Highlands Dog Park - Highlands, NC

Highlands Dog Park – A Scenic Dog Park in Highlands, North Carolina
Located at 56 Foreman Rd, Highlands Dog Park is one of the most popular dog-friendly places in Highlands, North Carolina. This well-maintained dog park offers a spacious fenced area for large dogs to run, explore, and socialize off-leash. There is also a separate small dog area, though it is more limited in size. The park’s lovely woodland setting, complete with shade from mature trees and rhododendrons, makes it comfortable even during warmer months.
Pet owners will appreciate the park’s convenient amenities, including a covered pavilion with picnic tables and benches, easy off-street parking, and accessible paved paths. Water stations with an old-fashioned hand-cranked dog fountain are provided, along with regularly stocked Mutt Mitt waste bag dispensers and trash bins. Directly from the park’s parking lot, you’ll find access to local pet-friendly trails and a nearby dog swimming hole—perfect for dogs who love to wade or swim. No membership or fee is required, and the park is wheelchair accessible, making it a top choice for dog lovers visiting the Highlands area.
Highlands Dog Park FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash in the designated fenced areas.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, both large and small dog areas are fenced.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? Yes, there is a hand-cranked water fountain for dogs.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the park has plenty of natural shade and a covered pavilion with seating.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? Yes, the park has regularly stocked ‘Mutt Mitt’ stations with waste bags.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are benches and picnic tables under the pavilion.
- Is there a separate area for small and large dogs? Yes, though the small dog area is more limited in size.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park is adjacent to the Recreation Park and is noted as being good for kids.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? No, Highlands Dog Park is free to use and does not require membership.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, reviews note that the park is well maintained with stocked waste stations.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, easy walking trails start in the parking lot and lead to a dog-friendly swimming hole.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, there is a swimming hole accessible via the nearby trails.
Reviews

The large dog section of this park is a nice dog park. There is a good amount of space for your pup to run around and a pavilion with benches for the humans. Some easy walking trails start right in the parking lot, so if your pup likes wading/swimming there is a great swimming hole for them not a far walk away too.

My pup and I were visiting Highlands and made a stop at this dog park on a Saturday afternoon (7/17/21).
The dog park is tucked behind the Recreation Park, adjacent to a landscaping (?) business. It’s a decent size park, but sadly there were no dogs there when we arrived.
The designated small dog “park” is more of a kennel run, adjacent to the “large dog” park.
In our hometown, my pup enjoys a fenced, 5-acre off-leash dog park. We were disappointed she didn’t have any opportunities to play with other pups in this park. Perhaps our timing was off………

Large dog park that is well maintained. Trees & rhododendrons all around the park to give shade and a very nice pavilion with picnic tables and benches.

Very nice dog park to bring your pups while visiting Highlands! There’s no fee or membership required. There is a small dog side, which is not much to speak of, but the large dog side is a good size with a grassy area and wooded area for the dogs to run through. The large side also has a pavilion with picnic tables, plenty of seating, and an old school hand cranked water fountain for the dogs. Park is well maintained with fully stocked ‘Mutt Mitt’ stations that are well used by the dog owners.

visited April 2025
This dogpark is well maintained with nice fences, nice features, plenty of shade, and a large and well built covered table area.
Over the dogpark is large, and lots of areas for dogs to explore, sniff, and run. There is a double gate entry, water access, and bag dispenser. Would certainly go again.