North Jeffersontown

Just north of downtown, Skyview Park has athletic facilities and an awesome splash pad in summer. The walking trails that connect the ballfields and veer off into the woods give your pup plenty of room to roam. Even better, though, Skyview connects to the longest completed segment of Jeffersontown’s Gaslight Recreational Trail System. When finished, the system will connect the parks, sidewalks, and shopping areas throughout the community so you can leave the wheels at home and run your errands on paw. For now, the trail loops through Skyview Park, crosses over Chenoweth Run Creek, and extends east past Tregaron Avenue, and work has already begun on new segments to the north and south. At trail’s end, you can continue your walk up Tregaron on the sidewalks in this charming mid-century neighborhood of ranch homes. 

Easom Rd/Chenowith Run

Just south of the town limits, Charlie Vettiner Park is Jeffersontown’s premier doggy destination and nearest dog park. With a gazebo, benches, and separate fenced areas for big and little pups, Vettiner Dog Park is a comfortable place to drop the leash and let your hair (or fur) down. Membership in the Louisville Dog Run Association and proof of vaccination are required; you can apply and pay the small membership fee at any Feeders Pet Supply store. Vettiner Park has almost 300 acres to explore on-leash, too. Sniff out some fun at the athletic facilities, challenge your doggo to a game of disc golf, or just take a stroll on the walking path. In winter, check out the sledding hill and find out if your pack has a knack for mushing. The affluent subdivisions that surround the park can extend your walk on well-kept sidewalks. 

Hopewell

Fisherville

Only 7 miles from Jeffersontown, Beckley Creek Park is a veritable puppy paradise located just north of the Fisherville neighborhood along the Floyd's Fork River. First stop is Barklands, Beckley Creek’s off-leash dog park. Membership in the Louisville Dog Run Association is required to use the park, but your membership for Vettiner Dog Park gets you entrance at Beckley and several other Louisville dog parks as well. Barklands offers three one-acre fenced runs, plus water and waste stations. The entrance is marked by four yellow fire hydrants at the north end of the 22 acre Egg Lawn — which is also a great spot for a snooze in the sunshine or a quick game of fetch. A paved path circles the lawn, just one of 10 hiking paths available in Bleckley Creek including a 4-mile stretch of the Louisville Loop. 

Whipps Millgate

Just 8 miles north of Jeffersontown, EP Tom Sawyer State Park in the Whipps Millgate neighborhood of Louisville is a pawfect place to spend the afternoon. At 539 acres, Tom Sawyer gives you space to stretch your legs. The fenced off-leash dog run in the northeastern corner will really get your pups begging for more. The park’s two trails — the 1-mile Fitness Trail and 1.25-mile Goose Creek Trail — are both located in the southwestern section. Still have energy to burn? The small but pretty Hounz Lane Park is located along Goose Creek due west of Tom Sawyer. Due east is the Anchorage Trail, an easy and scenic 2.1-mile loop. Or, just hit the streets! The affluent subdivisions that surround Tom Sawyer State Park are all extremely walkable with sidewalks leading past manicured yards and impressive homes.