Charlotte is a city of beautiful parks! Most, if not all, are dog-friendly, but some stand out as especially enjoyable for strolling with your pooch! Between hosting group classes, going on outings with board-and-train dogs, and adventuring with our own dogs, we spend a lot of time at Charlotte-area parks. Here are 10 of our favorites:

1. Freedom Park
   One of Charlotte's most iconic parks, Freedom Park has something for everyone! Take a stroll around the lake, walk along Little Sugar Creek, enjoy a picnic in the grass... If you have young kids, the playground is a great area to work on down stays and distractions with your dog!
2. Walter Y. Elisha Park
   Located in the heart of Fort Mill, SC (adjacent to Charlotte), Walter Y, as we like to call it, is the home of the South Carolina Strawberry festival. With open green areas and paved walking path that goes around the whole park, this is a great spot for heel work, play, and practicing calm behaviors such as extended place with distractions.
3. Marvin Efird Park
   Marvin Efird Park is hands down one of our favorite parks. Spanning 27 acres, this hidden gem includes open fields perfect for playing or training and a shaded walking trail that circumnavigates the park. If you have kids, bring them along to enjoy the newly remodeled playground!
4. Ballantyne's Backyard
   Once a golf course, Ballantyne's Backyard is now a popular park and destination. Walk the extensive paved paths, have a picnic, let your dog play in the sand, or enjoy live music. The "Ballantyne Reimagined" project has revitalized this area and it's definitely worth checking out!
5. Sedgefield Park
   Tucked in-between Park Road and South End, this quiet neighborhood park is worth a visit. Take a leisurely walk along the connected sidewalks (fun fact, they form a large butterfly shape!), let your dog splay in the small creek, and enjoy a picnic in one of the shaded grassy areas.
6. Park Road Park
   This large urban park has a little bit of everything! At 122 acres, it's even bigger than Freedom Park! With an 11-acre lake, athletic fields, playgrounds, trails, and more, you can choose your own adventure!
7. Latta Park
   Tucked into the Dilworth neighborhood, this lush green park is a lovely spot for a stroll. Known for it's "sprayground" (splash pad for kids!), it can be a great place to work on distractions, especially if your dog needs practice around children!
8. Renaissance Park
   Renaissance's open fields make it one of our favorites for group classes, but the trail system tucked into the woods makes it a hidden gem! This can be a great place to practice off leash work if no one is around. Be respectful and make sure to keep an eye out for people riding bikes!
9. Carmel Road Park
   Generally a quiet atmosphere, Carmel Road Park is a great option for dogs who thrive with fewer distractions. Practice recalling through the trees, build confidence on the playground equipment (if no kids are playing), and play fetch in the large field!
10. Midtown Park
    Located right by the Metropolitan, this small park is perfect for training. Take some time playing on working on behaviors in the grassy field and on the stone benches, then take a stroll along the greenway that follows Little Sugar Creek. 

Next time you're looking for something to do with your dog, check out one of these parks! They'll enjoy exploring and you'll reap the benefits of time spent outdoors - everyone wins!

Love taking your furry best friend around town with you? Make sure to check out our other dog-friendly recommendations!