Old Mill Park – Pet-Friendly Park in Amherst, Virginia

Old Mill Park is a scenic, community-oriented park in Amherst, Virginia, offering a peaceful escape right off the interstate. Known for its pet-friendly trails and open green spaces, it’s a great spot for dog owners looking to enjoy dog-friendly hiking or a relaxing walk in nature. The park is well-maintained with clean grounds, a burbling creek, disc golf course, and historic building relics along the paths.

While there isn’t a dedicated fenced dog area, dogs on leashes are welcome throughout the park, and the wide open fields and short trails make it an ideal location for both quick visits and leisurely outings. For families, there’s a large playground, picnic tables—many under a covered pavilion—and lots of shaded areas to relax. Free parking is available, with a small lot near the entrance, and there are swings, a giant Adirondack chair, and even a little free library on site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs must remain on-leash throughout the park; there is no designated off-leash area.
Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are numerous benches and sitting places, plus covered picnic tables and a pavilion.
Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park has large playgrounds, a swing set, and different play areas for varying age groups.
Is there a fee or membership required to enter? No, entry and parking are free.
Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there are picnic tables, grills, and shaded pavilions, making it a great spot for picnics.
Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, many areas, including picnic tables and pavilions, offer plenty of shade.
Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are pet-friendly trails running throughout the park and connecting to other areas.
Are there restrooms available for owners? There is no permanent restroom, but a porta-potty may be available (often reserved for construction workers).
How busy does the park get on weekends? The park can be busier when athletic fields or events are in use, but is often peaceful during quieter times.
Is there parking available? Yes, a free parking lot is available at the park entrance.

Reviews

This park is open from dusk to dawn, free parking and entry with a portapotty at the entrance. It is a dog friendly trail blazed park for anyone, even druggie. Found a suspicious drug bag by the large aradondak chair so I didn’t stay for pictures, everywhere else was clean and had a creek.

I went here on 3/4/2025 at 10 AM, no one else was here except two men doing some construction work. I found it nice that it was like a private oasis at this time. There is a little free library at this park. No bathrooms, I saw a porta potty but I figure that’s probably for the construction works. Great swing set and Cool giant chair. Very peaceful vibes here, would be great for a picnic and a place to read out in nature. Nice walking trails.

Great park for sure, some good views and a great place to have a picnic or walk a trail. Also liked the addition of the swings. However, many parts of the park are swamp-like and will soak your feet if you happen to be wearing crocs or sandals.

The parking and field areas are nice for flying a kite, running out the wiggles and having a picnic. It is quiet with a burbling creek running through it. The trails are short and all of the small ones off of the main trail lead to the high school. No bathrooms, water or other facilities are available. Some building relics along the main path. At one point off of the main trail, there is a tiny beach area along the more wild part of the creek.

Pretty neat little park. Right off the interstate, but still feels peaceful. No human bathrooms or water sources that I could locate, but I also only went to the end of the trailhead, as I don’t walk on the road with my dogs. Small parking lot, so don’t bring the farm truck unless ypu have to. Lots of little sitting places in the open area. Overall, lovely.