Dog walking in Franklinton

Flaherty Farms

You’d need to be barking mad not to bring your buddy to Flaherty Dog Park in Wake Forest! Located next to the Flaherty Park playing fields in the quiet and residential neighborhood of Flaherty Farms, there’s plenty of room in this two-acre dog run for even the most hyperactive of hounds to blow off a little steam. The park also has a separate small dog area, so your pup can play and socialize no matter their size, while more athletic animals might appreciate the thorough workout offered by the hilly terrain. Not only that, but there’s even a short walking trail by a pond! Bags and water are provided, so just bring your pooch and prepare to play!

Wake Forest Historic Area

You and your pooch are sure to find somewhere to chow down in downtown Wake Forest! Just fifteen minutes from Franklinton, this beautiful, historic area is full of furrifically Fido-friendly eateries. For a crazy good cup of coffee, consider stopping in at Wake Forest Coffee Company. Their caramel latte is the stuff of local legend, and they cater to canines outside. If seafood is your scene, take a seat at one of the outdoor tables at Backfin Crab House, and be sure to try the chargrilled oysters! Or for an excellent Italian experience, pop into La Foresta Italian Cafe and Pizzeria. They do a mean thin crust, and wagging tails are welcome at their outdoor tables.

Falls Lake Ventures

Falls Lake State Recreation Area is just under a thirty-minute drive from Franklinton, and this fabulous dog-friendly preserve is a real mutts-visit! The recreation is best known for its beach -- unfortunately, though, dogs aren’t allowed in the swimming area. Not to worry -- you’ll find a couple of trails with fantastic views of the lake, as well as a couple of other routes ideal for you and your buddy to sniff and explore. The Mountains to Sea trail in particular is well worth a wander -- the path is rated moderate and well shaded by gorgeous mature trees. There’s a good six-mile trek inside the preserve itself, but the actual route runs for sixty-six miles from -- well, from the mountains to the sea. Best of all, the path is open to foot traffic only, so there’s no need to look out for speeding cyclists!

Oxford Loop/Williamsboro

Make no bones about it, a trip to Hix Dog Park in Oxford is sure to leave your pooch one happy hound! The dog run might not be the largest in the area, but there’s still plenty of room for your little tearaway to run around and tire themselves out in. Like the park in Wake Forest, there’s a separate area for small dogs, and tired owners are sure to appreciate the ample seating. Not only that, but the park is well-shaded by mature trees, so you can let your pup leap about to their heart’s content without worrying about them overheating in the summer sun. All you need in terms of waste bags and water is provided on-site, so all you need to do is BYOB (Bring Your Own Beast)!