque lake, and lush vegetation, providing a peaceful setting for dogs and their owners. Dogs are welcome on leashes.
Historic Estate: The preserve surrounds the historic Lullwater House, offering a blend of natural beauty and architectural charm for visitors to enjoy.
Visitors and their dogs can enhance their outdoor experience at the preserve through interpretive signage. This signage provides insights into the local ecosystem and the history of the area. It also offers educational opportunities.
Deepdene Park - Decatur
Quiet Retreat: Deepdene Park offers a quiet and secluded atmosphere. The park's natural trails wind through wooded areas, providing a serene environment for on-leash dog walks and explorations.
Tranquil Water Features: The presence of streams and a pond adds to the park's tranquil ambiance, offering dogs the opportunity to be close to water during their outdoor outings.
Minimal Disturbance: The park's less crowded nature ensures that dogs and their owners can enjoy a calm and undisturbed experience surrounded by the sights and sounds of the natural world.
Cochran Shoals Trail and Powers Island Trail at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area - North Atlanta
Riverside Pathway: Cochran Shoals and Powers Island Trails offers a picturesque trail that runs along the Chattahoochee River, providing a tranquil setting for dog walks and both leisure bike rides and beginner to intermediate mountain-biking sessions.
Variety of Routes: Cochran Shoals offers both paved and natural paths with varying terrain and caters to different fitness levels dogs and owners.
OFF-LEASH DOG PARKS
Piedmont Dog Park - Midtown
Piedmont Park located in Midtown is one of the most popular dog parks in Atlanta.
The park has been carefully planned to have different areas for big and small dogs, creating a peaceful setting where dogs of all sizes can interact and participate in various activities. Because of its convenient location and lively ambiance, it has become a popular meeting place for both people who live nearby and tourists.
Freedom Barkway Dog Park – Old 4th Ward
Freedom Barkway Dog Park is located in the Old 4th Ward area of Atlanta. This urban dog haven is known for its creative and colorful design, providing a unique and engaging experience for both dogs and their owners. The park features well-maintained play areas, agility equipment, and interactive elements that keep dogs mentally and physically stimulated. Its prime location near Freedom Park Trail adds to the appeal, allowing visitors to combine their dog park visit with a leisurely stroll along the trail.
Oakhurst Dog Park - Decatur
Nestled in the charming city of Decatur, Oakhurst Dog Park offers a serene and inclusive space for dogs and their owners. The park is characterized by its natural beauty, featuring mature trees, open grassy areas, and well-maintained walking paths. Oakhurst Dog Park ensures safety with secure fencing and separate areas for small and large dogs. Its location in the heart of Decatur also means that after a visit to the park, patrons can explore the local shops, eateries, and vibrant culture that the area has to offer.
Adair Dog Park - Decatur
Adair Dog Park is another great option for you and your pup to explore. Situated in the vibrant city of Decatur, it offers a cozy and intimate setting for dogs to socialize and play. This is a local favorite for greater coverage of shaded areas, providing relief for both pets and people.
Atlantic Station Dog Park - Midtown
The Atlantic Station Dog Park is a modern and urban pet haven situated in the bustling Midtown neighborhood of Atlanta. The park's sleek design incorporates artistic elements and contemporary features that complement the surrounding cityscape. The park's proximity to the Atlantic Station shopping district allows patrons to seamlessly blend dog park visits with shopping and dining experiences, making it a popular destination for urban dwellers seeking a balance between pet-friendly activities and city life.
Ormewood Dog Yard – East Atlanta
Tucked away in the East Atlanta neighborhood, the Ormewood Dog Yard provides a charming and rustic setting for dogs to frolic and enjoy nature. This dog yard differs from traditional dog parks, offering a more organic environment with a focus on off-leash play within a fenced area. The space features a mix of grassy patches, wooded sections, and natural obstacles, promoting exploration.
Glenlake Dog Park - Decatur
Glenlake Dog Park, nestled in the heart of Decatur, offers a family-friendly and community-oriented space for dogs and their owners. The park's design revolves around enhancing the bond between pets and their families, featuring open play areas, agility equipment, and seating options for relaxation. The park's location adjacent to the Glenlake Park complex allows for easy access to additional recreational facilities, making it a great destination for a day of outdoor fun and socializing
Fetch Park - multiple locations
Fetch is a chain of dog parks with multiple locations across Atlanta. These parks provide a consistent and high-quality experience for dog owners and their furry companions, known for its attention to detail, offering well-designed play areas, ample seating, and thoughtful landscaping. Each Fetch location is tailored to the specific needs and preferences of its respective community, ensuring that both dogs and their owners have access to a safe, clean, and enjoyable space. The parks also includes an area for small dogs, as well as a dog washing station and a shaded seating area. All Fetch Park locations require a membership fee and up-to-date pet vaccinations for entry.
Atlanta's diverse range of dog-friendly bike parks and trails make the city a great place to explore with your four-legged friend. Whether you're looking for a place to take your pup for a leisurely ride or a more intense trail, there is sure to be something that suits your needs. From scenic parks to challenging mountain trails, Atlanta has something for everyone. So leash up and get out there with your pup, and explore the best of Atlanta's outdoor offerings.