Dog walking in Hartwell

Tugaloo Point

Head further north, about 30 minutes, and you'll hit one of the northernmost points in the state. This is where you'll find Tugaloo State Park, which offers furrific views of Lake Hartwell running between South Carolina and Georgia. Here, you’ll be in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with a spectacular view of over 55,000 acres of water and extensive woodlands. You can even book a pup-friendly cottage for a private overnight experience! While you are here, you and your family – fur-kids included – can take advantage of the 4 miles of hiking trails and fishing opportunities around the lake. Dogs must be leashed at all times here.

King Hall Mill Road

Is your pup the adventurous type that likes to join you on rugged adventures instead of laying on the couch at home? Then a trip to the Sandbar on the Broad River is an absolute must for your furry friend! Grab a couple of life-jackets (the park recommends all pups wear one, too) and a paddle and load up your cooler for a 5-mile kayak ride down the river. Food and drinks are available on the Sandbar, and you may even meet other groups with dogs. Plus, the Sandbar is less than 20 miles out from Hartwell, so it can be the pawfect summer afternoon activity.

Woodland Hills

Athens is home to one of the most popular dog parks in the area: the Memorial Dog Park. Located in the city park of the same name, this 1.5-acre park is situated just on the other side of the park’s lake. The bark park is free to the public and has direct access to Woodland Hills Drive, which lends its name to the residential community that runs through it. Woodland Hills is a charming neighborhood sandwiched between Memorial Park and Oconee Forest Park, which has tons of trails to explore. The area is ideal for pups that pre-fur the great outdoors, and want more than a walk around the block.

North Athens

Before you head into the congested city center of Athens, stop on the northern end of town where Sandy Creek Park is. It sits on the edge of Dam Number 10, which is used for water sports by locals during warm seasons.  Pet parents, however, frequent the park for another reason: it has not one, but four dog parks that you can use! If you prefer a free experience, stick to the main dog park. It is 1.5 acres and is open to the public. The other three parks are private, and you can rent them for as little as $1 per hour, per dog.

Northeast Elberton

Looking for the pawfect place to play a game of disc golf? Look no further than the Richard B. Russell State Park, which sits on 2,508 acres of land, just off the shore of Russell Lake. Bring your boat, kayak, or fishing lines and spend a day by the water with Fido at your feet. Or, pack an overnight bag and settle in at one of the pet-friendly campgrounds around the park. The lake, which is a whopping 26,650 acres, is a spectacular background for sunsets by the water; plus, there are many hiking trails to explore. Remember to keep Fido on a lead that's 6 feet or shorter and always keep a watchful eye when in the park!