Dog-Friendly Trails in Tennessee

What to know before you go to Drummond Park: Located less than 40 minutes north of Memphis, Drummonds Park is a 30-acre community park with various activity areas and natural areas where there are plenty of paths to walk and play with your dog. The park, which is handicap accessible, offers a number of serene walking and easy dog-friendly trails, a children’s playground, athletic field, and pavilions with picnic tables and grills available. Additionally, there is an ADA accessible amphitheater and the only official arboretum in Tipton County. Enjoy this clean, quiet little park with your pet and be sure to grab some barbecue after your visit.

• Parking: Ample parking is available at the main park entrance with direct access to the trailhead and arboretum.
• Accessibility: Features ADA-accessible lighted, paved nature trails and an ADA-accessible amphitheater.
• Seasonal Highlights: Best visited in spring when the 35+ identified tree species in the arboretum are in bloom.
• Furry-Friendly Accommodations: Nearby pet-friendly lodging can be found in Millington (approx. 15 mins away), including the Hampton Inn & Suites.
• Operational Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk.

Things to know before going to Big Hill Pond State Park: Bordered by the Cypress Creek and Tuscumbia River and named for the 35-acre Big Hill Pond created in 1853, Big Hill Pond State Park, about 93 miles from Memphis, offers a variety of activities and amenities for visitors, including camping, dog-friendly hiking trails near water, mountain biking, fishing, and paddling. Featuring 30+ miles of dog-friendly trails and loops, take in the beautiful scenery while walking your pup. There is even a 70-ft observation tower where visitors can catch beautiful panoramic views of Travis McNatt Lake and a boardwalk that winds through Dismal Swamp.

• Parking: Small parking area at the park office and a larger lot near the Travis McNatt Lake levee.
• Accessibility: Paved parking at the office; however, the observation tower and many trails have steep or uneven sections.
• Seasonal Highlights: Fall offers panoramic views of the changing cypress leaves from the observation tower.
• Furry-Friendly Accommodations: Big Hill Pond Campground offers pet-friendly sites.
• Operational Hours: Park office is open 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; park trails are open dawn to dusk.

What to know before you visit Centennial Park in Nashville: As one of Nashville’s premier parks located steps from the heart of Downtown, Centennial Park is the perfect place to take your pup for a stroll. Situated on a 132-acre area full of wildlife, this park features the iconic Nashville Parthenon, a one-mile walking trail, the serene Lake Watauga, the Centennial Art Center, historical monuments, an arts activity center, a beautiful sunken garden, a band shell, events shelter, sand volleyball courts, exercise trail, and a dog park. Parking is free and there is no admission to walk through the park. Enjoy the peaceful walk and let you dog burn off some energy in this fantastic urban park.

• Parking: Multiple free lots are scattered throughout the park, though they fill up quickly on weekends.
• Accessibility: Fully paved, flat one-mile loop around the Parthenon and Lake Watauga.
• Seasonal Highlights: Spring and summer host various outdoor festivals and vibrant garden displays.
• Furry-Friendly Accommodations: Loews Vanderbilt Hotel and Graduate Nashville are both highly dog-friendly and nearby.
• Operational Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

Things to know about Warner Parks in Nashville: Collectively known at the Warner Parks, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks are only 9 miles from Downtown Nashville and great spots to bring your dog for a day of hiking. Together, Edwin and Percy Warner form the largest municipally administered park in all of Tennessee, spanning 3,100 acres of forests and fields. Featuring a dog park, picnic shelters, scenic roadways/overlooks, numerous dog-friendly hiking trails of varying length, fishing, mountain bike trails, equestrian trails, golf courses, and athletic fields, the Warner Parks have plenty of activities to keep both yourself and your pooch exploring for hours. Be sure to check out the Belle Meade Stairs which are located at the entrance of Percy Warner. Since they were built in 1936, the steps have been a major attraction and were just recently renovated. Quick tip: If you’re planning on hiking the trails, bring the appropriate shoes, as some of them are dirt.

• Parking: Major lots at the Deep Well Entrance, Percy Warner Main Drive, and the Edwin Warner Nature Center.
• Accessibility: The 11 miles of paved multi-use trails (Warner Park All-Way) are fully accessible.
• Seasonal Highlights: Famous for vibrant fall foliage along the wooded ridges in October and November.
• Furry-Friendly Accommodations: Numerous Nashville rentals allow pets; the Hampton Inn Bellevue is a convenient nearby hotel.
• Operational Hours: Dawn to 11:00 PM daily.

Important information to know before visiting David Crockett State Park: Located in Lawrenceburg, about 82 miles south of downtown Nashville, David Crockett State Park provides a nice, quiet place to exercise with your pets and enjoy some scenic hikes. Set on nearly 1,300 acres, the park is pet-friendly and features hiking and biking trails, an on-site restaurant, fishing, a swimming pool, cabins, over 100 campgrounds, David Crockett museum (staffed during summer months), picnic shelters, playgrounds, and a lake with boat rentals. The park is open year-round from 7am until dark and admission is free, though there is a fee associated with the camping, cabins, and swimming pool. Quick tip: Be sure to leash your dog according to park rules.

• Parking: Available at the park office, restaurant, and the Murray Circle lot near Campground 1.
• Accessibility: Offers ADA-accessible cabins and campsites; paved sections around the museum and restaurant.
• Seasonal Highlights: Keep an eye out for the "Tails to Trails" guided ranger hikes held periodically throughout the year.
• Furry-Friendly Accommodations: The park offers seven pet-friendly cabins.
• Operational Hours: Open 7:00 AM to sunset year-round.

