Dog walking in Columbus

Green Fields

The Foothills Equestrian Nature Center is a great spot to let Fido roam around and explore. The site usually houses horse and has equestrian events, but it is also filled with great trails, streams, ponds, and woods for Fido to explore. The nature center is 384-acres of hardwood forest, meadows, and wetlands, which gives your dog a quiet area to explore. The two of you can watch for birds, or stay until it is dark and watch the stars. The trail near the nature center is six miles long and features a hard-paved surface for people that are physically challenged. 

Tryon Town Center

The Book Shelf is four miles out of Columbus in Tryon, and the perfect spot to get a little shopping done with Fido by your side. This small independent bookstore offers books in a variety of subjects, and welcomes your pup to wander around the store with you. After a fun day out shopping, head into Huckleberry's Tryon and grab a bite to eat. Huckleberry's serves everything from lobster tolls to sloppy Joe waffles. They have a BYOB (bring your own beer) policy, and best of all, they offer a menu specially catered to your pup. 

Lone Ridge

Up in the mountains of nearby Saluda is the Pulliam Creek Trail. This pawsome trail is great to go on an adventure with your pup by your side. The trail is 6.5-miles, is moderately difficult, and generally takes about three hours to complete in full, so be aware of the time if you want a shorter walk. The trail will take you by a river that Fido can splash around in, but make sure to keep him on leash when hiking. The trail is also known to be used for hunting between September and May, so throw some orange on Fido so he will be seen. Don't forget your water and clean-up bags.

Mill Spring

Mill Springs is a great area to take Fido to for a fun day out exploring and hiking. Only four miles out of Columbus, your dog will love visiting the Polk County Recreation Complex which is filled with awesome trails for you and Fido to hike. Besides great trails, the Polk County Recreational Complex is the most comprehensive recreation area in the county, featuring three ball fields, a walking path, two picnic shelters, a large playground, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a connection to Laughter Pond. Make sure to keep your furry pal on a leash while visiting this public area.

Greater Saluda

If you and Fido are up for a fun hike, then head over to the Norman Wilder Forest in Saluda, which is only nine miles out of Columbus. There are a total of five trails that you and Fido can explore together while visiting the forest, all ranging in length from two to three miles. The 185-acre forest is also home to numerous wildflowers, birds, and mammals, so watch where you are when hiking to make sure the wildlife around you isn't disturbed. The trails range from easy to strenuous, so there are trails for all different kinds of hikers. Make sure to bring water with you while you hike, and be sure to clean-up after your pup.