Dog walking in Athens

Brookwood Forest

Brookwood Forest is a dense residential community on the east side of the city's downtown area. Inside the area is Big Spring Park, a lush open area surrounded by homes and offering space to run, play or just walk around in. Aside from the open space, there are paved trails crisscrossing over the park that connect to fenced-in tennis courts, a pavilion, a playground, a pond, restrooms, water fountains, benches, and clean-up stations. For more space to play in, head to the Robert Beaty Historic District, an open field that has a pond and picnic tables. Dogs do not have to be on a leash inside this park, but remember to bring water and clean-up bags.

Pinedale Acres

Pinedale Acres is a residential and retail community, with homes and a small shopping district. Christopher Park is the main attraction for most residents, thanks to its grassy field and paved path to walk on. The trail dog-friendly to leashed pups and is right next to an open creek, with benches along the way. Trinity Park offers even more space to play in. Although fenced-in, dogs are still required to stay on a leash when playing in the park, and can enjoy amenities like a pavilion, a playground, basketball courts, water fountains, picnic tables, and enclosed tennis courts.

Athens State U/ Route 31

The neighborhood of Athens State University and Route 31 is on the northeast side of the city, and home to residential homes and the city's college. Right on the edge of the neighborhood is Athens Sportsplex, a recreational park with additional open space around the fields. There are 8 fenced-in baseball fields, a playground, a pavilion, and .9 miles of paved walkways. Leashed dogs are welcome inside the park and even in the fenced-in fields to play, as long as no teams are playing. Additionally, pups and humans can find water fountains, clean-up stations, restrooms, benches, nighttime lights, and trash bins available.

Poplar Creek

Poplar Creek is a rural community on the north side of the city, that sits right on the edge of the convergence of Elk River into the Tennessee River. The neighborhood is mostly taken up by the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, which boasts a whopping 35,000 acres of thick forests, swamps, and open fields. Trails cover the park, ranging from 200-foot natural trails to 2.5 gravel trails, that also connect to paved and boardwalk portions with access to amenities like picnic tables, benches, and trash bins. Dogs must remain under their owner's control at all times, and bring water and clean-up bags.

Nolan Hills

Nolan Hills is a dense residential community 16.3 miles from Athens, in the city of Madison, Alabama. Residents and visitors coming to the neighborhood will love taking their pup to Dublin Park, a small recreational park with fields, open space, and picnic areas. Whether you're picnicking, walking on the paved trails, or playing in the soccer fields, enclosed tennis courts, and baseball fields, you and Fido will have fun during the experience. Additionally, you and your pup can find water fountains, restrooms, ponds for fishing, water fountains, clean-up stations, and benches. The park is open to humans and dogs from 5:30 AM to 9 PM, but requires dogs to remain on a leash at all times.