Off-leash play east of the river
Texas Avenue Dog Park, 4600 Texas Avenue SE, is a DPR-listed park with separate fenced play areas for small and large dogs. Its opening was announced in May 2024.
Monumental walks. Neighborhood dog parks.
Beyond the postcard landmarks: 20 DPR-listed off-leash parks, a wooded Rock Creek escape and an easy Anacostia waterfront route. Find a real DC dog day, then plan it.
20 DPR-listed dog parksRock Creek forest trailsAnacostia riverfrontFederal park leash rules
Choose your kind of District dog day
Neighborhood dog parksFrom Shaw and S Street to Langdon, Swampoodle and the two-section Texas Avenue park.
Trails and river walksExplore Rock Creek, the paved Anacostia Riverwalk and leash-friendly Capitol Hill options.
What rules apply?Know the difference between a fenced DPR dog park and a leash-required National Park Service trail.
Three ways to spend an afternoon
A forest hike in Rock Creek Park
The Western Ridge and Valley trails offer a change of pace from city sidewalks. The NPS welcomes leashed dogs on designated paths, but this is not an off-leash destination.
A riverside walk in Anacostia Park
The paved Anacostia Riverwalk Trail supports easy out-and-back outings with connected bridges and neighborhoods. Keep a short leash on this shared path.
Local planning notes
DC dog access depends on who manages the park. The Department of Parks and Recreation lists designated fenced areas for off-leash play; the National Park Service requires leashes no longer than six feet in its city parks. Check current closures and posted rules before a visit, especially around memorials and maintained turf.
DPR's official list of dog parks ↗ · Rock Creek Park pet rules ↗
TAKE THE WALK FURTHER
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