Easy, Dog-Friendly Parks and Trails in Raleigh, NC

Get Outside in Raleigh.

Our favorite free (or low cost) activities in Raleigh almost always include one of the many amazing local parks.

As a creator who is first and foremost a dog-mom (that’s my fur baby in the picture), I am always looking for the best, dog-friendly parks, trails, and walking paths in the area!

Here are my top 3 go-to walking paths and trails for you to explore in Raleigh this season.

Dorothea Dix Park

If you’ve been to Dorothea Dix by now, don’t skip over this section! There are so many amazing parts of this huge park where you can let your dog run off the leash or walk for miles and miles, exploring the beautiful pine trees.

Dorothea Dix has yoga in the park, food festivals, and so much more all year round. Check out their calendar of events here.

Shelley Lake Trail

This one is for my true nature and bird lovers. Located just minutes north of downtown Raleigh, Shelley lake is a 2.2-mile, dog-friendly loop trail with beautiful views of the water, pine trees, and a bald eagles nest. People come from all over the state to photograph the bald eagle family, fish in Shelley Lake, and take art classes at the Sertoma Arts Center.

North Carolina Museum of Art Park

My dog and I love a good 1-2 mile loop trail and NCMA does not disappoint! This 1.7-mile, dog-friendly loop trail around the museum of art is gorgeous. It’s a little bit more highly trafficked but I have run into some of the most gorgeous wedding photo shoots, made friends who also have dogs, and been able to enjoy the southern charm at its finest.

This trail is wheelchair friendly and showcases wildflowers, historic sites, and (of course) local art.