Raleigh, known as The City of Oaks and North Carolina’s capital city is a beautiful place to live, work, and play. Raleigh is an excellent place to live for many reasons such as great restaurants and things to do as a family. Raleigh has received many accolades as a great city to live in, but did you know that Raleigh has many perks for dogs and dog owners too? When it’s time to stretch your legs and those of your four-legged best friend, Raleigh has many fun places to frolic, sniff, bark, fetch, and laugh. For off-leash fun and outdoor adventures, discover the top five Raleigh dog parks to share with your canine companion.
Where can I go to let my dog play and explore off-leash?
Raleigh has several parks with off-leash dog areas which are often divided into two areas: One for big dogs and one for small dogs or dogs who don’t move quite as quickly. Here is a list of the top three Raleigh dog parks for off-leash fun.
1. Oakwood Park
Located at 910 Brookside Drive in Raleigh’s historic Oakwood Community, Oakwood Park features a fenced, off-leash dog area, perfect for letting your pooch explore and socialize. The dog area has two sections, a large space for big dogs to play and run about, and a smaller space for small dogs or dogs who prefer to take it easy. Baggies, waste bins, and water are provided to keep the fun fresh.  The dog park is free to the public year round and open from sunrise to sunset. This park is a great place to go with your dog loving friends to enjoy a picnic and play on the basketball court or softball fields.
2. Millbrook Exchange Park Community Center
The Millbrook dog park at 1905 Spring Forest Road near Millbrook High School is Raleigh’s oldest dog park, and has two fenced, off-leash dog park areas with double-entry gates situated around a picnic shelter. One large area for big dogs is covered with regularly refreshed wood chip mulch and features open spaces and trees. A smaller area is provided for puppies and small or elderly dogs to enjoy. Fresh water and buckets are available to satisfy your thirsty pal and lights come on at night for night-owl dogs and owners. The Community Center hosts dog obedience classes so you can give your dog a good education. The park also has fitness and tennis centers, a pool, basketball courts, and playgrounds.
3. Carolina Pines Park
The Carolina Pines Park in the City of Oaks at 2305 Lake Wheeler Road is another great place to bring your dog and and make new friends. The Carolina Pines dog park is an off-leash park that provides pooches with a wood chip base, water buckets, large and small dog areas, and lights for late night fun. The park has many attractive features for humans as well at the community center, along with picnic shelters, playgrounds, courts and fields. And while you’re in the area, pick up some fresh fruit and veggies for you and your furry friend at the nearby Farmer’s Market.
Where can I take my dog for an outdoor adventure?
Raleigh has many great places to go exploring with your dog. These parks require your dog to be on a leash and all waste must be properly disposed. Here are two of the best Raleigh dog parks with trails for outdoor exploration with your pooch.
4. Lake Johnson Park
Lake Johnson Park, located at 4601 Avent Ferry Road has 3.5 miles of paved trails and 1.9 miles of unpaved trails that cover over 300 acres of park land for you and your dog to explore. The trails wind along the lake and near North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus. Dogs must be kept on a leash and all waste must be properly disposed. Lake Johnson is a beautiful park with easy lake and trail access, making it an ideal place to spend a day with your best friend. Boat rentals are available along with free fishing rod and reel loans for a splashy good time with your dog. Enjoy a picnic at one of the park’s many picnic shelters after you hit the lake and trails.
5. Durant Nature Preserve
Durant Nature Preserve at 8305 Camp Durant Road provides visitors with five miles of trails across 237 acres of naturally preserved land around two lakes. Durant Nature Preserve was formerly a Boy Scout Camp, which the city purchased  in 1979 and designated as a Nature Preserve to protect the natural resources in the area and provide natural recreation and education to the public. The park office loans discovery backpacks with educational materials to explorers who want to learn about the area’s fauna and flora. Dogs must be kept on a leash and waste must be properly disposed. Pull out your hiking shoes and explore and learn at one of Raleigh’s most unique and beautiful parks.
2 Point Highlight
Raleigh has many fun places to frolic, sniff, bark, fetch and laugh.
For off-leash fun and outdoor adventures, discover the top five Raleigh dog parks to share a fun day with your canine companion.
