Hard Labor Creek Park

Located about an hour outside of Atlanta, Hard Labor Creek Park is a stellar option for a quick getaway into the great outdoors. The park has over 5,000 acres of land to explore and includes camping, hiking, horseback riding, biking, playgrounds, and a well-known golf course. 

The hour drive for you and your pooch will be worth it once you experience the beautiful landscape of shorelines, quiet forests, and cozy cottages. You and your pup can traverse the Brantley Nature Trail or the Beaverpond Nature Trail, each approximately one mile with easy to moderate terrain. 

On weekdays only, you can explore the 22 miles of horseback riding trails. The Lake Brantley Equestrian Trail is eight miles, and the Lake Rutledge Equestrian Trail is 16 miles. Whichever trail you and your pup take, make sure you keep your dog on a leash no longer than six feet and always clean up after him. 

You should carry some doggie poop bags with you while you hike and be ready to take it out with you. Also, bring enough water for the two of you on your hike. If you feel like camping, Hard Labor Creek Park offers a variety of camping accommodations, and some are dog-friendly. 

The accommodations include campsites with electricity, cottages, and pioneer camping. When booking your site, look for the little dog logo to know the site is dog-friendly. Anytime you're camping, make sure your pup is leashed and never left unattended. Also, your pooch must keep quiet hours at the campsite and just like on the trails you must clean up after him immediately. 

You can also reserve picnic shelters for you and your friends, and your pup can come with you, just keep your pup on a leash. Dogs are not allowed in any historic sites, lodging, group camping areas, or swimming areas. Please ask a park ranger for clarification if you are not sure where your pup can go.