Best Outdoor Places to Take Your Dog Near Atlanta

Dying to get out of the house and outside? Your dog probably is too! That fenced yard only affords so many interesting smells and things to pee on, so grab the leash, and get out the door with your buddy!

Here are some of our favorite places around Atlanta to get some outdoor exercise and serenity with dog in tow. You might have to - gasp! - go OTP for a few of these. We know, we know. But your dog won’t tell. ;)

Sweetwater Creek State Park
1750 Mt. Vernon Road, Lithia Springs , GA30122
http://gastateparks.org/SweetwaterCreek#directions

Living the urban life is awesome, but sometimes you just want to get away and recharge. This is a great place to take your dog for some outdoor wilderness time without actually traveling, as it’s not too far from downtown. There are 9 miles of hiking trails and a lake; the park is over 2,500 acres total, so you’re bound to find someplace you and your dog will enjoy. A mountainy feel, for sure. You might even consider a boat ride (make sure you put a life jacket on your dog too!). Take your dog for a nice walk or hike, and then spread out a blanket somewhere and have a picnic with him. The hiking trails close at dark, so go early. Check their website for directions - they warn not to rely on a GPS. 

The Path
http://pathfoundation.org

This scenic greenway foundation has several dog-friendly locales to choose from, including the Silver Comet Trail (part of which is in Cobb County), Chastain Park (North Fulton), Nancy Creek (Dekalb), South Peachtree Creek Trail (near Decatur), and several others. There’s also the Eastside Beltline if that’s more your speed, which covers the areas of Piedmont Park, the Carter Center, Fernbank, and the Old Fourth Ward park off North Ave. The Beltline is bound to be a little more populated than some of the other trails, so be prepared if your dog isn’t very social. Piedmont Park also has a fabulous dog park. Actually, two: one for large dogs and one for small (under 30 lbs.) so your pups can stay safe and comfortable. Both sections are large, with plenty of room to run free and chase. 

Grant Park
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grant-Park-Dogs/170403066327961

Well, we couldn’t leave out our neighboring park now, could we? Grant Park offers large spaces and lots of paved walking paths. It’s a rather peaceful place, with lots of trees and squirrels for your dog to watch. Join their Facebook page to commune virtually with other neighborhood dog lovers, and then commune in person at the park. 
Wherever you decide to venture, check leash rules before letting your dogs off-leash. Even when it’s allowed, be respectful of other patrons whose leashed dogs might be nervous of stranger dogs approaching them.
 
If you’re going to let your pup take a dip in the water, you might want to consider our Cycle Dog collar and leash line, which is made from recycled bike inner tubes to be quick-drying and non-fraying (some even have attached bottle openers for you). We also carry various types of harnesses for extra-excitable dogs who are more challenging to walk. Just tell our staff all about your dog’s tendencies, and they’ll help you pick out the perfect fit.

And, of course, always pick up the poo. We have some cute pickup bag holders and biodegradable bags at the shop, plus travel water bowls and other outdoor necessities to keep your pet hydrated and safe, so stop in the shop on your way out to your next adventure!

What are your favorite places to take your dog that didn’t make our list?