Dog walking in Vian

North Vian

Head up to Vian City Lake, north of the Vian town centre, for a puptastic three-mile trail walk. The pet-friendly asphalt trail is suitable for biking or walking and features a swinging bridge, boat ramp, and fishing pier. The walk takes you around the lake and through the bushland, with two covered picnic areas and numerous benches along the way for rests. There are restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. You will need to pack your own water and a doggie drinking bowl for your walk. This area is free to enjoy with your pet, but keep him leashed and pick up after him to keep the area clean for others

South Vian

Pets are welcome to enjoy the Sequoya National Wildlife Refuge in the southern section of Vian, provided they are leashed at all times. This refuge has two trails your pup will love walking with you, each around a mile in length. The Horton Slough Trail overlooks the Sally Jones Lake and takes you through the forest and into the wetlands, where you can rest on the benches at the overlook and enjoy the view. The Sandtown Nature Trail is a paved walk with views across the delta of the Arkansas and Canadian Rivers that takes you into the bottomland hardwoods. Keep watch for the abundance of wildlife here, including bald eagles, bobcats and the occasional armadillo. Stick to the trails at all times, bring water and food and take any waste out with you.

Webbers Falls

A 10-mile drive east of Vian is the Webbers Falls Historic City Park, situated on the picturesque Arkansas River. Bring your pet for a walk along the water’s edge, or have a play on the expanse of grass at the park. There is a playground here to help keep the kids amused, or bring a hand line or fishing rod and try your luck off the pier while your pooch relaxes by your side. After all that activity, head to the picnic area and have a bite to eat as you sit watching the barges cruise up and down the river carrying goods to other riverside towns on the Arkansas. If you would like to spend a little longer over at Webbers Falls, you can camp at the park as well.

Sallisaw Centre

An 11-mile drive east of Vian to nearby Sallisaw is the Sallisaw City Park, also known as the Jay Reynolds Park. Grab the lead and take your pooch for a walk around the paved trail at a distance of just under a mile (1.5 times around the track equals one mile). There is plenty of open grass to spread out for a picnic, or set up at the shelter and make a day of it. The kids will love the playground equipment and 18-hole disc golf course at Sallisaw City Park. It is just a short walk into the town of Sallisaw, where you will find a variety of shops to check out and places to grab some food, such as Maria’s Mexican Restaurante.

North Sallisaw

The Brushy Lake Park in Sallisaw is an 18-mile drive northeast of Vian, via the town of Sallisaw. The 90-acre park sits in the scenic woods of the Cookson Hills and offers a host of day-use recreation opportunities and camp facilities. Pets are permitted throughout the park and in the campgrounds, but must remain leashed at all times. There are two trails to explore that take you around either side of the lake, and many more places to take a walk around the picnic areas. Grills, tables and shelters are available for use, and the campsite has bathrooms and water. A fee station is located at the entrance to the park, so check in here on your way in.