Ready to get some fresh air and exercise with your favorite workout buddy? Looking for the best dog-friendly parks in Raleigh? We've got the list for you!
Ok, Raleigh… it's time to get outdoors and have some fun with your furbaby! Whether you're new to the area, or you've lived here your whole life, we want to help you find the best places in and around the city to take your sweet pup for some fun, dog-friendly activities.
If you're looking for a chill, relaxing activity like eating out on a pet-friendly patio at a local restaurant, click here for the best dog-friendly restaurants in Raleigh, NC. You and your pup will both love the relaxing atmosphere and delicious food at these great eateries and bars. And if you're already living the dream in Raleigh with your precious pup and need a little extra support, click here to find out about all of the best local pet care professionals in town. We'll help you find the best dog walkers, cat sitters, and pet groomers around.
But if you're ready to hit the parks… let's check out this list!
Best Parks, Dog Parks, and Off-Leash Areas in Raleigh, NC:
- Apex Nature Park
- Ashley Wilder Dog Park
- Buffaloe Road Dog Park
- Carolina Pines Community Dog Park
- Dorothea Dix Dog Park
- Durant Nature Preserve
- Flaherty Dog Park
- Hawthorne Bark Park
- Jaycee Dog Run
- Kiwanis Park Dog Run
- Millbrook Exchange Dog Park
- Northgate Dog Park
- Oakwood Dog Park
- Piney Wood Dog Park
Apex Nature Park — 2600 Evans Rd, Apex, NC, US, 27502
Apex Nature Park is a public, dog-friendly park with nature trails, picnic areas, disc golf, and of course… its very own dog park. The dog park is 2 acres in size and fully fenced-in so that dogs can run off-leash. Waste stations and water stations are provided, plus benches, gazebos, and plenty of lights for evening playtime.
Ashley Wilder Dog Park — Wilder Nursery Trail, Knightdale, NC 27545
Ashley Wilder Dog Park is a very clean and well-maintained off-leash dog park. It has lots of shade trees to keep your pup cool in the summer. And lots of big rocks to jump or climb on for the more active dogs. This dog park is entirely fenced-in, and there is a water station just outside of the gate. This is an excellent place for your pup to play with new puppy friends.
Buffaloe Road Dog Park — 5900 Buffaloe Road, Raleigh, NC 27604
Buffaloe Road Dog Park is a fenced-in, off-leash dog park where your canine can run and play all day! It has wood chips for the ground covering, plus plenty of shade trees and benches for the humans to enjoy. It also has two separate sections—one for the small dogs, and one for the large dogs. And there are water stations provided for both dogs and humans.
Carolina Pines Community Dog Park — 2305 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh, NC 27603
Carolina Pines Community Dog Park is a fully fenced-in, off-leash dog park with two separate fenced-in areas. One is for larger dogs, and the other is for smaller or more timid dogs. The ground covering used is wood chips, and there's even a dog climbing platform. On top of that, there are plenty of large shade trees, plus picnic tables and benches. And there is a water station provided for the pups.
Dorothea Dix Dog Park — 801 Biggs Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603
Dix Park is a massive, 308-acre park that offers plenty of space for dogs to roam. The park is unique because it hosts regular events, including dog-friendly concerts and festivals. It also has beautiful views of the Raleigh skyline. Dogs need to be on leash in the great park area but Dix Dog Park is a 3+ acre dog park for the whole community to enjoy. The Dix Dog Park is located in the greater park area. There is plenty of grass and shade trees. And this fully fenced-in dog park has separate sections for small and large dogs to play and run off-leash. Or you can walk around the rest of the park with your dog on-leash.Durant Nature Preserve — 8305 Camp Durant Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614
Durant Nature Preserve stands out with its five miles of trails where dogs are welcome on-leash. This park is perfect for nature-loving dogs and their owners, offering a peaceful retreat from city life. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, making every walk an adventure.
Flaherty Dog Park — 1226 N White St. Wake Forest, NC 27587
The Flaherty Dog Park is a 2-acre dog park with lots of green grass and rolling hills. This dog park is entirely fenced-in with plentiful parking, plus water stations and waste stations provided. The park is always clean and well-maintained, and you can take your pup for a stroll around the pond on the walking trail.
Hawthorne Bark Park — 8224 Green Lantern St, Raleigh, NC 27613
Hawthorne Bark Park is a small fenced-in dog park within an apartment complex. It is an off-leash area where your pup can run around in a small, quiet setting. Typically your dog will have the space to themselves—so it's a great spot to sneak off to if your pup gets anxious around other dogs.
Jaycee Dog Run — 2405 Wade Ave., Raleigh, NC 27607
Jaycee Dog Run is a fenced-in dog run for canines to play off-leash. The ground covering used is wood chips, and there are plenty of benches and shade trees. Outside of the fence, this park also provides walking paths, athletic fields, a playground, a community center, and even a Daylily Garden. It's the perfect park for the whole family!
Kiwanis Park Dog Run — 2525 Noble Road, Raleigh, NC 27608
The Kiwanis Neighborhood Center provides its guests with the Kiwanis Park Dog Run. This fenced-in, off-leash dog run uses wood chips as its ground covering and offers plenty of benches, plus waste stations for you to easily clean up after your pooch. It's a great place to kick back and relax while your sweet dog gets to run around and get out all that extra energy.
Millbrook Exchange Dog Park — 1905 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27615
Millbrook Exchange Dog Park actually has three separate fenced-in areas for dogs to play off-leash. One space is for large, playful dogs. One space is for small, shy, or older dogs. And the third space is for any dog to join in and play together. This dog park has excellent lighting for later evening play. Plus, kiddie pools for the dogs to splash and cool off on those hot summer days.
Northgate Dog Park — 400 W Lavender Ave, Durham, NC 27704
Northgate Dog Park is located within the larger Northgate Park. It's a fenced-in, off-leash area for dogs to run around and get some much-needed exercise. This park does include separate fenced-in areas for small and large dogs. Plus benches, water stations, and grassy ground cover. Just keep in mind that dog tags are required before entering.
Oakwood Dog Park — 910 Brookside Drive, Raleigh, NC 27604
Oakwood Dog Park is a 12.7-acre off-leash dog park. It is entirely fenced-in and has separate areas for both small and large dogs to play. This dog park has wood chip ground covering, plus lots of natural shade from the trees to help you and your pup stay cool. It also provides a water station for the dogs and benches for the humans. With so many trees, you'll feel like you're in the middle of the woods. This park is always clean, well-maintained, and there are plenty of doggy friends to play with.
Piney Wood Dog Park — 400 E Woodcroft Pkwy, Durham, NC 27713
Piney Wood Dog Park is a very spacious dog park with more than enough room for your canine to run and play. There are separate sections for small and large dogs, and water stations to keep your dog cool and hydrated. You can enjoy sitting in the shade from the trees while your dog runs off that excess energy with the other friendly pups. This park is well-maintained and well-loved by the locals. And the Piney Wood Park at large has amenities like playgrounds, sports fields, and covered picnic areas. So when you visit, make sure to bring the whole family!
Looking to get some exercise with your dog in Raleigh?
Now that you've read about all the best dog parks and off-leash areas in Raleigh, you'll have more than enough things to do and places to go with your furry best friend. Now it's time to pick up your pup, hit the parks, and enjoy!
