The capital and most densely populated city in the great state of Georgia, Atlanta is a wonderful place in which to live and visit.
Not only is Atlanta the economic and cultural hub of the state; it is also the recreational center, boasting fabulous amenities and a wealth of green space that collectively allow its citizens to stay active and on the go.
It is the seat of historic Fulton County, Georgia, but its reputation as a political hotbed does nothing to take away from its glorious natural beauty—beauty that is evident in all of its parks.
If you live in, or have recently visited the vibrant mecca that is Atlanta, you already know this is a city that is constantly on the move.
You also know that Atlantans love their dogs—and they certainly have the high-quality dog parks to prove it.
In this article we will take you on a tour of some of Atlanta’s best and most well-loved dog parks.
We will not only give you the basic geographic information (address, etc.) for each park, but also highlight the amenities and special qualities that make each of these oases such a joy to visit.
1. Piedmont Dog Park
For those concerned that their little dogs will get overrun at their local dog park—or for owners of large dogs that want their hefty pooches to run free without worrying about little dogs being underfoot—the Piedmont Dog Park is definitely the place to go.
A large and spacious park by any common measurement, Piedmont Dog Park boasts plenty of grassy acreage—acreage that is evenly split into two areas.
The front part of the park is reserved for smaller dogs—dogs weighing 30 pounds or under—while the back expanse allows larger dogs, whose weight is 30-plus pounds, to run free and uninhibited by the slighter dogs in the park.
Situated in the Midtown portion of Atlanta, Piedmont Park boasts three lush acres of running and playing fun.
Maintained beautifully by the expert staff, the park has a number of methodically marked trails, each of which is ideal for some on-leash walking and training.
Adjacent to these trails are a good supply of water fountains for both humans and canines; and if you happen to visit this awesome park on the right weekend day, you may be able to purchase refreshing popsicles and smoothies from the local vendor, as well as specialized treats that your dog will love.
If there is one downside to the Piedmont Dog Park it’s the lack of accessible shade.
Because of this, we recommend that you visit the park during the morning hours in the summer months, or after the heat of the day has subsided.
The park, which is located at 1320 Monroe Drive in Atlanta, is open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM during most seasons, and admission to the park is completely free.
2. Canine Crossing Dog Park
Looking for a little variety in your dog park? If so, it’s hard to beat the Canine Crossing Dog Park.
Located in Atlanta in the southern part of Fulton County, the Canine Crossing Dog Park is another split-style park, divided into two parts by the type/size of dog that is allowed in each, and also divided by terrain.
The Canine Crossing Dog Park boasts five acres of off-leash fun and excitement—half dedicated to paved and unpaved roads; and the other half consisting of a pavilion that is covered for comfort and a spacious walking path.
The large pet area, reserved for dogs over 25 pounds, features tunnels, fire hydrants and a gravel walking path around the perimeter, as well as a fun covered swing for dog owners.
Smaller dogs get a break from the harsh gravel, as the large expanse of grass affords them plenty of opportunities for fetch and frisbee games, in addition to some fun tunnels to explore.
Thirsty dogs in either area of this large dog park have plenty of opportunities to quench their thirst, including a number of themed fire hydrants that generously dispense water into pre-formed bowls.
Located at 4951 Camp Drive South in Atlanta, the fully enclosed Canine Crossing Dog Park is open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week, and admission to the park is always free.
3. Park Grounds
Not all dog parks are constructed just for dogs. Some also provide cool amenities that appeal to owners.
This latter scenario definitely describes our next park: Atlanta’s Park Grounds.
Situated in the Atlanta neighborhood known as Reynoldstown, this small dirt-field dog park is located immediately adjacent to the ParkGrounds coffee shop, a place that allows guests to sip java and satiate their morning hunger while their four-legged friends roam the grounds and socialize off-leash.
The beating sun of the Atlanta summer is never a problem at Park Grounds, thanks to the enormous shade trees that keep it cool and inviting even in midday.
For the humans, a custom-made covered patio, with chairs and tables underneath, allows handlers to watch their dogs romp in relative comfort, all while sipping on the latest brew—or uptown cocktail—concocted by the coffee shop’s excellent baristas and tenders.
Park Grounds, the café and dog park, is located at 142 Flat Shoals Avenue in Atlanta, and is open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Note: Only dogs brought by customers of the coffee shop are allowed to enjoy this canine park.
4. Newtown Dream Dog Park
Last, but certainly not least, is the Newton Dream Dog Park, located at 3150 Old Alabama Road in the Atlanta suburb of Johns Creek, Georgia.
Open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, it’s definitely hard to miss this upscale doggie playground.
That’s because the grounds are imprinted with an extra-large and very colorful “Beneful” sign, courtesy of the dog food company for winning the 2011 Beneful Dream Dog Park Contest.
The Newton Dream Dog Park, rated Atlanta’s best dog park for several years running, is more than just an expansive patch of grass on which dogs can run.
This canine paradise boasts a series of vividly painted ramps, tunnels and slides, as well as a centrally located sprinkler in the middle of the park for summertime cooling.
Pictures of large dog bones, a dedicated area for playing fetch and separate sections for large and small breed dogs all come together to make the Newton Dream Dog Park truly something special to behold.
“This is more than just a dog park,” one guest noted, “it’s a full-on tourist attraction.”