Dog-Friendly Activities in Gastonia, NC

Locals rave about the fenced off-leash dog park in Gastonia, NC! This recreation area is located on five acres within George Poston Park. The dog park includes a one-acre run for small dogs and a 4.5-acre site for large dogs. Visitors will find waste bags and trash receptacles present.

Martha Rivers Park is a dog-friendly family recreation area in Gastonia, NC. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on the paved walking trails that loop around the baseball fields, playground and soccer fields. There are also two large picnic shelters and restrooms.

George Poston Park is a neighborhood recreation area serving the community of Gastonia, NC. The area features a dog park, batting cages, ball fields, multi-use trails, playground equipment and more. Fido must be leashed during his visit unless within the designated off-leash dog area.

TheAvon and Catawba Creeks Greenway is a multi-use trail that's a great place to walk Fido in Gastonia! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Avon and Catawba Creeks Greenway. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Bradley Station Dog Park is pet-friendly. Located behind the North Carolina city’s bus station, the park is a convenient place for local dogs to play off-leash. It's divided into a section for small dogs under 25 lbs and another for large dogs. Let your pooch roam free on the grass and in the mulch, but make sure to keep the park clean by picking up after your pup.

Follow Crowders Mountain State Park's blue circle trail markers to hike the pet-friendly Lake Trail. This easy 0.8-mile loop in Gastonia, NC, welcomes leashed pups to walk with their owners. Although most of the trails in this park are rugged, strenuous routes, this one offers an easy walk for all levels of hikers and dogs.

Tower and Backside Trail is a challenging, three-mile hike in Crowders Mountain State Park in Gastonia, NC. This pet-friendly trail will take about two hours to complete with Fido. The proximity of this park to Kings Mountain, Gastonia, and Charlotte makes it very popular. Please note that dogs must be on a 6-foot leash.

The Pinnacle Trail is a strenuous 4-mile round-trip hike in Crowders Mountain State Park in Gastonia, NC. This pet-friendly path is great for pups as it gives you the opportunity to get away from bikers and horses on this hiking-only trail. Please note that dogs must be on a 6-foot leash and attended at all times.

The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is a dog-friendly non-profit on 400 acres of woodlands along the Catawba River in Charlotte, NC. Visitors can enjoy mountain biking, running trails, a climbing center, zip lines, high rope courses, and the multiple-channel, customized whitewater river. Leashed dogs are allowed on the grounds, outdoor restaurants, hiking trails, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards, but they cannot join you on the zip line, ropes courses or whitewater rafts.

McDowell Nature Preserve is a great location to bring your leashed dog! This pet-friendly recreation area in Charlotte, NC, offers several trails to explore, a lake, play areas, a campground and more. Dogs must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet and are not permitted to swim. From easy walks like the Kingfisher Trail to moderate hikes like Shady Hollow and Pine Hollow Trail, there’s something for all levels of outbound hounds here.

Kings Mountain State Park rests in a picturesque setting adjacent to Kings Mountain National Military Park, a prominent Revolutionary War battle site in Blacksburg, SC. This traditional state park, which encompasses 6,883-acres, offers outdoor recreation activities such as hiking trails, picnicking, fishing from a rental jon boat, seasonal canoe rentals, equestrian trails and more. Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet.

Veronét Vineyards & Winery is a dog-friendly venue in Kings Mountain, NC. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you at any of the outdoor seating areas. White and red wines are served along with charcuterie picnic boxes. Food trucks are on site on most weekends.

Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Steele Creek is a one-of-a-kind hangout in Charlotte, NC, where dogs can romp off leash while their owners kick back with a craft beer, cocktail or other beverage. In addition to the indoor and outdoor dog park, the facility offers daycare, boarding, grooming, and self-serve dog washes. Dogs must be friendly, spayed or neutered, and current on vaccinations.

Anne Springs Close Greenway is a great place to spend an afternoon with Fido in Fort Mills, SC. Walk with your pup on one of the many pet-friendly trails. The nature preserve is 2,100 acres serve as a natural buffer from urban development and provides a wide-open space for countless activities. Keep your dog leashed while there.

Bring Fido to play at the dog park located at Tuckaseege Park in Mount Holly, NC. This fenced-in recreation area allows your pup plenty of space to run and play off-leash. The park is divided into two separate spaces for small and large dogs. Remember to leash Fido back up when exiting back into Tuckaseege Park.

Leashed pups can join you at Piedmont Medical Center Trail at Riverwalk, a pet-friendly paved trail in Rock Hill, SC. This scenic, 3.35-mile trail runs alongside the Catawba River, and provides an enjoyable location for walking, running and biking. Please note that this is a multi-use, shared trail and dogs must be kept on a short leash.

Hiking trails, rock climbing, fishing, camping, and picnicking are some of the amenities that parkgoers can enjoy at Crowders Mountain State Park. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners at this pet-friendly recreation area in Kings Mountain, NC. Pets are prohibited from bathhouses, changing areas, rinsing stations, swimming areas, restrooms, visitor centers, or rental boats.

Lake Norman Brewery is a dog-friendly, small-production brewery in Denver, NC. Leashed dogs are welcome to visit the patio or grass area with their owners. They aim to brew exceptional craft beers in various traditional and new styles and offer this lake community a comfortable, welcoming gathering place for their enjoyment.

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on the outdoor astroturfed lower patio at Royal Bliss Brewing Co. This dog-friendly brewery in Denver, NC, serves craft beer, wine, kombucha and a variety of other beverages.

Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners when visiting the pet-friendly Jetton Park! This 104-acre recreation area, located in Cornelius, NC, features several walking paths and trails, including one that runs along Lake Norman. Visitors can also enjoy picnic sites, tennis courts, a sunning beach, restrooms and more. Note that an entry fee may apply when visiting the park.