Dog walking in Buena Vista

Southwest Lexington

Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden in Lexington is nine miles northwest of Buena Vista, and a lovely place to take your pup for a day out. The 15-acre park is home to a nature centre with beautifully manicured gardens that boast a huge array of plants, wildlife and art to admire as you pass through. There are two short trail walks through Pioneer Forest, plus a fun Children’s Play Trail for the little ones. Other highlights include the Fairy Forest and the Big Chair, perfect spots for a family photo! Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the garden.

Natural Bridge

Sixteen miles southwest of Buena Vista is Natural Bridge, where you will find The Natural Bridge State Park with six miles of trails around the impressive 15-foot tall naturally formed limestone bridge. The Cedar Creek Trail is one of the best, at two miles long this trail offers an easy walk with views of a waterfall as a reward. There is a small admission fee to the park, but on site there are restrooms, a gift shop, a living history museum and beautiful areas to stop for a packed lunch. Dogs are permitted here but must remain leashed. Always clean up after your pet when out and about. If you are looking for a place to eat with your pet by your side, there are three restaurants at the Natural Bridge Hotel and Conference Centre that allow your dog to sit by you at one of the outdoor tables; The Red Fox Tavern, The Colonial Dining Room and the Archway Deli.

East Lexington

For something a little different, why not take your pup to the movies? Head up to Lexington’s Hull’s Drive In and relax in the comfort of your own car while you and Fido kick back and enjoy the latest blockbuster. A concession stand sells all your favourite movie snacks, plus a range of hot food such as hamburgers, corn dogs and toasted sandwiches. Hull’s loves dogs and will even give your buddy a treat at the gate! After your movie, head to nearby Lexington Coffee Roasters for a hot cuppa and delicious sweet treat to round off your day. Your dog is welcome to join you at one of the outside tables.

Buffalo Bend/ Buffalo Forge

Lake A. Willis Robertson Recreation Area is 19 miles east of Buena Vista in Lexington and a great place to bring your pup for a walk, spend a day out fishing in the lake or stop for a picnic in the forest. There are eight miles of trails, including an easy 1.6-mile walk around the 26-acre lake. You can also camp here for a few days with your dog if you would like to stay a little longer. Pets are welcome, but need to stay controlled and leashed. Whether visiting for the day or camping, come prepared with plenty of food, water for you both, a bowl for pup, clean up bags and bug spray.

Pleasant View/ Pedlar Mills

In neighboring Amherst, the extensive Appalachian Trail winds its way through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and provides a solid trail experience for you and your dog. Long Mountain Wayside is a great place to park up and is just 10 miles east of Buena Vista, and from here you can walk as far as you like either north or south while enjoying the mountain views and lush forest. Trail maps and extensive planning advice is available through the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, so it is worth checking out the information before heading off. Dogs are permitted in this section of the trail but need to remain leashed and you must bury your dog’s waste or take it with you.