Rocky's Dog Run - New York, NY
Rocky’s Dog Run – Spacious Dog Park in New York, NY
Located within Fort Washington Park, Rocky’s Dog Run offers one of the largest off-leash dog parks in the Washington Heights area of New York, NY. With plenty of open mulch ground for dogs to run, play, and socialize, it’s a favored destination for local pet lovers looking for pet-friendly spaces. The dog run is considerably bigger than many nearby parks, making it easy for your pup to romp with friends or relax beside you when they tire out. The park is conveniently accessible and features natural distractions like trees, squirrels, and occasional tennis balls that keep the atmosphere playful and engaging.
While the expansive area is a highlight, visitors have noted that the overall experience can vary depending on the dogs and owners present. It’s best for those who keep a watchful eye on their pets and prefer a vibrant, ever-changing dog community. Amenities include water bowls in the park (bring your own water), abundant running space, and plenty of shaded spots from surrounding trees, making it especially attractive for longer visits and energetic pups.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash within the dog run area.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, the dog run is fenced to keep dogs secure during play time.
- Are there water bowls or fountains for dogs? There are water bowls available in the park, but owners should bring water to fill them.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there are shaded areas provided by trees within and around the park.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The park can get busy, and the atmosphere depends on the mix of dogs and owners present at any time.
- What should I do if there’s an aggressive dog? Vigilance is recommended, as experiences with aggressive dogs have been reported. If you notice aggression, consider waiting to enter or exiting the park for your dog’s safety.
Reviews
Good long dog park, mulch to run in, don’t love that it sits right in between two busy roads. But washinton heights doesnt have great air quality to begin with,so I can’t hate too much.
Much larger than other dog parks nearby. Plenty of space to run and play with other doggos, and plenty of room to keep close to your person when you’re tired. Lots of different puppers with various personalities visit and there are plenty of other stimuli like squirrels, trees, holes, and the occasional dirty tennis ball. My doggos are always exhausted when we get home after an hour there. Bring water—there are bowls in the park already, and your pups and their new friends will get thirsty quick!
Like any dog park, your experience will depend on the dogs / guardians in the park at a given time. I’ll update this review if we revisit the park with a positive experience. I’ve been taking my senior dog to dog parks for over a decade, and never have we experienced the aggression in such force from dogs in the park. She’s been playing in dog parks up until last week with no incident (the last one was in Brooklyn). She enjoys socializing so we continue to go. Upon arrival, I had to ask the owners to restrain their dogs (usually I don’t — but there were several at the entrance, all barking loudly). They restrained their dogs, and we entered the park. Instead of the usual smelling and playful jumping/chase, three of the dogs ganged up on my dog and proceeded to attack her until she fell to the ground. The owners, thankfully, restrained their dogs momentarily while my dog was able to sniff around a bit, but immediately what seemed like “play” became aggressive and we left. This was around 8:30 am on a weekday. The owners didn’t seem sorry at all, only saying “they’re playing” before the aggression started again. We left shaken and upset. Or I did — my dog seemed fine. It’ll be awhile before we go back, and I’ll be move cautious about entering in such circumstances.
I’m new to the area dog parks. I have a two year old medium sized female pup who just loves to play. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body! I’ve noticed that most people that go to that park have very bad attitudes. If their dogs are aggressive and know that other dogs won’t be welcome the owner will stay in the dog park for a long time regardless of how many people are waiting. I also have noticed that the owners don’t seem to mind if your dog is getting beat up or hurt by other dogs. I’ve heard comments like “yeah his dog couldn’t take it.” I really don’t like this mindset. Thank goodness nothing serious has happened to my darling or I wouldn’t be writing this now…I’d be in jail! So think twice about using this park. It’s a shame that instead of dogs just getting exercise and having fun bullies use this as a way to exercise their egos through their dogs. For those people I would like to remind them that Columbia Presbyterian is right across the street!
I’d stay out dog for the sake of my dog they can catch anything from another dog