Nashville has 14 fenced Metro dog parks, from 6.6-acre Two Rivers to downtown's Ascend park open till 11 p.m. Leash rules, rabies tags and dog events.
Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. Park hours, sizes and rules come from Metro Parks’ dog parks page and its greenway trail rules; licensing from Metro Animal Care and Control. The full animal ordinances are in the Metro Code.
Metro Nashville runs 14 fenced dog parks at 11 sites, from the 6.64-acre Two Rivers Dog Park on McGavock Pike to the small Ascend Dog Park downtown, which stays open until 11 p.m. Outside the fences, leashed dogs are welcome in every Metro park, and greenways require a leash of 6 feet or less. Metro Parks: 615-862-8400. Animal Care and Control: 615-862-7928.
The rules in short
- Leash law: Metro Parks requires “strict compliance with the leash law” in all parks; 6-foot maximum on greenways.
- Pick up: removing dog waste is required.
- Dog parks: current rabies and ID tags; no dogs under 4 months; no more than two dogs per handler; no children under 10 inside the fence.
- Loose or stray dog: Animal Care and Control, 615-862-7928, or 311.
Metro dog parks
All are fenced and have water fountains and “mutt mitts” (Metro Parks).
| Dog park | Address | Hours | Size | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two Rivers Dog Park | 3150 McGavock Pike | Dawn to dusk | 6.64 acres | Grass; pavilion, walking track |
| Centennial Large Dog Park | 2500 West End Ave. (Flag Pole Hill) | Dawn to dusk | 2.5 acres | Grass |
| Centennial Small Dog Park | 2500 West End Ave. (Flag Pole Hill) | Dawn to dusk | 0.4 acre | Grass |
| Stones River Dog Park at Percy Priest Dam | 3778 Bell Road | Dawn to dusk | 2.5 acres | Grass |
| Shelby Dog Park | Shelby Avenue at South 20th Street | Dawn to dusk | 2.15 acres | Grass |
| Warner Dog Park | Edwin Warner Park, 50 Vaughn Road | Dawn to dusk | 2 acres | Grass |
| Pitts Dog Park | 299 Tusculum Road | Dawn to dusk | 1.57 acres | Grass; wooded area |
| Fair Large Dog Park | 300 Raines Ave. | Dawn to dusk | 0.6 acre | Artificial turf; obstacles |
| Fair Small Dog Park | 300 Raines Ave. | Dawn to dusk | 0.26 acre | Artificial turf |
| One Mile Dog Park | 300 Connare Drive | Dawn to dusk | 0.6 acre | Artificial turf; boulders |
| Frankie Pierce Dog Park | 130 Lifeway Plaza | Dawn to 11 p.m. | 0.41 acre | Artificial turf |
| Ascend Dog Park | 200 First Ave. S. | Dawn to 11 p.m. | 0.32 acre | Artificial turf; picnic tables |
| 3rd Avenue Large and Small Dog Parks | 1616 Third Ave. N. | Dawn to dusk | 0.36 and 0.16 acre | Artificial turf; tunnels |
Late-night option: Ascend and Frankie Pierce are the two open until 11 p.m.
Dog park rules
From Metro’s posted rules:
- Use is at your own risk; owners are legally responsible for injuries their dog causes.
- Dogs must wear current rabies and ID tags and be leashed entering and leaving the fenced area. Keep a leash in hand for each dog.
- Not allowed: aggressive dogs, female dogs in heat, puppies under 4 months, unsupervised dogs, dog or human food, glass, spiked collars, more than two dogs per handler, grooming.
- Children under 10 may not enter the fenced area; all minors must be supervised.
- Organized events (shows, adoptions, training classes, fundraisers) are not allowed in dog parks.
Greenways and trails
Nashville’s greenway and trail network is more than 270 miles. Metro’s posted trail rules:
- Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
- Trails open dawn to dusk; keep right, pass on the left.
- Greenways can flood; leave immediately in heavy rain.
- Metro Parks Police: 615-862-8600.
Distances and trailheads: walking and biking trails.
Licenses and rabies tags
Metro Animal Care and Control requires dogs and cats 6 months or older to be vaccinated for rabies and registered with Davidson County. One-year and three-year tags match your pet’s vaccine. Order online at licensepet.com/nashville (allow 7 to 9 business days) or pick one up at 5125 Harding Place. Found a tagged dog? Call 615-862-7928 with the tag number.
Dog events
- Cheekwood’s Halloween Pooch Party, Oct. 24-25, 2026, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with dog costume contests at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Cheekwood).
- Dog Visits with Santa at Cheekwood, Dec. 13 and Dec. 22, 2026, in the Frist Learning Center courtyard (Cheekwood events).
Patios
Restaurant patios set their own pet rules. We add dog-friendly patios here only when a restaurant says so on its own website; until then, ask before you bring your dog.
What this means for you
- After-work run: most dog parks close at dusk; Ascend and Frankie Pierce stay open to 11 p.m.
- Small dog? Centennial, Fair Park and 3rd Avenue have separate small dog areas.
Related guides: parks and trails, walking and biking trails, free things to do and kids’ activities.
Frequently asked questions
How many dog parks are in Nashville?
Metro Parks lists 14 fenced dog parks at 11 sites, including large and small dog areas at Centennial, Fair Park and 3rd Avenue. All have water fountains and waste bags.
What is the biggest dog park in Nashville?
Two Rivers Dog Park, 3150 McGavock Pike, at 6.64 acres of natural grass, with benches, a pavilion and a walking track for people.
Are dogs allowed in Nashville parks and on greenways?
Yes, on a leash. Metro says leashed dogs are welcome in all Metro parks, and greenway rules require pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Can kids go in Nashville dog parks?
Children under 10 are not allowed inside the fenced area of Metro dog parks, and all minors must be supervised by an adult.
Does my dog need a license in Nashville?
Yes. Metro requires dogs and cats 6 months or older to be vaccinated for rabies and registered with Davidson County. Tags can be ordered online or picked up at 5125 Harding Place.
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