Charlottesville is a delightfully dog-friendly city, with lots of wonderful resources including great trails and dog parks everywhere you look! If you and your pup are looking for a way to add variety to the daily walk, there are so many choices, sure to please everyone from the stylish dachshund to the outward bound hound. Here are a few of our ways to enjoy our city with your pup.
One of the most pup-ular places to take your dog for a long or short walk is Pen Park. You can take your dog for a short walk on the paved fitness trail, or go for a longer hike next to the river on the nature walk. The trail also stays close to Charlottesville’s Historic Downtown Mall, where pet-friendly outdoor seating allows you to enjoy a smoothie and a sandwich with your dog after the walk.
Another favorite river trail the Rivanna Trail, beginning in Riverview Park. This beautiful trail gives you a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Rivanna River as it winds through Charlottesville. Dogs can enjoy designated parts of the trail off-leash on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. If you are going to walk your dog off-leash, he should be under control at all times and should not be allowed to approach other dogs without the owner’s permission.
Also near downtown is Greenbrier Park, a beautiful stretch of undeveloped land in the Greenbrier neighborhood that features trails following Meadow Creek. You can follow a shared part of the Rivanna Trail that runs through the park and visit nearby McIntire Park to enjoy the delightful connectivity of Charlottesville trails.
Pups who enjoy longer hikes will want to visit Preddy Creek Park in Northern Albemarle. Over ten miles of trails wind through the forest and beside Preddy Creek, offering the perfect setting for you to enjoy a long run with your Dalmation or a short stroll with your Mini Poodle. Splash in the creek or hike into the deep woods, or simply enjoy the Meadows trail and get some sun.
If your dog enjoys a little free time off-leash, Azalea Park provides scenic trails and paved pathways and a 1-acre dog park. Closer to Downtown, you can visit Darden Towe Park, where you and your dog can hike on nearly 4 miles of trails and end your walk with a leisurely visit to the 1-acre dog park. Chris Greene Park offers an extensive circuit of trails as well, in addition to giving your swimmer a chance to get his feet wet at the lakeside dog park.
If you and your pup crave a bigger adventure, take advantage of our proximity to Virginia’s stunning Shenandoah Park and the Skyline Drive. Take your pup for a hike on part of the Appalachian Trail, or enjoy the scenic beauty of the park on your way to an amazing mountain view or waterfall. Check trails before you hike to make sure dogs are permitted, and remember to keep an eye out for wildlife for your and your pet’s safety.
There are so many places in Charlottesville to enjoy a walk with your pup! Visit a new place and keep your pup interested in the daily walk!