Best Adventures for Dogs in Columbus, Georgia

Columbus, Georgia is one of the most dog-friendly towns in the Southeast. If you’re looking for a vacation where you and your furry friends can explore and enjoy a new city together, Columbus is it. 

Meet Frank. Frank luvs Columbus, Georgia. Frank luvs furry friends. Frank wants YOU to take YOUR furry friend to his five favorite furry-friendly places in town. His Hooman put his Frank's Faves here for you, so here's the plan: Read Hooman's blog thing below. Load up furry friend. Explore Frank's Faves. Have fun times together.

 

ONE: Columbus RiverWalk

 

Take your furry friend for an adventure on the Chattahoochee Riverwalk. Skirt the cityscape, examine historic monuments and markers, and take in the wild beauty of the rolling river and native wildlife. This 15-mile linear park spans the riverfront from the Lake Oliver city marina south to the National Infantry Museum. 

 

*Local tip! Free parking is available at the following locations:

RiverCenter Garage (919 Broadway)

Front Avenue Garage (1028 Front Avenue)

Rotary Park (1300 Victory Drive, near the National Civil War Naval Museum.)

TWO: The Yard Dog People Club 

 
Run by the nonprofit PAWS Humane Society, this dog-friendly, off-leash park and social club offers daily passes and memberships for dogs, along with drinks and rotating food trucks for humans. 

The Yard is located in MidCity Yards, next to Scofflaw Brewing Co. It is family-friendly with clear communication about events or areas that are 21 and up. It’s helpful to know their Staffed Hours are Monday - Friday: 1:00pm - 9:00pm and Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am - 9:00pm.  

*Local tip!  Fridays and Saturdays after 5:00 PM are limited to ages 16 and up, so if you’re also traveling with kids please plan accordingly.  

 

THREE: Dragonfly Trail

 

Columbus’ Dragonfly Trail is a multi-use bike and pedestrian trail that weaves its way through the city. The 34-mile trail follows former rail lines that wind through Columbus where you can see a different side of the city, with rest stops along the way. While you’ll see cyclists, it’s very common to see furry friends enjoying the trail with their owners as well. 

 

There are several places along the trail which are great locations to use as your starting point. Not sure where to begin? Check out this awesome map!

 

*Local tip! Here are the best parking locations for this trail: 

Fall Line Trace Park & Ride:

7324 Psalmond Rd

3358 Manchester Expressway

 

RiverWalk Park & Ride:

Oxbow Meadows: 3535 S Lumpkin Rd

Uptown Columbus: 1000 Bay Ave

Lake Oliver Marina: 5501 River Rd

 

Follow Me Trail Park & Ride:

2050 Torch Hill Rd

4034 Cusseta Rd

 

MLK Trail Park & Ride:

2951 MLK Jr Blvd

FOUR: Providence Canyon 

8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin GA 31815

 

If you’re looking for a bigger adventure, consider a day at Providence Canyon State Park. Just a quick drive from Columbus, “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon” makes the perfect day trip to take with a furry friend. 

 

The park is notably quiet and features some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. With over 1,000 acres, Providence Canyon offers plenty to explore whether you’re on four legs or two. 

 

*Local tip! Dogs are allowed on all trails in the park, but they must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. 

 

 

FIVE: Columbus Historic District

 

Experience the old, and the new, as you stroll along brick-laden streets in the Columbus Historic District. Take your furry friend for a stroll to see the homes of John Pemberton, the inventor of the world's most famous soda, and Ma Rainey, the "Mother of the Blues", plus other features of local and national prominence. 

*Local tip! Do some more research here before you go! Or, take a tour. Just don’t forget your Coke! 

 

SIX: Ruffined Pet Wellness Club

Our last recommendation for pups in Columbus, Georgia is a different type of adventure altogether. If you’re looking to really treat your four-legged friend, book them a day at Ruffined Pet Wellness Club. This elite daycare, pet spa, and boarding center for dogs takes pride in providing excellent care for dogs of all breeds while their owners are away.  

Expect your pup to experience thoughtfully matched play groups with guided socialization, well balanced exercise throughout their stay, and breed-specific enrichment from Ruffined’s highly trained staff.  

For the ultimate treat, consider booking your pet for one of their spa treatments while you’re out exploring Columbus, Georgia on your own. Then, pick them up and head to one of our favorite dog friendly restaurants for a memorable end to your pet-friendly trip to Columbus! 

Categorized in

Family-friendly / Outdoors / Trip Ideas