What to know before you visit the Murfreesboro Greenway: Enjoy the multi-use trail at the Murfreesboro Greenway System, about 34 miles from downtown Nashville. It's a great place to walk your canine which runs parallel to the Stones River. Multiple dog “bark” parks provide large areas for dogs to run around and play. Paved paths are wide, shaded, and well-maintained. Dogs can even take a swim in the water during warmer months with access made easy from the trails. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, this greenway offers picturesque views, abundant wildlife, fishing spots, playgrounds, restrooms, and more.

• Parking: Multiple trailheads including Thompson Lane, Broad Street, and Cason Trailhead with ample parking.
• Accessibility: The entire 15-mile system is paved, flat, and ADA-compliant.
• Seasonal Highlights: Winter offers better views of the Stones River through the bare trees.
• Furry-Friendly Accommodations: Residence Inn Murfreesboro and Embassy Suites are popular pet-friendly choices.
• Operational Hours: Open daily from daylight to 30 minutes after sunset.

Things to know about Founders Park in Johnson City: One of Johnson City’s most popular community parks for walking dogs on the easy trails and a fantastic green space, Founders Park offers great walking paths, sculptures, a creek, and special events. There is a 1-mile walking trail which is wide, paved, and flat and a fantastic place for a jog or relaxing stroll. Brush Creek runs the length of the park and provides a fun area for dogs to explore and play. Also available on occasion are food trucks and live music on Fridays during warmer months. Quick tip: Check out Yee-Haw Brewery which is right across from the park and has a dog-friendly patio where you can enjoy a delicious brew and hang out with friends and family.

• Parking: Use the nearby downtown public parking decks or the lot adjacent to the Pavilion.
• Accessibility: Fully paved paths and bridges with gentle grades throughout the 5-acre site.
• Seasonal Highlights: The park is the centerpiece of the "Candyland Christmas" display during the winter holidays.
• Furry-Friendly Accommodations: The Carnegie Hotel is a luxury pet-friendly option located just minutes away.
• Operational Hours: Open 24 hours daily.

Important information before you visit Holston River Weir Dam: Not your typical dam, the Holston River Weir Dam in Bristol not only generates electricity for the nearby community, but also helps to oxygenate the river’s water to ensure native populations of insects, plant life, and fish remain healthy during periods of low water flow. Now a thriving spot for trout and one of the most popular trout fisheries in the Southeast, this location is also a perfect place to bring your dog and explore. Catch views of the beautiful South Holston Lake while walking along the main trail which leads to the dam and also connects to a large grass field and picnic tables complete with grills. Walk on the bridge above the South Holston River and there is a 1.5-mile trail which will lead you to Osceola Island, home to many trees and abundant wildlife.

• Parking: Free parking is available at the Osceola Island parking lot near the dam.
• Accessibility: Features an ADA-accessible fishing pier and a paved loop trail on Osceola Island.
• Seasonal Highlights: Visit in early spring to see the serviceberry and dogwood bloom, which usually signals the white bass run.
• Furry-Friendly Accommodations: Nearby vacation rentals and cabins along the South Holston River often cater to pet owners.
• Operational Hours: Open from sunrise to sunset.

What to know before you visit Big Ridge State Park: Visit Big Ridge State Park, a 3,687-acre park located in Maynardville, about 26 miles from Knoxville. Home to a variety of activities for the whole family and your dog, you can hike along the 15+ miles of trails ranging from easy to very rugged. Trails along the lake provide fantastic water views. Also available are 50 campsites near Norris Lake that accommodate RVs, trailers, and tent campers with water, 50-amp electrical hookups, and picnic table with grill. There are even pet-friendly cabins on the property which can be rented and can sleep up to eight people.

• Parking: Large paved lots are available at the park office and the swimming area.
• Accessibility: ADA-accessible cabins and campgrounds; paved paths around the historic Grist Mill.
• Seasonal Highlights: The park hosts a popular Bluegrass Festival every August.
• Furry-Friendly Accommodations: Offers pet-friendly cabins and campgrounds; Norris Lake cabin rentals are also available nearby.
• Operational Hours: Office hours 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; park open dawn to dusk.

Things to know about Renaissance Park in Chattanooga: Take a stroll with your dog at the 23-acre Renaissance Park, located on the north shore of the Tennessee River and featuring historic markers, picnic areas, nature trails, art sculptures and more. Your leashed pup will have plenty of space to roam throughout the area and along the paths. With beautiful views of downtown Chattanooga, step onto one of the piers for a look at the skyline and surrounding wetland area. With plenty of benches, restrooms, and parking, spend some time walking around the area and enjoying the scenery with your dog. The park is in close proximity to a number of great pet-friendly restaurants, so be sure to stop by one for a nice meal following your walk.

• Parking: Paid parking is available in nearby lots along Manufacturers Road and on-street.
• Accessibility: Highly accessible with wide paved trails that navigate the wetlands and hills.
• Seasonal Highlights: Summer mornings are best for watching the local waterfowl in the reclaimed wetland areas.
• Furry-Friendly Accommodations: The Read House and The Westin Chattanooga are excellent dog-friendly downtown stays.
• Operational Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk.