Fort Washington Park

For off-leash time in the Washington Heights neighborhood, let your canine BFF run loose in the Fort Washington Park dog run! Also called Rocky's Dog Run or the Rocky Run, this fenced-in area is set in the south portion of the 184-acre green space, offering NY doggos a secure environment to run and play unfettered.

The Fort Washington Park dog run is ideal for smaller pups who don't mind stretching their legs in a no-frills space. There's no separation for big and small canines, so your pooch will be mingling with four-legged citizens of all sizes. Inside the enclosure, doggos get to burn off their energy on a cedar chip surface, under the shade of tall trees. Keep a watchful eye on your charge if they're a jumper as the fence isn't very high. There are no mutt mitt dispensers or drinking fountains, so don't furget to bring your own bags and water! A couple of trash bins and benches are the only amenities in this minimally furnished location. 

Good news for dog parents who work long days: as with the rest of Fort Washington Park, the dog run opens early and closes late, so you can exercise your furry pal before and after work. If you decide to take your companion for a stroll around the main park, be sure to clip on their leash as you're exiting the dog run. Fort Washington Park includes barbecuing areas, playgrounds, athletic fields and courts, and Manhattan's last remaining lighthouse, the Little Red Lighthouse, which you'll find under the George Washington Bridge.

Before heading to the park, make sure Fido's shots are up to date and that you have proof of their license and rabies vaccination on your person. Always clean up after your furry friend so that everyone can have a pawsitive experience at Fort Washington Park!